Pfaff 545 Thread size max

[Jeff Claridy]

I recently bought a Pfaff 545 to sew veg tanned leather journals, wallets, bags, and more. Had problems with hook timing because of old screws buggered slots on shaft. I cut deeper slots into screws allowing me to tighten down properly. Hook timing solved I think. Now I am trying to use size 138 thread top and in bobbin sews fine going forward but if I try to lock stitch creates jam on bobbin side of leather. My question is to big thread in bobbin or timing off by small adjustment. I really would like to use 138 on both sides for finished look. I would also like to use 207 size thread need to know if that is possible. I have learned more about sewing machines in the last month than I thought possible but still a newbie. I need to sew with no issues, so far I spend more time tinkering with machine than sewing. I would appreciate all the help you can offer.  

Thanks Jeff

[brmax]

Jeff its possible the series H3 and the H4 have a bit different specifications though I would think thread of 138 can be used with the possibility of 207 on top just have to give it a shot.

I understand some other Pfaff's like the 442, 1442 had available std, med, and heavy hook assembly options.

With the 545 the H4 is using the 190 system needle and the H3 using the 134 system I believe it is.

I'm curious if when locking the stitch is this at the start or finish or anytime the reverse lever is fully pressed.

some others that are more familiar will chime in

Good day there

Floyd

Edited May 24, 2016 by brmax

[suzelle]

Jeff, I have the Pfaff 545 high lift machine. As Floyd mentioned, it does take the 190 system needle, unique for this machine. My machine did not sew when I got it and I had the worn out screws around the bobbin case area and basket. Really I should replace those as they are so difficult to use when I have to take the bobbin area apart, which is rare. It is now a nice running machine. Had fixed the things I could fix myself and then sent it to a qualified mechanic to fine tune it because it hadn't been for a few years when I got it.

About the reverse, I'm not answering your question exactly but I will tell you what I know about my machine. When stitching in reverse, it does not stitch right into the same holes as it did when it was going forward. I'm not sure why, I wish it did. At some point, I am going to ask my mechanic if he can adjust it so that it will stitch into the same holes when I go in reverse.

One thing about the 545 I've noticed  more than any other machine I have: I do have to be sure to hang onto the tails when I begin sewing, or it does jam up rather easily. Back tacking at the end of a piece is no problem, it's when I start out that I need to be extra careful.

 

[CowboyBob]

Thread jamming underneath is usually a upper thread tension issue,you might look in between the tension discs for lint build-up & then try to tighten the top tension more than where it is now.It should use 138 w/o much problem other than you need to hold on the needle thread when you start as Suzelle mentioned.

[brmax]

Something that further got my attention here is the fact that the 545 bobbin case cap, In my opinion is very close looking to the cap in my 1341 Juki.  This interest is for replacement options in several reasons but anyway I had measured the thread slot on a factory issued cap and the figure is .018"max on mine going under the spring. After thread exits spring area the small notch on top has a clearance of .035 on this same cap, though this is just a guide notch.

All this measure is way out there but as I seen the options for the different hooks available to some pfaff models having this style cap well this got my interest as all machine stuff.

Good luck with all your adjustments Jeff and thanks for postin

Floyd

 

[Jeff Claridy]

I need to check needle style, and look into bobbin sizes.I thought there was very little clearance for hooked thread as it travels around the bobbin. My machine jams when going in reverse every time.Thank you Floyd, Suzelle, and CowboyBob 

Please keep the knowledge flowing I need all the help you send my way.

[brmax]

It sounds like your picking it up perfect, there is hardly any clearance in that needle to hook spec so that sounds normal.

If your notch/scarf of the needle is at center of the hook point as it sounds your on track. So if removing needle to see the very small number on the needle for clarifications get a good magnifier. One of the dealers like Bob above can supply replacement needles for leather or fabric work, in a size you can use now with out a big change. So enjoy a while, and in the meantime you can use several thread sizes but it may be good to initially select one that will work for the majority of your items and your happy with the look, also searching around here can be a great opportunity I found but could require some popcorn.

Good day there

Floyd

[Jeff Claridy]

I checked the needles I was using and they are 134 and 135. My Pfaff 545 is a H4 so I ordered the 190 needles now waiting for the shipment to arrive. Thought they would arrive today but holiday weekend!  I will follow up after I set the timing and needle bar to the correct height. Wait! That sentence almost sounds like I know what I'm talking about. Ha Ha. Hopefully I will be reporting good news. The problem, I will be out of town a couple of weeks and will not be able to time the machine before I leave.Thanks all.

[Wizcrafts]

  On 5/29/2016 at 3:06 AM, Jeff Claridy said:

I checked the needles I was using and they are 134 and 135.

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Do you mean system 134-35? That is another size peculiar to some Pfaff machines.

[brmax]

Jeff I should have been a bit more clear, these needles " systems" as Wiz kindly is mentioning can sometimes fit in other machines.

In that they are different lengths and needle bar adjustment would have to be made in order to be in time, sorry !

They perform better in a production standpoint for some product they need or just the location of the machines mfg. design.

Floyd