Restoring my Pfaff 145

[JulesPDX]

Hi new friends! I'm very new to leather working, sewing machine repair and this forum! I'm a huge fan of mechanical things but have little experience. I was able to get my hands on an old Pfaff 145 for $200 and am attempting a restoration. The first thing I noticed is that the decal is very gently applied and I'm nervous about washing the machine. Is this something I should care about? The machine is in kinda rough shape (cosmetically) and I'm not sure the best path forward to restoration. Is it important to not change anything about the machine and try to save as much as possible? or is it ok to repaint and cover up the imperfections to stop corrosion? Pics if they're helpful and thanks for the feedback!

[Uwe]

I’d start with a good wipe down with some cleaning oil (I like Marvel Mystery Oil - essentially diesel oil with red dye and perfume) using a soft cloth, a tooth brush, or some other brush with plastic bristles.

You may find that much of the rust color wipes off, leaving clean, shiny paint and a dark metal color where paint is missing. It might end up being a pleasing vintage battleship look. The oil then protects the bare metal from rusting again soon. 

Here’s a pic of the cleaning oil that’s available at most automotive parts stores in the US:

Edited March 12, 2024 by Uwe

[SingerDad]

bed paint does not have much wear.  that appears to be a low use machine.  should clean nicely.    I would not paint that.   if the decal bothers you, you could always buy a replacement waterslide decal online.   take pics

Edited March 12, 2024 by SingerDad

[JulesPDX]

thanks, both, for your advice. I'll pick up the Marvel oil!

[JulesPDX]

wow, I may just throw that Marvel oil in my old Bronco, too!

[fibersport]

keep in mind that the marvel mystery oil may remove the decal so you might want to avoid that area, I had a 145 and upgraded to a 545.  Great machines but parts can be difficult to find.  You might also want to lubricate all the working parts with the oil and then start taking it apart to further clean it once you have it free up and running smoothly.  I have a bunch of files for the 145 and 545, holler if you need anything.

[JulesPDX]

Ok, here's progress! I've soaked a bunch of the parts to remove the rust, scrubbed off a lot of the surface rust and coated with Marvel oil. I oiled up the gears and cleaned/scrubbed some gunk out. Seems to be moving much more smoothly now! I still have to replace some of the parts as you'll see. Thanks for all the advice! Now... I want to replace the old clutch motor with a servo motor. Advice on that and the belt to run it?

Oh, also - is there a way to get the big wheel on the right off? I'd like to remove it to give it a good clean since it is still pretty rusty. Thanks!

[AlZilla]

Well, nice work getting that thing cleaned up. I would not have believed it could look that good.

I was worried for you ...

I can't answer the hand wheel question but it should just be a screw of some sort in the center.

You'll get all kinds of advice about the servo motor. I can tell you my 111W machines work fine on inexpensive 550 watt motors I found on ebay.  If I were using them all day, I'd buy high quality servos.  But for my hobby level usage?  They'll punch through as much vegtan leather as I can fit under the presser foot.

You will probably want the speed reducer, basically a couple of pulleys to slow the machine down. Think of it as a torque multiplier.

The belt will just be a trip to the auto parts store. If I recall correctly, it's a "3L" and then you'll need to get the length right. I think mine were in the 44-ish range, 3L44, maybe?

Good luck with it!

Edited March 18, 2024 by AlZilla

[fibersport]

Nice job on the cleanup.  It really looks like a low hour machine.  For a servo motor, just go with a simple brush motor, the Consew CSM550 is great, that's what I use on mine.  I got mine here https://www.tolindsewmach.com/motors.html .  Be sure to call them up and ask Bob for the 45mm pulley, you probably won't need the speed reducer with the smaller pulley.  The belt will depend on a few things, but it will be a 3L belt, you can get them at ACE Hardware. You can get a close measurement with a piece of closeline or even an extension cord.  As for removing the pulley, there is a set screw that needs to be removed as well as a horizontal screw.  Take them both out and you might be able to tap the pulley off, if it's really stuck you can pull it off with a 3 jaw puller.  A little heat from a propane torch and some penetrating oil could also be helpful.  I might not be too concerned with it though, it wouldn't be worth breaking it just to clean it up as replacements would be tough to find.  You could also just use the motor to run the machine while you clean it up with a scotchbrite pad or sandpaper, depends on how far you're taking it down.

 

[Uwe]

Wow, that machine cleaned up really nicely, congrats! I personally really like that look. No need to contemplate repainting anything, I think.

Next I would get a nice, new tension unit, which is readily available on Ebay, and other vendors. One exampleexample :