Picked up a free triple feed sewing machine today...

[David916]

Someone posted if for free on FB Marketplace and I had a few questions:

1) Considering purchasing a direct drive servo motor with needle positioning sensor and top mount bobbin winder. This thing looks tiny compared to my clutch motor so what are your thoughts on this?  I'm guessing I'd be sacrificing power for a few bells and whistles and wonder if it's worth it? 

2) Does anyone know of any great write-ups on this model that I can read and learn from?  From what I've read here, this is an excellent machine and should last generations if I take of it properly.  I'll clean out the gear box and re-grease it, and try to clean out as many components as I can.

3) What is the largest size (diameter) needle and thread I can use?  I'd like to top stitch with as thick as possible contrasting thread.

-Dave

Here is the machine after a few cleanings.  Have a lot more work to do, but it's coming along...

 

Edited October 13, 2024 by David916
Update

[DieselTech]

I see it is set up for edge binding at the moment. Looks like a nice Ole machine. 

Depending on what you are wanting to do with it. You could add a speed reducer & brushless servo motor. 

Nice machine! & free makes it even better. 

[David916]

Thanks, I'm going to sew marine vinyl.  

[AlZilla]

This post has a manual supposedly for it:

Looks like you made a great score.

Edited October 13, 2024 by AlZilla

[Constabulary]

I would NOT buy a direct drive motor for this type of machine. You are loosing the punching power of the large and heavy hand wheel (your machine has a larger one than most of the "standard" machines). I would add a speed reducer & brushless servo motor just as DieselTech said.

Edited October 13, 2024 by Constabulary

[fibersport]

I agree on the servo motor.  I installed a Consew CSM550-1 analog servo motor on my Pfaff 545, held off with installing the speed reducer and have found it to be just fine.  If you go with the Consew servo motor CSM550-1, two suggestions:  1. contact Bob at Toledo Industrial (advertised on this forum) 2. remove the brake shoes from the motor, it makes startup much smoother.  I wrestled with going with the analog vs the digital servo motor and opted to save a little money by going analog. Sometimes I do wish I went with the digital so I could install a needle positioner.  If you go digital, Sewquiet or Sailright 12 coil motor would be my choice.  I've been using mine for some Jeep seats in leather, my next job will be an interior for my boat using vinyl.  The Pfaff is a great machine, you really lucked out on that one.  Let us know the specifics on the machine and holler if you need help, always someone here to help out.

[Scoutmom103]

Congratulations.  What a wonderful find.

 

[David916]

Wow, some GREAT advice ya'll. 

I'll start doing my homework this evening and will check in routinely with updates/questions.  

THANK YOU!

[David916]

It looks like the timing is off because the machine doesn't sew.  I was able to sew for 20 seconds last night and the stitches were great in both 6mm and 2mm length, as well as reverse.  Then the thread broke and I haven't been able to get it to sew ever since.  I can't find a video that thoroughly explains how to set the timing for this model as I tried a few different videos, but the instructions weren't too clear.  I just noticed that the hook can only rotate about 90 degrees in forward or reverse before it gets stuck.  Attached is a video.  Has anyone ever dealt with this before or know what may be causing this?

Thanks!

[David916]

Update, 

I removed the entire hook assembly and it still gets stock in either direction.  The belt is removed from the hand wheel so it's not the motor that's preventing it from turning.