Wilder

Thant is really helpful, thank you Uwe. The Ebay kit is probably the most 'informative' because I really didn't know all the parts I would need. I guess the retailers I spoke to are hesitant to say because they haven't seen the machine. I think I understand now, the tape folder is the component you choose based on the with and thickness of your binding, and the type of fold you want? And it would seem that the binder bracket accepts a range of tape folders? As you say it's not huge investment so I am really happy to get this underway. It's hard and slow learning all that you need to be more independent with this, but it always seems worth it. Kind regards.

Hi all, I have an old Pfaff 545 that I would like to convert to a dedicated binder, if it's possible. I want to bind a lot of my sewing projects, straight lines and curves, with a single fold of 25mm polyester. How to go about it? My research has produced a mixed bag of advice, so I am interested in any clarification or guidance people might have. Is my machine suitable? I have a machine that is badged "CLMN' and since it lacks the 'P', it doesn't have the 4 step/ square feed motion. I can confirm that the feed dog basically just moves back and forth, and I believe this is suitable for a binder. I found a new, commercially available aftermarket binder, but the retailer said that conversion might need a few other parts and might cost me up to $600AUD https://www.sewingmachinesaustralia.com.au/shop/buy-accessories/binders-and-folders/binding-folder-pfaff-style.html Since he wouldn't tell me how to determine what I need, I still feel none the wiser. I saw on this forum that Constabulary found a Pfaff 545-compatible synchronised binder (though made for a Pfaff 345) at www.rimgm.de This is probably the best product I have seen for what I hope to be a robust and basically permanent conversion. Besides the feed mechanism, is there anything else I need to inspect on my machine, and possibly replace, before I begin spending money? Thanks for your time I really appreciate it.

Thank you keithski122. Yes they do look very similar don't they. Also, the model variants around the Seiko are almost identical to those of your Typical. I'm glad to hear it's working well for you. I found a commercial upholsterer who has 20+ of the same machine and their experience has been really good too. Since the machine and its parts are readily available here, it's now on my shortlist for sure. Cheers!

That sounds like a good combination. While I had the CH8B and my Pfaff 545 H3, they worked well as a pair. The prime motivation for me is to find something with a little more lift and power than the 545. My 545 has the back and forth ('skip') motion with the feed dogs. So I was thinking of converting that to a dedicated binder. Incidentally, why are binders so often cylinder arm machines? For my upholstery machine, I can find suitable models in the Juki range but it's hard to get good info from users of the likes of Seiko LSWN-8BL-3.

The idea of using a heavier cylinder arm machine is becoming increasingly appealing. Thank you for your help, Dickman. These modifications might work well for me as I am not always sewing super heavy stuff, but at times there's no avoiding it. It would be great to improve the machine's 'general purpose' sewing. The only complaint I have about the loaned Seiko CH8B, is that for much of my sewing it was perhaps too big and with a clutch motor, shook a lot when my speed control wasn't good. A (needle plate and feed) modified 441 or similar, with servo motor might be just the thing, AND will have the advantage of a much greater working space and cylinder arm for tool bags etc. Thank you again! Kind regards

Thanks for your reply kgg. You are right, it is the LU1508N I am referring to. The reason I am not considering the NH version is simply that I never see them come up for sale, in Australia. With the longer needle and stroke, it sounds like it could be an ideal machine for me, especially since I'm not ALWAYS sewing 10mm thick work. I wonder how a class 441 machine might handle the thinner/lighter projects I sew. I would say 50% of what I sew is around 10mm, and the rest is about 6mm, also with v138. I was loaned a big Seiko CH8B, for a couple years. I assume it shares a lot in common with the class 441. It was a great machine for very heavy work but it wasn't very smooth for higher speeds on lighter projects. I am going to research the 441 and other cylinder arm machines to see what I can find. Thank you for the suggestions!

Hi all, I am a first time forum user so please forgive me if this question is in the wrong place. I am in the market for a new or good used machine, for sewing tool hosters and bags from leather, vinyl, canvas and webbing, using nylon or polyester v138 thread. Till now I have successfully used an old Pfaff 545 H3, but for various reasons am looking to replace it. My projects are sometimes very thick, approx 10mm, and The Juki 1508 and Seiko LSWN-8BL-3 seem to be suitable candidates in my price range, and both are very similar 'on paper'. They have similar foot lift, bobbin/hook, similar maximum relative step height (Juki 0.5mm higher), similar max needle and thread sizes, needle system, similar needle bar stroke (but Juki nearly 3mm longer). My question is, am I splitting hairs, or is somebody aware of a functional difference between these machines that might play a part in my decision? I have made many phone calls and sent samples to retailers, and remember one fellow telling me the Seiko will probably be robust enough, but possibly not the Juki. I didn't ask why he said this as I knew very little at the time, but to me there is no reason the Juki is equal to the Seiko in regard to heavy sewing. I wonder if it was because he can sell me a Seiko. But the 1508 is no longer available new? Huge thanks for your help and for the countless things I have learned from this great forum already. Kind regards