Members artificer13 Posted September 12, 2011 Members Report Posted September 12, 2011 Hello all, I have the opportunity to pick up a Pfaff 545 in good condition for under $500US and I'm wondering whether it would work for me. I make sporrans and a few other soft-bags utilizing everything from kidskin up through about 9oz veg tan leather. Would a Pfaff 545 fit my bill? I frequently stitch through 9oz veg tan, or sometimes 5-6oz veg-tan faced with 4oz soft chrome tan, but need the ability to stitch light materials as well. I'm completely booked into December at my current work rate. I'm at the point where hand-work for the hidden soft bag sections is consuming a LOT of time, and a machine would be very helpful. I've been searching all the topics I can find here (thank you Wizcrafts) but didn't see machines described in their ability to switch from light to heavy (and I know some machines will just snarl up material that's too light). I don't think I'd ever end up using more than a double layer of 5-6oz veg-tan, so a SUPER-duty machine is total overkill for me. Any assistance or advice would be most appreciated. Quote artificer Pronunciation: \är-ˈti-fə-sər, ˈär-tə-fə-sər\ : noun : 14th century :a skilled or artistic worker or craftsman@artificer13
CowboyBob Posted September 12, 2011 Report Posted September 12, 2011 Yes,it will work.When you get it you might have to loosen the tensions both on the bobbincase & top thread & then it work great. Bob Quote Bob Kovar Toledo Industrial Sewing Machine Sales Ltd. 3631 Marine Rd Toledo,Ohio 43609 1-866-362-7397
Moderator Art Posted September 12, 2011 Moderator Report Posted September 12, 2011 The 545 is an excellent machine, but in your instance (where you do bags), why not a 335 cylinder arm? Still, it wouldn't hurt to have the flatbed if it is in excellent condition. Art On 9/12/2011 at 5:18 PM, artificer13 said: Hello all, I have the opportunity to pick up a Pfaff 545 in good condition for under $500US and I'm wondering whether it would work for me. I make sporrans and a few other soft-bags utilizing everything from kidskin up through about 9oz veg tan leather. Would a Pfaff 545 fit my bill? I frequently stitch through 9oz veg tan, or sometimes 5-6oz veg-tan faced with 4oz soft chrome tan, but need the ability to stitch light materials as well. I'm completely booked into December at my current work rate. I'm at the point where hand-work for the hidden soft bag sections is consuming a LOT of time, and a machine would be very helpful. I've been searching all the topics I can find here (thank you Wizcrafts) but didn't see machines described in their ability to switch from light to heavy (and I know some machines will just snarl up material that's too light). I don't think I'd ever end up using more than a double layer of 5-6oz veg-tan, so a SUPER-duty machine is total overkill for me. Any assistance or advice would be most appreciated. Quote For heaven's sakes pilgrim, make yourself a strop!
Members artificer13 Posted September 13, 2011 Author Members Report Posted September 13, 2011 Thanks all for the feedback so far. On 9/12/2011 at 7:33 PM, Art said: The 545 is an excellent machine, but in your instance (where you do bags), why not a 335 cylinder arm? Still, it wouldn't hurt to have the flatbed if it is in excellent condition. Art If I had the green to drop for a cylinder arm, I'd gladly do it. LOL. I checked it out today and it's not a 545, but a 145 H3 6/ 01 CLMPN. The machine does look pretty clean, but have definitely seen use. I didn't have a chance to operate the thing, as they were having power problems, but the guy I talked to said he was having problems with the lower bobbin missing/fouling stitches after a short run. If you chaps still think it's worth-while, I'll try and pop back round tomorrow (assuming the power is on again) and give it a test, although I know I'll need a servo motor and possibly a reducing pully. The price is also less by quite a bit than I'd originally thought. Thought? Quote artificer Pronunciation: \är-ˈti-fə-sər, ˈär-tə-fə-sər\ : noun : 14th century :a skilled or artistic worker or craftsman@artificer13
Moderator Art Posted September 13, 2011 Moderator Report Posted September 13, 2011 A little bit different machine, but not by much. The 145 has a riser shaft to drive the bobbin shaft and the 545 has a belt I think. Check the shaft and gears for wear. Check for excessive play everywhere as these were used a lot. The problems you mentioned could range from trivial to significant, and parts for an old Pfaff are not cheap. If the machine is sloppy, it has seen a lot of use and if the wear is overall (that means not just a sloppy needle bar) then a pass may be your best bet. However there are good ones out there, but a bad one that needs parts is a nightmare. Same story for a 545 or a 1245. Art On 9/13/2011 at 6:18 PM, artificer13 said: Thanks all for the feedback so far. If I had the green to drop for a cylinder arm, I'd gladly do it. LOL. I checked it out today and it's not a 545, but a 145 H3 6/ 01 CLMPN. The machine does look pretty clean, but have definitely seen use. I didn't have a chance to operate the thing, as they were having power problems, but the guy I talked to said he was having problems with the lower bobbin missing/fouling stitches after a short run. If you chaps still think it's worth-while, I'll try and pop back round tomorrow (assuming the power is on again) and give it a test, although I know I'll need a servo motor and possibly a reducing pully. The price is also less by quite a bit than I'd originally thought. Thought? Quote For heaven's sakes pilgrim, make yourself a strop!
CowboyBob Posted September 13, 2011 Report Posted September 13, 2011 FWIW both the 145 & 545 have gear drives in them for the hook,the 1245 has the drive belt & just a set of gears below the bobbin. Art is correct too! I just ordered a set of gears for under the bobbin f/a 145 & they are $120.00.the hook(a good brand) runs around $200.00,most of the feet,feed dog,needle plate are after market & less than $20.00 ea. Bob Quote Bob Kovar Toledo Industrial Sewing Machine Sales Ltd. 3631 Marine Rd Toledo,Ohio 43609 1-866-362-7397
Moderator Art Posted September 13, 2011 Moderator Report Posted September 13, 2011 Another thing I thought of, They use Pfaff Bobbins, which some folks replace with "L" bobbins. Often this works, but when it doesn't you can get tension type problems. I know sewing machine mechanics who swear up and down they are the same as an "L" bobbin, but they are not. I often have "L" bobbins that are all over the place with diameter and maybe the bigger ones will work, but smaller not so much. If the bobbin has a big hole in the side of the bobbin that usually lines up with a hole in the case cover then it is a Pfaff Bobbin. There are aftermarket ones that don't have the hole, but do work well. When you said sews well for 10 or 15 stitches then starts skipping etc., it reminds me of this happening. Art On 9/13/2011 at 6:56 PM, sewmun said: FWIW both the 145 & 545 have gear drives in them for the hook,the 1245 has the drive belt & just a set of gears below the bobbin. Art is correct too! I just ordered a set of gears for under the bobbin f/a 145 & they are $120.00.the hook(a good brand) runs around $200.00,most of the feet,feed dog,needle plate are after market & less than $20.00 ea. Bob Quote For heaven's sakes pilgrim, make yourself a strop!
Members artificer13 Posted September 21, 2011 Author Members Report Posted September 21, 2011 Well, I'm pretty sure this guy is flaking on me. It's been a week and I've tried to call him several times and gotten no reply. SO, Does anyone have a good suggestion for a comparable machine to the Pfaff 145/545? The only other one I've been able to find locally is a 1245, but they want $1600 for it, and at this point I'd really like to keep it under $1000. Quote artificer Pronunciation: \är-ˈti-fə-sər, ˈär-tə-fə-sər\ : noun : 14th century :a skilled or artistic worker or craftsman@artificer13
Techsew Ron Posted September 21, 2011 Report Posted September 21, 2011 On 9/21/2011 at 12:05 PM, artificer13 said: Well, I'm pretty sure this guy is flaking on me. It's been a week and I've tried to call him several times and gotten no reply. SO, Does anyone have a good suggestion for a comparable machine to the Pfaff 145/545? The only other one I've been able to find locally is a 1245, but they want $1600 for it, and at this point I'd really like to keep it under $1000. Will be tough to find a cylinder walking foot machine (new or used) for under $1000, but you can find a flatbed walking foot machine from any of the dealers on this forum for around $1000-$1300. Go with a triple feed (compound feed) machine, large bobbin, servo motor if possible. Ron Quote Techsew Industrial Sewing Machines Call toll-free: 866-415-8223 Visit www.techsew.com
Moderator Art Posted September 21, 2011 Moderator Report Posted September 21, 2011 A used 206 RBWhatever is a good machine. A new 618 (Cobra Class 18) is about $1595. Foot sets are much more available for the 618 and are really not expensive. If you buy used, you have to make sure the machine is in good condition as these types are common in upholstery and trim shops, not to mention drapery, canvas, and awning shops and get used hard. If you can find a Nakagima 280L or model with similar numbers, they were good old machines. Usually, anything you buy will be set up to run fast, you don't need to go slow with canvas and upholstery grade leather. By the time you replace the motor and add a speed reducer, you are in the $1300 range, so go the extra $300 for a new machine with a warranty and a lifeline. The inspection and setup are part of the package, as is the servo motor and speed reducer. Art On 9/21/2011 at 12:05 PM, artificer13 said: Well, I'm pretty sure this guy is flaking on me. It's been a week and I've tried to call him several times and gotten no reply. SO, Does anyone have a good suggestion for a comparable machine to the Pfaff 145/545? The only other one I've been able to find locally is a 1245, but they want $1600 for it, and at this point I'd really like to keep it under $1000. Quote For heaven's sakes pilgrim, make yourself a strop!
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