fibersport

I never thought of holding both threads with the foot, it would sure make it esier sometimes when you really need two hands, I'll have to try that.

I watched your videos again, it really looks like it's a tension issue. If you watch, the top thread is wrapped around the bobbin thread yet the bobbin thread doesn't seem to move at all. The the top thread tension on mine is pretty tight, if I pull the top thread to the right, it actually bends the tip of my needle to the right, and I have a #22 needle on it. The bobbin tension is loose to the point where it seems it almost doesn't have any tension. I would check to see if your top is tighter than the bottom. If you get it to the point where it's sewing, you can then adjust your tension to bring the top and bottom threads together at the center between your layers of material.

You have to close that cover over the bobbin, otherwise it will ball up like that. If that doesn't work, still close the cover but loosen the tension on the bobin.

His videos are pretty informative, I've watched them a few times. One other thing, are you holding both threads tight when you start sewing? If not, the bobbin thread will ball up like that.

Bobbin tension does look a little tight, however I'd like to ask how you are setting up your machine. Are you closing the bobbin cover. Are you holding the top thread while you cycle the needle up and down to catch the bottom thread? Any chance you can make a video of you setting up the top and bottom threads?

You most likely will not be able to get the needle postioner to work with a speed reducer. The simple reason is a needle postioner reads the location of the input shaft of the machine, it is programmed for a particular distance per revolution. With a speed reducer, that distance per revolution is now changed, the positioner is not designed for the change and therefore can't work.

If I remember correctly, the Pfaff 145 is not so easy to take apart. I'm pretty sure you will need to reset the timing on it due the screws you have to remove. It does make it a great time to clean and lubricaate everything under there. If the thread is all balled up underneath the hook, it's a good chance that the safety was tripped - it will then show up as a really out of time machine.

One thing to check is if your safety clutch has been tripped. If the thread is bunched up, there's a good chance it tripped and will appear as if the timing is way off.

The Consew servo motors have a brake. One option is to remove the cork pads, the other is to apply just a little bit of force on the treadle to get the motor almost turning which will release the brake, you can then turn the hand wheel very easily.

While you can use both needle systems, you might run into some problems if the machine is not adjusted correctly. It sounds like yours was set for the 135x16 or 135x17 so as long as it all works, go ahead with using them. The 45mm pulley on the motor will give you the slowest starting speed to make it easier to control the machine. A larger pulley on the motor will produce a faster starting speed on the machine. To slow it down any more will require a speed reducer but that's getting a little complicated for now, enjoy the machine with the servo motor with the smaller pulley if the previous owner installs one.

Not to disagree with your findings but a Pfaff 145 H3 would normally use a 134-35 needle system. Now, they can be adjusted to run the more common 135x16 or 135x17, just make sure that you're running the correct needle. The Pfaff's are a great machine, I had a 145 and was able to find a 545 which I have now. I installed an analog servo motor with a 45mm pulley, I can run a stitch at a time for great control.

Thanks, it's more of just a question as it isn't causing any problems.

Wizcrafts: Would clockwise be what is recommended? The reason I ask is my Pfaff 545 manual shows mine should run clockwise but I've heard some will run it counterclockwise to get a little more tension on the bobbin thread. I've noticed that sometimes I hear what sounds like the bobbin spinning. I've never had it knot up but just wonder if that might help tighten things up a bit to eliminate the sound - not that it really matters.

Not sure if this was brought up but a butcher block counter top would make a great top.

Check this manual out, it's for the newer 1245 but most of it will apply to the 145. While the machine isn't designed to run backwards, it shouldn't bind up in a turn or two, it might take a few times to get everything set correctly, just make sure it's oiled up. I like to use a mixture of a light grease like Lubriplate and a 3 in 1 household oil. One more thing, is there a chance the safety clutch was tripped? If it was, the timing will be off and it can lock up like that. Read up on resetting the safety clutch and check that. 1245-1246 adjustment manual.pdf