curtis k Report post Posted April 13, 2012 Good morning gentlemen! I am need of some advice and wisdom. I have the opportunity to purchase a Pfaff 491 machine. Does anyone know the max thread size that can be utilized on this machine? Also, would this machine be suitable for stitching leather sheaths? Thank you! Curtis Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Art Report post Posted April 13, 2012 Hi Curtis, The 491 is a good machine (needle feed, driven roller feed top and bottom) for as much as 10-12oz combined, but it is comfortable with 8oz all day. I have used 138/138 occasionally in mine, but for most purposes it is loaded with 69 and even down to 33. You can push most Pfaff machines thread size wise so 207 might be possible, but I just have never needed it. Leather sheaths can go anywhere from 8oz thick to 16oz (more common) and often to way more than that; so the 491 is probably not a good choice for sheaths. If you can get a working 491 for a song then do it as they are right handy for many things, especially repairs on handbags. For sheaths, I would recommend a 441 or other large stitcher. You can tune it for the type of work you sew and it can do really big stuff when you need it. Art Good morning gentlemen! I am need of some advice and wisdom. I have the opportunity to purchase a Pfaff 491 machine. Does anyone know the max thread size that can be utilized on this machine? Also, would this machine be suitable for stitching leather sheaths? Thank you! Curtis Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Andrew Chee Report post Posted April 13, 2012 Hi Curtis, The 491 is a good machine (needle feed, driven roller feed top and bottom) for as much as 10-12oz combined, but it is comfortable with 8oz all day. I have used 138/138 occasionally in mine, but for most purposes it is loaded with 69 and even down to 33. You can push most Pfaff machines thread size wise so 207 might be possible, but I just have never needed it. Leather sheaths can go anywhere from 8oz thick to 16oz (more common) and often to way more than that; so the 491 is probably not a good choice for sheaths. If you can get a working 491 for a song then do it as they are right handy for many things, especially repairs on handbags. For sheaths, I would recommend a 441 or other large stitcher. You can tune it for the type of work you sew and it can do really big stuff when you need it. Art What are the pros/cons of a driven roller type of machine? Wiz doesn't really cover this type in his write up. Andrew Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Art Report post Posted April 13, 2012 Hi Andrew, The roller feed gives a better view of the stitch line. The 491 has a gear (as opposed to belt) driven roller on both the top and bottom (some have only an undriven roller on top and feed dogs on bottom). You can stitch VERY close to the edge with the roller setup. This is really important with shoes and boots. The needle enters the work a hairs width away from the roller. There is a little drawback in that it takes some sewing practice (as with most machines) to control this system. Art What are the pros/cons of a driven roller type of machine? Wiz doesn't really cover this type in his write up. Andrew Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Andrew Chee Report post Posted April 13, 2012 (edited) Hi Andrew, The roller feed gives a better view of the stitch line. The 491 has a gear (as opposed to belt) driven roller on both the top and bottom (some have only an undriven roller on top and feed dogs on bottom). You can stitch VERY close to the edge with the roller setup. This is really important with shoes and boots. The needle enters the work a hairs width away from the roller. There is a little drawback in that it takes some sewing practice (as with most machines) to control this system. Art How does it compare to a triple feed in terms of handling slippery material or going over thick seams? Also, how is it in terms of marking leather? Andrew Edited April 13, 2012 by Andrew Chee Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
curtis k Report post Posted April 13, 2012 Thank you very much for your advice Art! That was very kind of you! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Art Report post Posted April 13, 2012 Hi Andrew, The needle feed moves the material well and the roller keeps it from flagging. On veg tan you have to use a smoother wheel or back off the pressure. Remember, the 491 is a light to medium weight machine and should not be asked to muscle around heavy leathers. Art How does it compare to a triple feed in terms of handling slippery material or going over thick seams? Also, how is it in terms of marking leather? Andrew Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lovejules Report post Posted November 17, 2013 Hi there, I am in need of some advice on the 491. just bought it, trying to get my handle on it but having some troubles... 1. the roller driver doesn't seem to be accommodating to thicker layers as it comes up to. Seems to get stuck and just pokes the same hole.... any thoughts? 2. can you attach a servo motor to this lady, cause the motor is a speed demon, and I would like to have some more control over 'er Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
automan Report post Posted August 21 Hello does anyone know of web. link that will help with threading my recently purchased 491? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Northmount Report post Posted August 21 8 hours ago, automan said: Hello does anyone know of web. link that will help with threading my recently purchased 491? You should start a new thread instead of tagging onto an old thread that isn't even the same topic. Post it in the "leather sewing machines" area. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
