David916 Report post Posted October 12 (edited) 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 by David916 Update Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DieselTech Report post Posted October 12 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. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
David916 Report post Posted October 12 Thanks, I'm going to sew marine vinyl. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AlZilla Report post Posted October 13 (edited) This post has a manual supposedly for it: Looks like you made a great score. Edited October 13 by AlZilla Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Constabulary Report post Posted October 13 (edited) 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 by Constabulary Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fibersport Report post Posted October 13 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. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Scoutmom103 Report post Posted October 13 Congratulations. What a wonderful find. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
David916 Report post Posted October 13 Wow, some GREAT advice ya'll. I'll start doing my homework this evening and will check in routinely with updates/questions. THANK YOU! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
David916 Report post Posted October 13 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! img-3344_ZE0HK040.mp4 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
David916 Report post Posted October 13 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. img-3345_leVH5ElV.mp4 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
David916 Report post Posted October 13 Silly me. i removed the entire bobbin assembly, cleaned and lubed it, put it back together and it still wouldn't turn all the way. I realized I raised the needle bar and tightened the nut because I replaced the needle and since it was so high, it would top out. I loosened the needle bar screw, lowered the bar, and now the every thing works great. At least I cleaned and lubed the entire bobbin assembly! The machine still won't sew because I need to fine-tune the timing, so if anyone has any videos they can point me to, I'd appreciate it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KSpainhour Report post Posted October 14 (edited) Here is a youtube video of a 1245. It helped me set up my 145. It may be similar to your 545 Edited October 14 by KSpainhour Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AlZilla Report post Posted October 14 Well, you're in a pretty good position to check, I don't know about the Pfaff specifically, but it should be as easy as dropping the hook back in and rotating it until the needle comes a quarter inch off bottom dead center. The quarter inch is the part I'm not certain about on the Pfaff. Whatever the rise is, at that point, the tip of the hook should be directly even with the eye of the needle and damn near touching it. Timing is easier than it sounds at first. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
David916 Report post Posted October 14 So it turns out I did set the timing correctly many, many times. The needle was locked in, but the hook wasn't and would get out of wack after a few turns. The culprit was the safety clutch. I would upload a video but the 1.46mb cap is very restrictive. The machine sews great now and I can finally start making all the things I wanted to. Thanks to everyone for chiming in and offering support. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AlZilla Report post Posted October 14 9 minutes ago, David916 said: So it turns out I did set the timing correctly many, many times. The needle was locked in, but the hook wasn't and would get out of wack after a few turns. The culprit was the safety clutch. I would upload a video but the 1.46mb cap is very restrictive. The machine sews great now and I can finally start making all the things I wanted to. Thanks to everyone for chiming in and offering support. I figured it was something simple. Congratulations on getting it sorted out. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
David916 Report post Posted October 14 Thanks! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Northmount Report post Posted October 14 10 hours ago, David916 said: I would upload a video but the 1.46mb cap is very restrictive. Use YouTube and post the link here. YouTube is the most common one used here. Other 3rd party hosts may work. We prefer photos not be 3rd party hosted as they often disappear, but unfortunately, 3rd party hosting is the only choice for videos. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
David916 Report post Posted October 15 Ah, Youtube is a great idea. Will use that for my next post. Thank you! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
