$600 a good deal on Pfaff 1245 with servo?

[SheltathaLore]

https://seattle.craigslist.org/oly/for/d/pfaffindustrial-sewing-machine/6320813153.html

If it works well, I'm guessing it's a pretty solid deal for my use case (topstitching boots, chrome tan under 3/8" total; as much as I love my Typical GC6760, I doubt that a garment needle feed will cut it), with the following caveats:

• I hear Pfaff parts are expensive and/or harder to come by
• It has a legit-looking servo, but I might still want to change out the pulley or add a speed reducer
• I really wish I had a truck.  Figuring out how to move stuff like this is always such a hassle.  >.<

[Constabulary]

sounds good BUT seems the stitch length adjuster knob is NOT the original one!!! Not sure if it is working as it should - test the machinate before you buy it!!! I´d also test the built in bobbin winder. And check the condition of the timing belt (afaik the 1245 has a timing belt).

You don´t need a truck for this machine.

Edited October 9, 2017 by Constabulary

[SheltathaLore]

Good catch - I hadn't compared it in detail to a picture of a new one.  I'd definitely test it before buying, for sure.

Well... it's either rent something, or try to cram it into my Honda Civic, which would probably be hilariously unsuccessful.  And at that point I might as well rent something that lets me get it home without breaking it down. 

[Constabulary]

ha - okay - civic is a quite useless car for transporting something  bigger than a beer crate - check out a Mazda 6 station wagon - you get 2 sewing machines in it    

You still could disassemble the stand - not a too big deal - then even the civic can haul 2 machines

[Hockeymender]

I would want to confirm that it is indeed a Pfaff. From those pictures I'm not so sure. 

[dikman]

From what I can tell, comparing photos on the 'net, it appears to be a 1245 -6/01, although the stitch length adjuster looks different (may have been repaired?). I couldn't figure out why it didn't say Pfaff anywhere, but it looks like they've stuck the light and a label over the name (??). The motor also matches some I've seen on similar 1245 photos.

As for moving it, I have a Subaru XV (Crosstrail in the US, I think) and by folding the rear seats flat and dismantling the machines I've got all of mine home that way. Lift the head unit off, remove motor from table, unbolt legs and dismantle etc - easy. At face value looks pretty good for $600.

Edited October 9, 2017 by dikman

[Uwe]

I'm normally a Pfaff fan, but I'm getting bad vibes from that CL ad. To me it looks like it's been driven hard by uncaring people, and then suffered a botched paint job. It ranks on my desirable-o-meter scale right up there with a once-fabulous 80's BMW that now has a body by Bondo®, a window held up with duct tape, and a spray can paint job.

It may also just be a clone, not a genuine Pfaff, like Joe suggested.  $600 for a serviceable genuine Pfaff is okay, but $600 for a worn-out clone is too much. 

It may look better in person, but normally it's the other way around. 

For the archive:

Edited October 10, 2017 by Uwe

[mikesc]

Ditto with Uwe..Table and bed has seen a lot of use, and there are a lot of rolls of what might be plastic tarps and banner and maybe sail or vinyl material under those tables..worked hard, many "cliks" of cloth sewn, and it maybe a clone.

Edited October 10, 2017 by mikesc

[SheltathaLore]

Checked with the seller, and they sent me pictures of the badge - assuming the badge isn't a lie, it is actually a Pfaff.  That said, given the wear, I think that I will nope out on the three hour drive.  It's just a pity there are no decent used machines available locally, even in the industrial shops.  I'm not quite ready to dump $1300-$1500 into a new machine just yet.

[brmax]

Thanks for posting the photos, the discussion sheds some light on used machines and their conditions.  With all that aside I thought it was good to mention that, that particular model in bare bones sales I seen on sale! at 1,995.US and most important Im not sure if the present new machine is a clone, so could be a bit different.

In respect I get a grin with; This 3hr travel, to me sounds a breeze. I have not been that lucky rather to another State in travel with all but one and a 4hr minimum one way. Sometimes this is the best option and in taking a break!

Have a Good day

Floyd