Used Pfaff 1245, questions before buying

[Null]

I am just about to buy my first sewing machine for cordura/canvas and leather projects. I can not afford a new Juki or Pfaff machine and I do not want anything from China. After spending some time researching I decided that I would look around for a used triple feed walking foot machine. I found a Pfaff 1245, which based on the beige/brown colors looks like a 706/47. The seller says he bought it new in 2005 and it looks like it has been taken well care of. I believe he has used it for professional upholstery work. The machine comes with a table and a clutch motor.

My questions are;

1. What would be a fair price for a machine such as the one described above?

2. Would you recommend upgrading to a servo motor, and how much would a decent new motor cost me?

3. Is this a good machine in general, and is it suitable as a first machine for a beginner?

[Wizcrafts]

A fair price is what you are willing to pay. Look it up and see what they are selling for in your general area. Offer 1/2 and see where it goes.

Normally, upholstery machines are run at top speed. They typically ship with heavy clutch motors.  These motors spin and draw power as long as they are turned on. This generates heat and runs up your electric bill. You can learn to feather the clutch to sew slowly. Servo motors serve two purposes. 1: little to no current draw until you run them under load. 2: easier to control at slow speeds. They are also much lighter in weight.

If the machine suits your projects it is as good as any. You never said what you want to sew.

[chrisash]

In the UK a decent servo motor can be got around £100, suggest you get one with a 45mm driving wheel on the servo to help the slow speed

[Null]

55 minutes ago, Wizcrafts said:

If the machine suits your projects it is as good as any. You never said what you want to sew.

The types of projects I want to sew are mainly bags, backpacks, pouches, tents and other outdoor gear. Materials would range from cotton and leather for some items to cordura and nylon webbing on others. I would also like to try making leather holsters and sheaths if the machine can handle it.

As for the price I appreciate your advice, but I could not find any other machines of this type for sale locally. Nor was I able to find any finished auctions in my country either. The only one I found was an auction in a different country where the machine was sold for around 750 EUR to the only bidder. Would you say 400 would be a reasonable offer? 

Thanks for replies regarding the motor. Servo sounds like a clear advantage so I will be looking to get a new one if I buy the machine. 100 GBP sounds reasonable price wise too.

36 minutes ago, chrisash said:

[Constabulary]

18 minutes ago, Null said:

As for the price I appreciate your advice, but I could not find any other machines of this type for sale locally. Nor was I able to find any finished auctions in my country either. The only one I found was an auction in a different country where the machine was sold for around 750 EUR to the only bidder. Would you say 400 would be a reasonable offer? 

Depends on your market but 750€ is a fair price already IMO. if he sells it for 400€ he is a fool but worth trying - you never know

Here is one in Germany for 650€ and with servo already - that's quite a bargain for a machine in this condition and with servo motor I´d say.

https://www.quoka.de/gewerbe-business/produktionsmaschinen/c8090a319777574/pfaff-1245-dreifachtransport-230v.html

[Wizcrafts]

2 hours ago, Null said:

I would also like to try making leather holsters and sheaths if the machine can handle it.

Upholstery class machines will not sew holsters and sheathes. For those you will need a holster/harness stitcher. What's available depends on your location. Your IP address says Norway. Your profile is blank.