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Dear all, I have got my hands on a pfaff 561 with an efka variostop motor. I'm a true newbie with (industrial) sewing machines and I really didn't know much about the machine before purchasing and how to value it. I've come across the problem that the machine shuts off when I decrease the pressure on the footpedal (from fast to slow stitching). I don't know what happens, I can only explain it as the experience of lowering the speed in a (clutch) car and the speed becomes too low for the gear and the car finally shuts off. The efka motor of the sewing machine "stutters" and then finally shuts off as if it has short-circuit. I can't restart the motor up until (over) a minute later, before it starts and shuts off again. The seller told me the machine works on 220 Volt, but maybe not? Are the settings not compatible? I would really appreciate it if someone with the knowledge can give me an update on the do's and don'ts with the efka motor! Was this purchase a mistake? In the meantime I got my eyes on an Adler 67-73 L with a servo motor, though it is double the price. Would it make more sense to return the pfaff and invest in the Adler? I am situated in the Netherlands and don't work with leather but I make bags and wallets with waste tarpaulin.

Hi everybody! A year ago I aquired a Pfaff walking foot machine (335-H3-39/21-BSN to be exact) with a Variostop VD24. Now I managed to find the correct lamp for this machine with a separate arm. The lamp is outfitted with a small plug and a 230VAC 15W lamp, and when I went to install it on my machine I found out that the Variostop motor has a connection for a lamp already! But when I measured the contacts on the motor it gave out only 15VAC? So my question is, are these old (1976 is the vintage of my machine) machines usually fitted with 12VAC bulbs? The bulb is some odd bayonet bulb. Best regards, Sebastian

So... I'm trying to wrap my head around this new machine I picked up two weeks ago. It's a Pfaff 335-H3 (I'm not sure what the "H3" designation represents). The Motor is a Efka Variostop. I'm not sure of the year on either, but it all looks to be original. So far with very little fuss I have it stitching nicely with a 22 Needle and 138 thread. My intent is to use it for wallets, totes, case, etc. So here are my questions... Efka Variospeed - Is this a positive or just a pain in the rear for a newbie? It's not too difficult to get it to run slow, but still I wonder if it would be better to just go ahead and get a new servo motor? I read in a desperate post that the variostop motor adds to the value significantly. Is that correct? Air Compressor - There's a weird air compressor type deal attached to the motor. I believe it controls the position of the pressed feet, but I don’t see how to adjust it (see next question). It even looks like I can hook up my larger compressor to it, but I’m not sure that’s a good idea. So... Is nematic hookup a positive thing or just more trouble for me to deal with?Only one Pedal - Pressing back on the pedal raises the raises the center presser foot and needle, but the outter feet remain down. I have to use the left handle to raise both feet and release the materials. Is this correct? Is there a way to adjust this function? Accessories… Roller Guide to be Specific - I understood there to be lots of different accessories for these machines, but I’m at a loss with finding them. Anyone know where I can get a roller guide for this model? Since I’m VERY new to using a sewing machine, the guide will help tremendously. New Pressor Feet - These presser feet have teeth, and it marks the oil tanned leather I've run through it so far. Should/can I buy new smooth feet or is it just easier to file them down? If I file the teeth down, is there anything I should be aware of? Value - I hoping you all can make me feel better about my purchase… What would you estimate the value of this machine to be as is with the Variostop motor? I think I got a great deal on it, but think it could really be a stunning machine with a little attention. The local industrial machine shop quoted me about $250 to have a new servo motor installed, and the machine tuned. Is it worth the cash? Pictures of the machine are below. As always… Thanks for the help and feedback! This is a great resource.