Final 3 Choices For Walking Foot?

[Jdbfish]

I have my choices narrowed down to the following and would appreciate input and advice on each

A) a singer 211g155 with a new servo motor attached. It won't pick up the bobbin thread so it will need service. I can trade an extra singer 31-15 I have straight across for it which will leave me a little room to get it fixed

a singer 11w155 with table, clutch motor, etcthat is supposed to be in working order (no gurantees) out of an upholstery shopfor $450

C) a piaffe 545, no warranty, head only for my extra 31-15 head and $500

I like option A because of cost provided it can be fixed correctly. Is not picking up bobbin thread usually fixable?

Please advise folks

[Trox]

Hi,

Who is selling the 211-155? If it is a dealer, he should be able to time the machine first so it sews. This machine is a walking foot (triple feed) Strong machine. You should check why it do not pick up the bobbin thread (why it do not sew) I would time it in five minute, that make me wonder why they do not fix it prior to sale. You should bring somebody that knows sewing machines to the deal. You cannot be sure it is just an adjustment problem, (machines sews or are broken). I do not think it has reverse. No outside stitch length adjustment either.

The Singer 11W is an antique machine, no walking foot.

I think it should be an 111w-155, is this right? If so, that is also a triple feed machine, the forerunner to the above. Strong, but difficult stitch length adjustment (inside the machine head) and no reverse.

A Pfaff 545 is a good machine; it had better be in working order. Because the part price is astronomical. You can buy a new Chinese clone for the same price as an original Pfaff needle plate.

Otherwise, it is a very fine machine, similar to the 111w, but outside stitch adjustment and reverse. Built like a Swiss watch. A use a similar Pfaff, but with cylinder bed. Very happy with it.

Good luck.

Trox

[steveh]

The 545 pfaff should fit your 31-15 table, it has a larger bobbin than the 111w-155, and has more room under the presser foot.

[Jdbfish]

Both the 211 and the 111 are sold by individuals, the Pfaff is sold by a guy who works on machines on the side on a part time basis. Not sure if he offers a warranty or not. I would guess he probably does not.

On the Pfaff are you saying that the $500 asking price is astronomic or the parts themselves? Are the Chinese clones mentioned any good? Where do you find them?

[Wizcrafts]

Both the 211 and the 111 are sold by individuals, the Pfaff is sold by a guy who works on machines on the side on a part time basis. Not sure if he offers a warranty or not. I would guess he probably does not.

On the Pfaff are you saying that the $500 asking price is astronomic or the parts themselves? Are the Chinese clones mentioned any good? Where do you find them?

He's telling you that factory branded parts for the Pfaff are astronomically priced. If the machine needs Pfaff parts. Most Pfaff machines use proprietary parts which you will be locked into buying, should any need replacing.

You should ask the sellers to demonstrate their machines with bonded nylon thread, which you may have to bring with you, sewing into leather you bring along. However, some or all of them may already have bonded nylon thread on hand, and needles to match it.

[CowboyBob]

They all are good machines BUT I wouldn't even think of buying the 211 alot of parts & some screws have been discontinued on it & they are special to this machine.The stitch length is the same adjustment as the 111w which even though it's an older machine ALL the parts are still available & since it has a larger handwheel it will sew slower,parts are very low priced for it.

The Pfaff is probably the best & the 545H4 is the one with the higher lift,the 545H3 has a foot lift real close to the 111w, 1/2",there is quite a few common aftermarket replacement parts for the Pfaff on the market.

HTH

Bob

[Trox]

Yes, thats right, original Pfaff parts are hand made in Germany. However the most common parts like hooks, feets and plates are avaiable from many aftermarket sources. The Pfaff machines are very well made, check the subclass number, like Bob says the H4 is the heaviest. However the H3 is also a strong machine. Like Wiz says, bring with you some thread and a piece of leather to test it. You can thread it and turn it by hand to test sew it. Check hook and needle bar for wear, good luck. Almost all industrial sewing machines are today made in China. Popular models are copied and produced by compeating brands. Bob sells very well made Chinese machines , the Cowboy sewing machine. Other good brands are Cobra, and Techsew. They are all Chinese clone machines that have good support. If you double your monney and add a couple of hundred you can get a brand new Cowboy or Cobra triple feed machine. For about 1500 $ you can buy a cylinder arm triple feed machine. These machine are sold by member dealers who stand behind there products, you can read all about them in this forum.

Trox

[Jdbfish]

Thanks everyone for your valuable input. Decisions, decisions! Not sure what I will do. Talked to the guy with the Pfaff and he said he would trade it to me for the 211 and $250 to $300 depending on what the 211 needs. Would that be a good deal?

[Trox]

Thanks everyone for your valuable input. Decisions, decisions! Not sure what I will do. Talked to the guy with the Pfaff and he said he would trade it to me for the 211 and $250 to $300 depending on what the 211 needs. Would that be a good deal?

I am sorry; I am not able to see this deal clearly.

You must first trade and pick up the 211, and then again trade it for the Pfaff. Together with 300 $. (What subclass is the Pfaff, condition? A picture would tell me).

You must calculate time and gasoline doing these trades. Then you will need a table for it (100-150$), a speed reducer (150$), a servo motor (150$), leather feet’s (50-100$), service/adjustments, spare parts and the time used to set it up.

After purchasing, the next two weeks (must likely longer) will be waiting for parts, repairs and adjustments. When you all done, you will still only have an old sewing machine with a low trade in value.

You will be spending about the same as the cost of a new Cobra/Cowboy machine, however without any warranty or customer service.

You can use the process as learning or take an advice from someone who has been there before. If you are living in the US, you are lucky to have the member dealer’s close.

Call them, if you do not have enough money ask for alternative funding, I am sure they will provide options for you.

The cheapest looking deal might be the most expensive one.

Just my two cents.

Good luck

Trox