Johnny

I started doing leather out of necessity (needed a custom holster) but soon found that I enjoyed it also. I bought my first machine a little over a year ago my hands just couldn't take it any more, I found a used PFAFF 145 H4 for sale locally. I have since purchased a Cowboy 4500 and could not be happier, I make and sale more then enough leather goods each month to pay for it and I have become the local go to guy for repairs also. So Yes, I say Buy one! I would read through this post, this guy knows sewing machines and saved me a lot of money and headache's, I am glad to have found it before purchasing any sewing machine. Johnny

I found what I needed on eBay, Johnny

I have been using Atom Wax and like the sheen it has, its not water proof. My next set I am going to try Resolene 50/50 mix, I have used it straight before in the past but never 50/50. Nice Holster...

I have made and dyed a holster Dark Brown using Fiebing's Pro Dye and let it set 2 days, I have wiped off the dye residue with clean rag. Its 2 layers 6/7oz Veg Tan, I am planning on sewing it using white Polyester thread and wet forming it, finishing it with Atom Wax. Looking for any advice on keeping the Dye from bleeding into the White Thread? My next steps would be to Sew the along the edge. Wet holster just enough to get it to fold to glue and sew along the welt. Wet Mold with Blue Gun. Once Dry finish with Atom Wax. Thanks

Congratulations on you purchase! I am also a rookie when it comes to sewing machines and was totally confused on thread/needle size's. I ran across this resource here on the forum and I highly recommend them www.thethreadexchange.com I have purchased all of my needles and thread from them. I ordered needles in the sizes that my machine would work with and small spools of thread sizes I would use and experimented with different combinations until I found what worked for me. I sewed lots of scrap pieces until I was comfortable before sewing my project. I purchased a couple different sets of presser feet from eBay and ground the bottoms smooth and reshaped them until I was happy. Johnny

Teslabolt I am chiming in a bit late but I had a similar experience on my PFAFF 145 with a replacement tension plate from eBay, they were differences between original and purchased one and it would not fit, luckily I was able to use individual components from the new on to fix the original tension plate. Possibly different revisions of the assembly, your machine looks fantastic and will serve you well once you get past this hiccup. John

Fredo I recently purchase one very similar to yours 145-P-6/1-216C H4LMN I am very happy with mine. I upgraded mine with a servo motor and speed reducer removed the knee lift and installed a peddle, I just could never get used to the knee lift. I use mostly 92 and 138 thread in leather goods and it sews great never misses a stitch and sews in reverse just as well, my only complaint is the bobbin is small. John

I found these helpful Lots of other useful videos on his channel.