Will Pfaff 1245 hinge blocks fit a 545

[clintooo]

I didn't want my first post to be a question.  So I will answer it myself.  yes they do...

 

I bought this old 545 for $400.  The bobbin case was all jammed up with cotton and it had knocked the clutch out.  So it wasnt actually sewing when I got it.  In addition to that the previous owner had had a few goes at refurbishing.  I think the first attempt involved them spraying 50% of the machine in gold paint.  I assume the shop must have run out of gold paint, or they got a better deal on silver hammer tone paint.  As they then proceeded to spray the entire machine, (belt, pulleys, chrome base plates, feet, entire tension assembly and even the cotton that was threaded).  The bobbin winder hasnt been cleaned up as  I plan on buying a new one, so that is the state of it.  So I took a punt on it.

 

They then had a go at the table top and painted it with what I assume is white house paint.

 

So after a day of sanding, and rubbing everything with thinners, this is what I ended up with.  Someone had removed the laminate from the top of the table, so it was just ply.  I have sanded it to 600grit and then applied this hard burnishing oil I like to use for table tops.

I think the needle holder is broken.  How hard are these to replace and should I bother?

 

Back to the hinges.  The two rear ones had collapsed.  I wasnt able to source any 545 (they were rubber and had a metal rod running through them.  So the Pfaff guy wasnt sure, but thought the 1245 hinges would fit.  Turns out they do.

 

This is my first industrial machine.  I had just been making small bags and pouches on an old Elna machine.  Plus 30 pencil cases for all my daughters friends.  I want to make some heavier canvas and PVC bags for camping.  Plus I thought I might mess around with some leather.

 

The machine has a 2850rpm motor, which is way to fast for me.  It currently has a 90mm pulley, and I think even a 45mm will be too fast.  I was originally going to try and sell the motor and just pickup a 1425rpm motor.  But I'm considering a servo motor.  So Im trying to work out which way to go with it.  In the meant time, I think I will build some flip up out feed table and side supports to give me a bit more room to hold material.  I have just finsihed making some covers for outdoor couches out of a cheaper sunbrella material.  The 3 seater one was a little difficult to support all the fabric on the table.  But they came out quite well.  There were a few issues with the material being super slippery and me not being able to control the speed of the machine.  But for a first attempt I was happy with the finished product and how well the machine worked.

 

I even have the instruction manual, albeit it is entirely in french.

 

[suzelle]

clintooo,

I have that same machine. Mine was listed at $400, but I think I offered and paid $450 just to get person who was selling it to hold it for me til I got there. Mine was not in running condition when I bought it, but it looked almost new. Turns out, there was a manufacturing defect that needed to be fixed, so that was the reason it never really got used. After fixing that defect and then having a Pro tune it up, it's been a machine I have had in daily use for about 3-4 years now. I love it! It can sew through just about anything!