Cylinder Bed; Pfaff ?

[Rrusse11]

Greetings folks,

Newbie here, and I must confess I'm not working in leather, not yet anyway. Current production is heavy upholstery fabric tote bags and the like, with boat covers this summer in the offing.

I have several industrial machines, mostly Pfaffs, several 138's, a 34, a 1245 and a 1445. I'm loving the walking feet on the last 2, and both have servo motors, single stitch control when needed . A cylinder bed machine would be wonderfull, particularly for pockets, trims around the bag mouth, strap installation, etc.

I love the quality of the Pfaff machines, I started out several years ago with some of the early domestic models, 229's, a 130, 1222, and the addiction has gradually grown.

I've found a Pfaff 335 H2 close to me in Philly at Keysew, I notice that Greg is a member of the forum, and a 345 H3 in Montreal at RaphaelSewing, again with associations here.

Priceing is similar and both machines look to be in good shape.

My understanding is that the 345 H3 is a heavier class of machine, and while not strictly necessary for the type of work I'm currently doing, would get me into medium weight leather with little trouble.

For the money, there are a bunch of chinese clone/alternatives, but I really appreciate the Pfaff quality, and with a bunch of them already on hand, I find myself committed to continue with them.

Lol, anybody got a 545 out there for sale?

From what I can gather the 335 H2 is suitable for up to 1/4" material thickness and thread size of tex 90? Whereas the 345 H3 is pushing 3/8" and tex 138 thread?

Any input on the relative capabilities of the machines would be much appreciated.

All the best,

R*2

[Gregg From Keystone Sewing]

Dear R*2,

If you are within range, why not come and kick the tires on our 335? We do have a showroom, and this machine is available for demo. This way you can see for yourself what you think. Just call ahead if you are on your way, and don't forget thread and material samples if you want to see it run through the machine.

All the best, thanks!

Edited March 27, 2013 by Gregg From Keystone Sewing

[Andrew Chee]

I have a 335 (the new casting) and it sews 138 just fine.

Andrew

[Rrusse11]

Gents,

Thanks for the replies. Bit the bullet on the 345 on offer from Raphael, already in transit.

The key for me was the H3 & CLN sub class listing on this particular machine, high lift, heavy fabric

and leather with a 6mm stitch if I've got the codes right.

Should be able to handle up to 3/8" thick and 207 thread.

Saved some money and shipping with a head alone deal.

Greg,

I certainly am close enough to come down and do some tire kicking, and perhaps some trade-ins should the machine be as useful as hoped. My understanding is the 335 has a smaller diameter cylinder than the 345, and I like having machines set up for different operations, rather than changing one machine around.

Andrew,

Hopefully we can work something out on shipping, I've got one of the 500gr motors on my Pfaff 1245, and love it. Could be a great set up on the 345.

Cheers all,

R*2

[Gregg From Keystone Sewing]

Greg,

I certainly am close enough to come down and do some tire kicking, and perhaps some trade-ins should the machine be as useful as hoped. My understanding is the 335 has a smaller diameter cylinder than the 345, and I like having machines set up for different operations, rather than changing one machine around.

Cheers all,

R*2

Never a problem, good luck with your machine, all the best.