C Schomer Report post Posted December 25, 2014 (edited) I've never sewn or had a machine but I wish I did. I want one for something else to do after retirement besides my usual wood and metal working. The wife won't sew the things I usually want done on her Bernina quilting/sewing machines so I will get a heavy walking foot machine for my stuff. I plan to make bags, cases etc. out of canvas and light leather and maybe eventually do some heavy leather work, like holsters. My cousin does shoe work and he has two machines he's selling. An Adler 150-64 cylinder arm that's like new and a Pfaff 545-h? flatbed that's in good shape. I've spent many hours reading and watching videos and I'm just getting somewhat literate on industrial machines. I don't think I could go wrong with the 545... it would probably do everything I want except for holster work which in reality, I might not ever do. But beings I'm buying one, I'm wondering if I should get the Adler and be ready for anything. So... my questions are mostly about the Adler cylinder arm. Cousin Bruce says it will do everything the flatbed will do, plus more. All the videos I've watched on cylinder arms, only show sewing leather and round things that run around the free-arm. Is the free-arm awkward for other kinds of work? I remember when free-arms came out and people went gaga for them. I built a table decades ago for someone who had a free-arm and it fit closely around the free-arm so they essentially had a flatbed. I would do that for the Adler, if it would be a good machine to have. Any advice and ideas are welcome. I think I'll start with your input before asking any more questions. TIA! Craig Edited December 25, 2014 by C Schomer Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Constabulary Report post Posted December 25, 2014 Just a short statement - I have to run... Both are excellent machines! The 105-64 is a heavy duty needle feed machine. The Paff 545 is a walking foot / triple feed medium duty machine for 9-10mm materials.You will probably end with two machines (maybe the two mentioned) sooner or later so you don´t have to change the settings when you switch to another project - if you know what I mean. I meanwhile have 4 machines and I´m sure I will have one or two more sooner or later. If you have the chance to buy both I would do it if you have the money. Merry Christmas Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wizcrafts Report post Posted December 25, 2014 The Adler 105 is a step up from the Pfaff upholstery grade machine and is a step below the (Adler 205 or Juki 441 or the 441 clones) heavy leather stitchers many of us here use. The two machines your cousin is selling are perfect for starting in the sewing business. The Pfaff 545 is a superb upholstery machine that sews leather up to 3/8 inch, or 7/16 inch, depending on which needle "system" it has been setup to use. It is best limited to using bonded thread sizes 46 through 138, although it might be able to handle #207 once in a while. The Adler 105 can sew up to about 1/2 inch and should be used with thread sizes 138, 207, or 277, with respective leather point needle numbers 23 (160), 24 (180), or 25 (200). Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Troy Burch Report post Posted December 25, 2014 Welcome to the forum, I was born in Buckeye. You've already been given good advice, so good luck. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
C Schomer Report post Posted December 26, 2014 (edited) Thanks, this gives me a lot more to think about. I could buy them both but that's a big leap for just beginning a new hobby and space in the house is limited. I'm still learning a lot... I thought the Adler was a walking foot/needle feed. Is it more for heavy leather? It doesn't sound like it would be a good all-around machine? It might not be a good starter machine or for what I want to do in the beginning. I think the Pfaff would be great for materials up to 3/8 which would cover 99.9% of what I plan to work with. It didn't realize they are so specialized. I also need to start reading about needles, thread etc. I'd like to hear more about the Adler and it's best uses. I still might be interested in it. Troy, you aren't missing much! Monroe street looks better than when we came in 03 but the city management still sucks and it's corrupt. They hired a big city police chief about 7 year ago to clean up that dept. and when he left he said it was too far gone to fix! I'm glad I'm in Rainbow Valley... unincorporated. I'm all under Maricopa county services. Craig Edited December 26, 2014 by C Schomer Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
