Pfaff 335

[GeorgiaK]

Hello everybody!

I've been sewing mainly fabric bags and just experimenting with leather but I would like to start making leather bags, purses, wallets etc. I found an old Pfaff 335 with servo motor. I know it's  suitable for binding but it is used also for leather. The vendor warned me that I might have trouble with the length of the stitches while top-stitching.

Would you suggest this machine for a newbie? 

[GPaudler]

Hi Georgia,

Most of what I sew is not leather, but I love my 335 which is a vintage similar to the one in your photo. It has been very reliable sewing through as much webbing as I can fit under the feet which is about 7-8mm. The unison feed is great. The maximum stitch length is somewhat limited and I think that #138 is the largest thread I've used. 

I think that if I could have only one sewing machine, the Pfaff 335 would be it.

Gary

 

[dikman]

Welcome to what is probably the best leather and sewing machine information resource on the planet! For a newbie any industrial sewing machine is a big step. The Paff 335 is a very nice machine and as long as there's nothing wrong with it mechanically it should be great for what you want, and coming with a servo is a huge bonus for someone just starting out, but ideally you need to see it sewing first. Is this photo the actual machine? If so it is set up with a binding attachment (most of these seem to come that way). You can sew normally using the binding feet, but it's not ideal. The feet and feed dog plate will need to be changed to more conventional types.There have been posts about this before. Be aware that if there's anything wrong with it Pfaff parts can be somewhat expensive.

I'm not sure what the vendor means by trouble with stitch length, like all machines they have a maximum stitch length, I'd want to see it sewing different stitch lengths to make sure that the stitch length adjustment is actually working ok.

I haven't used mine much (too many machines!!) but I'm impressed with it's quality, and like Gary have got it to sew with #138 thread.

[Constabulary]

if I remember correctly there are 335´s w. very short stitch length like 3mm or so but not sure if this is limited by the needle plate only or if it is factory set. So better test the machine before you buy it.

[dikman]

Ah, yes, I seem to remember that coming up somewhere. I think it was the plate that the dial adjustment lever slides in, the slot was deliberately made shorter to restrict the stitch length. It doesn't make any sense that they would re-engineer the cams and offsets inside just to reduce stitch length. The machine in that photo, at least, appears to have a full-length slot.

I would really like to know what the vendor meant regarding stitch length.

[GeorgiaK]

Thank you for the help and the welcome! 

This is a photo of the actual machine that the vendor has fully repaired and offers a 2-year guarantee. He is on vacation until the end of August so I can't visit it him in person till then but afterwards I'll be able to test it and ask further details according to your suggestions. If I remember correctly he told me that it can't support stitch length similar to the one of newer machines but he could just want to sell me a more expensive one.. 

1 hour ago, dikman said:

Ah, yes, I seem to remember that coming up somewhere. I think it was the plate that the dial adjustment lever slides in, the slot was deliberately made shorter to restrict the stitch length. It doesn't make any sense that they would re-engineer the cams and offsets inside just to reduce stitch length. The machine in that photo, at least, appears to have a full-length slot.

I would really like to know what the vendor meant regarding stitch length.

 

[GeorgiaK]

8 hours ago, GPaudler said:

Hi Georgia,

Most of what I sew is not leather, but I love my 335 which is a vintage similar to the one in your photo. It has been very reliable sewing through as much webbing as I can fit under the feet which is about 7-8mm. The unison feed is great. The maximum stitch length is somewhat limited and I think that #138 is the largest thread I've used. 

I think that if I could have only one sewing machine, the Pfaff 335 would be it.

Gary

 

Thanks Gary for the feedback! I think it's value for money. Plus the vendor is local and offers a 2-year guarantee. I believe that your phrase "The maximum stitch length is somewhat limited and I think that #138 is the largest thread I've used" pretty much concludes the vendor's warnings about the stitch length and the thread.

[dikman]

I just had a look at his website, unfortunately it's all Greek to me!

I tried enlarging the photo and it looks to be in very good condition (at least on the outside), If all he means is that the stitch length isn't as long as newer machines then it's nothing to worry about because he's right! You will probably want to factor in changing the feet/feed dog plate, as I mentioned (maybe you can beat him down a bit, based on this?) but if it sews ok then it will be  a nice machine to have.

[shoepatcher]

See if you can get a picture of the brass plate on the machine .  it will tell us a lot about the machine's stitch length, lift, safety clutch, 4 motion drop feed vs. skiff feed. tec.

glenn

[GeorgiaK]

5 hours ago, shoepatcher said:

See if you can get a picture of the brass plate on the machine .  it will tell us a lot about the machine's stitch length, lift, safety clutch, 4 motion drop feed vs. skiff feed. tec.

glenn

Thanks Glenn! 

The vendor is on vacation until the end of August and he hasn't attached another photo to his ad. When he returns I plan to visit him in person.

Georgia 

[DrmCa]

I own the same casting as this machine. Mine is 335-17 and it came set up for stitching, not binding like this one seems from this grainy picture. We chose it over Adler with a knee presser.

The stitch length plate on mine matches the casting and the longest I get is 6mm. Had to replace the pulley on the servo motor to the smaller size in order to slow it down for accurate starting and stopping in difficult areas. If you do mostly straight stitching, the original pulleys on the servo similar to "Family" brand should be fine. You can get smaller pulleys online.

I rarely use this machine, but my wife makes leather gloves and loves it.

[GeorgiaK]

48 minutes ago, DrmCa said:

I own the same casting as this machine. Mine is 335-17 and it came set up for stitching, not binding like this one seems from this grainy picture. We chose it over Adler with a knee presser.

The stitch length plate on mine matches the casting and the longest I get is 6mm. Had to replace the pulley on the servo motor to the smaller size in order to slow it down for accurate starting and stopping in difficult areas. If you do mostly straight stitching, the original pulleys on the servo similar to "Family" brand should be fine. You can get smaller pulleys online.

I rarely use this machine, but my wife makes leather gloves and loves it.

Thanks for the feedback DrmCa!

The vendor also sells an Adler but I think 335 is more suitable for me.

He hasn't given me additional information on the servo motor but I'll have in mind your suggestion. 

Georgia

[Techsew Ron]

On 8/12/2017 at 11:48 AM, GeorgiaK said:

Hello everybody!

I've been sewing mainly fabric bags and just experimenting with leather but I would like to start making leather bags, purses, wallets etc. I found an old Pfaff 335 with servo motor. I know it's  suitable for binding but it is used also for leather. The vendor warned me that I might have trouble with the length of the stitches while top-stitching.

Would you suggest this machine for a newbie? 

If it comes with a servo motor and the vendor will offer a warranty then go for it! Try it in person first to make sure you're comfortable.

[GeorgiaK]

On 8/13/2017 at 0:57 PM, dikman said:

I just had a look at his website, unfortunately it's all Greek to me!

I tried enlarging the photo and it looks to be in very good condition (at least on the outside), If all he means is that the stitch length isn't as long as newer machines then it's nothing to worry about because he's right! You will probably want to factor in changing the feet/feed dog plate, as I mentioned (maybe you can beat him down a bit, based on this?) but if it sews ok then it will be  a nice machine to have.

Hello!

Sorry to bother you again but I would like your opinion. I found another Pfaff 335 (from Taiwan this one and not from Germany like the previous 335) with walking foot instead of a binding. The vendor has repaired it and gives me a 1-year warranty. The price is €600 (€200 less than the other one) and he can sell me the set foe binding for €100.  He also sells an Adle, a Necchi and a Seiko but he recommended the Pfaff which is the cheapest by the way.

I'm confused! What would you advise me to do? Which one would you choose?

[dikman]

I can't comment on the other machines (model numbers would be nice) other than to say Seiko and Adler make some nice machines. I see this one has the binding attachment, if he's going to supply the plain walking feet you want to see it set up first to make sure it has the correct needle plate and replacement cover where that binding plate fits. Also, it looks like it has a clutch motor, you really need to factor in a servo motor if you can as it will be much easier to learn to use.

[GeorgiaK]

9 hours ago, dikman said:

I can't comment on the other machines (model numbers would be nice) other than to say Seiko and Adler make some nice machines. I see this one has the binding attachment, if he's going to supply the plain walking feet you want to see it set up first to make sure it has the correct needle plate and replacement cover where that binding plate fits. Also, it looks like it has a clutch motor, you really need to factor in a servo motor if you can as it will be much easier to learn to use.

Thanks again for the great tips!

Georgia 

[DrmCa]

Adler 67 is toothed belt driven. If it skips a tooth or breaks, you are in for a timing job. Pfaff 335 is gear driven, so the chance of it going out of timing is much less than Adler. Dunno about Seiko.

I would never buy a sewing machine to be shipped. Even if a local sale is more expensive, but the seller can tune it to the most typical operation for you, it is worth piece of mind.

[GeorgiaK]

7 minutes ago, DrmCa said:

Adler 67 is toothed belt driven. If it skips a tooth or breaks, you are in for a timing job. Pfaff 335 is gear driven, so the chance of it going out of timing is much less than Adler. Dunno about Seiko.

I would never buy a sewing machine to be shipped. Even if a local sale is more expensive, but the seller can tune it to the most typical operation for you, it is worth piece of mind.

Thanks for the feedback! 

I totally agree with your suggestion about local sellers since I'm inexperienced with industrial machines. Plus they offer me a warranty for 1 or 2 years. 

My main concerns are whether the country of production affects seriously the machine's quality and the clutch vs servo motor.

I'll make my decision soon though because I really want a Pfaff!

[GeorgiaK]

Thanks everybody for your help.

I tested the first machine and it's working great so I decided to buy it. The final deal includes the 335 with plain walking feet, servo motor and 2-year warranty for 650€. I'm anxiously waiting for  it to be delivered 

Georgia

[Constabulary]

You bought that from a dealer and he is even delivering it? WOW - thats a hell of a deal! I´m sure he is not making much money here!

Congratulations!!!

[GeorgiaK]

19 minutes ago, Constabulary said:

You bought that from a dealer and he is even delivering it? WOW - thats a hell of a deal! I´m sure he is not making much money here!

Congratulations!!!

Thanks! It was a bargain and I'm overly excited!

I'm very lucky because his shop is very close to my house so he was willing to deliver it. 

[dikman]

Sounds like a good deal, I'd say you've done well. They are a nice solid machine. I ended up replacing the handwheel on mine with an 8" pulley, might look funny but it can go slow with lots of torque. Now you just have to buy lots of needles and lots of thread .

[GeorgiaK]

2 hours ago, dikman said:

Sounds like a good deal, I'd say you've done well. They are a nice solid machine. I ended up replacing the handwheel on mine with an 8" pulley, might look funny but it can go slow with lots of torque. Now you just have to buy lots of needles and lots of thread .

Finally the fun begins. I have to learn a lot of things and ask again a lot of questions. 

Thanks again for your help!

[DrmCa]

Now all you need is good thread and needles, a bunch ob bobbins and a few sets of feet, a jar of oil and inspiration.

[GeorgiaK]

29 minutes ago, DrmCa said:

Now all you need is good thread and needles, a bunch ob bobbins and a few sets of feet, a jar of oil and inspiration.

It looks like I need to do some shopping