Advice on buying machines

[Frida]

Hi everyone! This is my first post, but it wont be the last.

I've decided to start to work with leather too recently (I've been sewing in regular fabrics forever), and to make a small business out if it. Therefore I need one or two machines to help me. I'm going to look at two Pfaffs soon, but since I have very little experience in the area I thought I should ask for an opinion from someone who knows a bit more than me.

The machines in question are labelled Pfaff 33517B H21 and Pfaff 141-6/01BLN. Here's a link to the ad with photos: http://www.blocket.se/vasterbotten/Industri__och_skomakarmaskiner_23561612.htm

I'm going to make bags from upholstery cowhides.

There's also a Singer that looks interesting up for sale. Singer 132K. Here's the ad: http://www.blocket.se/vasterbotten/Symasin_Industri_23214076.htm

Any thoughts? Is there anything in particular I should look at when I try the Pfaffs?

Thanks for the help!

[Regis]

Welcome Frida and with a little searching, you will find much here about selecting machines. The first thing to know is that you will need a walking foot needle feed machine. Your first link above appears to be a cylinder arm walking foot machine but, I can't read the description.

A good test is to take some of the leather you will be sewing to the store and sew it. Be sure to sew corners and over multi layers just like you will be on your bags. You will probably sew with 92, 138, and/or 207 thread so you want to make sure all of those will work. By the links, you are probably not here in USA so machine numbers may differ some. There are many industrial machines that are not really suitable for leather, so try them yourself. You can look at the dealers here who have leather machines to get details. I don't think there is a dealer here selling Pfaffs but, the 1245 is a good flatbed machine for leather.

Best of luck in your search and glad to have you here.

Regis

[Frida]

Thanks Regis! I'm in Sweden, and the descriptions in the ads aren't that informative. The first link shows some sort of Pfaff 335 which I've seen mentioned on this form. That ad is also for a Pfaff 141, (there's a photo of that one too) which I haven't seen any discussions about. The same goes for the Singer. If anyone has any information on those two it would be great.

The Pfaffs have been used by a shoemaker so they have been used for leather and heavier fabrics, but of course I'll bring some of the leather I'll want to work with when I'll try them out.

[SteveBrambley]

Thanks Regis! I'm in Sweden, and the descriptions in the ads aren't that informative. The first link shows some sort of Pfaff 335 which I've seen mentioned on this form. That ad is also for a Pfaff 141, (there's a photo of that one too) which I haven't seen any discussions about. The same goes for the Singer. If anyone has any information on those two it would be great.

The Pfaffs have been used by a shoemaker so they have been used for leather and heavier fabrics, but of course I'll bring some of the leather I'll want to work with when I'll try them out.

Hi,

The Pfaff 335 should be ideal for making handbags, it has an alternating presser, compound feed system which is perfect for leather work. I am not a Pfaff expert by any means, but, from the photo, it looks like it is fitted with a synchro binder system, which would also be useful for handbags.

It also seems to be fitted with a stitch positioning and control motor, possibly an EfKa system, this would also be a of great help as it works in a similar way to a servo motor and can give very slow speed control.

The only problem you might find is that the machine appears to run off of a 3-phase power system. Most machines, here in the UK, run from a single-phase system. Generally, only the larger factories use 3-phase, if you have access to a 3-phase supply, no problem.

The Singer 132K is a heavy weight machine and wouldn't really be suitable for handbags. However, they are very good for closing leather hold-alls and similar larger bags.

I'm sorry, I can't help you with the Pfaff 141 though.

Steve

Edited September 25, 2009 by SteveBrambley

[Frida]

Thanks for the info Steve! Then I wont bother with the Singer. I'm going to look at the Pfaffs tomorrow and I really want the 335 and I'll guess I'll see what the 141 is like . I've noticed that I'll probably need 3-phase, which is a bit of a problem, but I have acess to it so I'll find a way to solve it. From browsing the web I got the impression that most machines use 3-phase, but perhaps it's a difference between UK and Sweden. I've used industrial machines in school before, but I didn't paid any attention to the power supply then.

[SteveBrambley]

Thanks for the info Steve! Then I wont bother with the Singer. I'm going to look at the Pfaffs tomorrow and I really want the 335 and I'll guess I'll see what the 141 is like . I've noticed that I'll probably need 3-phase, which is a bit of a problem, but I have acess to it so I'll find a way to solve it. From browsing the web I got the impression that most machines use 3-phase, but perhaps it's a difference between UK and Sweden. I've used industrial machines in school before, but I didn't paid any attention to the power supply then.

Hi Frida.

You're welcome!

If you have a problem with 3-phase, then there are 'Phase Converters' available that will allow you to run 3-phase machines from a single phase supply. However, this would, obviously, add to the initial cost of the machine. Most of our machines, here, have single phase motors. However, we do have several that need 3-phase, I run these using a 1/2 to 8hp static, phase converter.

Steve