fibersport

FredK - I see you're in Ireland so that might explain your comment about "modern cars" (not making any bad references to Ireland or your cars of course), here in the US 10W-40 went out with the 70's. Some of our newer cars run 0W-20!

Don't mean to sound snarky but the best screwdriver is the one that fits. You might have to shop around for some, might try a gunsmith supplier? Guns usually have odd size screws that get marred if not using the correct size. Only other suggestion is to be very careful with what you do have on hand.

Looks like you're covered on photos -

Will get some shots in a day or so

While I don't have one for sale, I also have a 545 H3 and could take some pictures of it for you if that would help.

I had a 145 that had sat for years. Initially it had sort of a hard spot as you rotated the handwheel that got better once I reset the timing. I now have a 545 that ran very smooth but once I reset the timing in it, it ran even smoother. Granted it sounds that yours has some miles on it but it might be worthwhile to check the gear backlash and overall timing of it.

Being new to sewing myself, I like to watch various youtube videos to pick up tips and then try them on some scrap vinyl. My first project was seat covers for my Jeep CJ in leather. Before actually using leather, I made up one complete out of vinyl for practice. I'm very formtunate in that I have literally rolls of vinyl to use. It really helped to determine the order of assembly. Other than that, practice sewing, once you feel comfortable with straight lines, throw in some curves, then some tight 90's. I picked up a lot of tips from a guy who has a business called "pit-n-tacks", he's really good in showing you the basics.

I love my Pfaff but that one looks like its seen a lot of use. All things equal, I would have to go with the Singer just from the pictures. I second the difficulty and price for Pfaff parts.

Have you looked at any of the owners manuals? I seem to recall seeing the cutouts in some Pfaff documentation I ran across some time ago.

Servo motor with a 45mm pulley on the motor, best thing you could do. The servo motors do not run when you are not sewing so there is an electricity cost savings there as well. It would basically be a simple swap, unbolt one and bolt in the other. You will need a different belt too, easily found at the local hardware store or on-line once you measure for it. Contact CowboyBob on this forum, he can set you up with a nice analog servo motor and pulley.

I've had a Pfaff 145 and now have a 545. I like the bigger bobbin on the 545. The Consew you show looks to have less miles on it but it is a side load bobbin which you may or may not like, the Pfaff has a top load bobbin which I find just a little nicer than a side load. KGG brings up a very valid point, you're knocking on the door of a new machine with a warranty if the $900 prices are firm. Just for comparison, my 545 was listed at around $900-1000, I was able to pick it up for $400 I think. I would not have paid the original asking price. Parts for the Pfaff are expensive and some of the off brand items like presser feet are of questionable quality, don't know about the Consew parts. If I were to buy another machine, I think it would be a Pfaff 1245 or a comparable Juki or maybe even a Thor. I work on my own auto and marine upholstery only and am not in business. Just my $0.02 - good luck.

Great videos, thanks for posting. I never realize they were supposed to actually touch. I'll have to take a look at mine to see how it's set.

Was the machine running before you started to tear it down? Reason I ask is that when I had my 145, I had it all apart and it didn't need any extra force. I don't remember the order I followed to take it apart though, sorry. Do you have the manuals for the machine? They show all the parts so you can make sure all the screws are out.

The color of the original posters machine looks really close to my Pfaff 545.

Curious where you ordered the parts from. I have a 545 which is in great shape but it's always good to know where to get parts should the need arise.