Chayse Report post Posted April 20, 2017 Since missing out on the Pfaff 545H4, i have been looking for something within my budget...again! I have stumbled across the 2 machines...well 3 actually. 2 Singers and another Pfaff. Here are the models.. Singer 211G165 Singer 111W155 Pfaff 145H3 I have read plenty on here and imagine either would work for my needs (light/med. leather sewing). Singer parts seem somewhat available and reasonably priced, should something go wrong. What scares me about the Pfaff is the high $$$ for proprietary Pfaff parts. I am leaning towards the Singer 211G but honestly...i am unsure. All 3 machines are the same price, individually($300), just need some guidance of the experienced folks here! V/,r Chayse Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dikman Report post Posted April 20, 2017 I have a 211G166 (I don't think there's much difference to the 165), very nice machine and obviously later than the 155 and will handle up to #138 thread. From what I understand the 155 could probably handle slightly heavier work and is considered quite desirable by many (I'd like one), although it doesn't have reverse. Both use the same feet so they're readily available and cheap. Can't comment on the Pfaff, but as long as the Singer's are in working condition you can't go wrong at that price. I guess you may need to factor in buying a servo too? If I saw them here at that price I'd probably buy both, but that's just me . Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Uwe Report post Posted April 21, 2017 Only you can judge in what condition these machines are and what features you care about. Personally, I care about reverse and adjusting stitch length without having to turn the handwheel. Looking at a finished stitch line, nobody can really tell which of these three machines it was sewn on. Only you can tell how enjoyable or painful the experience was. Pick one and start sewing and learn how to maintain the machine. Assuming they're all in good working condition, the Pfaff is the most valuable in that $300 trio. Wear parts like hooks, feet, tension units, needle bars and the like are all available from aftermarket sources at reasonable prices for all three machines. Cheap really is overrated, though, especially if the parts don't work or fit. I bought three different "cheap" tension units for the Singer 111 class until I found one I actually liked (an original Juki LU-562 part - it cost more but is worth every penny and it's the only one I actually installed on a machine.) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chayse Report post Posted April 21, 2017 (edited) Thanks @dikman & @Uwe for the advice....I think either of the machines would fill the 'gap' that I have....Currently I have a Singer 20U33( for light/non-leather stuff) and at the opposite end of the spectrum is my Chandler 305-64 (Heavier stuff..highly doubt I will ever test the limits of this machine). Just in the back of my mind I feel a bit 'uneasy' about the Pfaff...used in a shop for canvas and auto upholstery. Either way, here are some pics.... Edited April 21, 2017 by Chayse Spelling errors Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chayse Report post Posted April 21, 2017 (edited) I am not opposed to not having reverse.....I sorta compare that to my lathe...bare with me here for a moment...I have many hobbies, one of which is metal working. I currently own a lathe that dates back to the 40's...bare bones, no frills! I specifically bought the machine to learn, thinking if I can learn and create my projects on a dinosaur like that, the possibilities are endless if I move on to the new fandangled lathes that are produced today. I am, by no means, an expert when it comes to sewing. My mother taught us all to sew, on home sewing machines...which I do own. I am comfortable with hand/eye/foot coordination...as I have to do when tig welding. I would agree a servo motor would be in-store but think I can make do for the time being...sorta like tig welding...more pressure=more power/heat into the work piece. On another note, the Pfaff seems outta reach, seller has other plans. So, guess it comes down to the Singers! the 111W being older, of course, but both walking foot...AND I can demo both, as it is the same seller. I will add that I appreciate the clarification from Uwe about the Pfaff parts being affordable, guess it is really not a consideration now that the seller has changed plans. I greatly appreciate the info thus far, the more I can learn, the better! Please keep the info coming. I have downloaded both manuals and am comparing the 2...guess it comes down to what Uwe previously stated....it is what I feel comfortable with...a very true statement! V/r, Chayse Edited April 21, 2017 by Chayse added information Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dikman Report post Posted April 21, 2017 (edited) Uwe's right about cheap, of course, possibly a poor choice of word on my part I should have said relatively inexpensive. On the other hand, if you want to experiment with chopping up feet then cheap ones are a good way to go, in case it doesn't work out. He makes a valid point about changing stitch length, if you are likely to be changing often then it can be a bit of a pain with these machines as it's basically trial-and-error to set the length that you want, although I don't find it an issue. If you already have a heavy-duty machine then I guess the 211 might be the way to go, as it's a bit more "modern" (just)? Bottom line, of course, is how they sew - do they pick up the bobbin thread every time, no dropped stitches, consistent stitches and tension and, perhaps most important, no play or loose rattly bits! Having said all that, I bought all of mine without even trying them!! Edited April 21, 2017 by dikman Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CowboyBob Report post Posted April 21, 2017 I'd go with the Pfaff first,then the 111w it'll sew smoother & better since it has a slightly larger & heavier handwheel than a 211 which is more for canvas & upholstery.Both are good machines BUT a few of the 211 parts are getting hard to find where 111w parts are all still available. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Yetibelle Report post Posted April 21, 2017 I love my 111W155 it is my default machine. They are easy to tune and parts are easy to get and don't break the bank. Swap out that old motor with a new servo motor and your ready to sew. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chayse Report post Posted April 23, 2017 (edited) Well, I will be getting up bright and early to make the 2 hour trip to test drive the 2 Singers! I have been reading and trying to educate myself on both machines, as the seller has no idea on either of them. Oddly enough, a Consew 206rb popped up today...has been listed for quite sometime and the seller lowered the price today...$400...head only. I have messaged the seller for pics and to see if the machine can be demo'd before purchase. Should either of these machines have faults or not sew, I might have a back up...but all in all, I know it is a crap shoot these days. Understandably, I know the Consew is the same machine....but with reverse and different stitch length adjustment. I will update should one of these machines follow me home.... I would like to thank all of the members of this forum for the advice I have received thus far, not only on this topic, but each and every time I post. I sat today and read probably 50 pages of threads while the repairman was working on my microwave..helped pass the time and I am continuing to learn about all of these wonderful machines. V/r, Chayse Edited April 23, 2017 by Chayse Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shoepatcher Report post Posted May 5, 2017 I would buy the Pfaff. Generally speaking, it usually is a smoother machine. If you can sew on it before purchasing, do so. I have had Adler, Pfaff, Juki and Singer. I still believe the Pfaff are the smoothest machines. Bobbins are the same size in the Pfaff and Singer machines, bigger in the Consew 206. The ultimate choice is yours. If you get the Consew, that means getting a table, stand, motor, drawer, thread stand and light. More money there. Just my opinion. glenn Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
