Pfaff 138, general info wanted

[BaroqueLeatherGal]

Hey everyone,

I just picked up a really nice Pfaff 138 machine and I was wondering what its limitations are? I was curious if I could sew lighter weight leather with it or is it only for fabric? I've been told different things from different people. So, at this point Im confused?? I am debating putting it up for sale if I cant use it for leather at all(which is why I bought it, and stupid for not posting this before I purchased it *facepalm*). Any suggestions or comments are appreciated. I just want to learn more about it, and decide if Im going to keep it or not. Its a great machine and in amazing condition! 

 

Thanks!

[Uwe]

It'll sew lighter weight leather just fine:

 

Here's the Pfaff 138 User Manual (Pfaff138_9-86.pdf) and the Pfaff 138 Service/Adjustment manual (Adjustment Pfaff 138.pdf) 

Edited August 23, 2018 by Uwe

[ZigZag]

Hi, I have the Pfaff 238, which is essentially the same machine in a different casing. It is a brilliant machine and certainly tough enough to go through leather. I have done sone work on upcycling motorcycle leather with it (3.5 to 4 mm total thickness) and it has worked really well. If using the zig zag settings don’t use a leather needle as the diamond shape hole isn’t suitable.

i have changed over to a servo motor which has made a huge difference to the usability.

Enjoy

Nick

[BaroqueLeatherGal]

10 hours ago, Uwe said:

It'll sew lighter weight leather just fine:

 

Here's the Pfaff 138 User Manual (Pfaff138_9-86.pdf) and the Pfaff 138 Service/Adjustment manual (Adjustment Pfaff 138.pdf) 

Thank you

6 hours ago, ZigZag said:

Hi, I have the Pfaff 238, which is essentially the same machine in a different casing. It is a brilliant machine and certainly tough enough to go through leather. I have done sone work on upcycling motorcycle leather with it (3.5 to 4 mm total thickness) and it has worked really well. If using the zig zag settings don’t use a leather needle as the diamond shape hole isn’t suitable.

i have changed over to a servo motor which has made a huge difference to the usability.

Enjoy

Nick

What needle and thread size are you using to do that?

[ZigZag]

Needle size 19 with V92 top & bottom.

[BaroqueLeatherGal]

On 8/24/2018 at 4:19 PM, ZigZag said:

Needle size 19 with V92 top & bottom.

thank you, ill give that a try

[BaroqueLeatherGal]

On 8/24/2018 at 4:19 PM, ZigZag said:

Needle size 19 with V92 top & bottom.

Ok, where do you buy the needles from? Which system...all very confusing to me. 

[Wizcrafts]

2 hours ago, BaroqueLeatherGal said:

Ok, where do you buy the needles from? Which system...all very confusing to me. 

First, find out if your Pfaff machine is using "System 134-35" (longer), or"System 134" needles (shorter), or something else. If you're unsure, remove the needle that came with it and measure it. Let us know, or post a picture of the needle next to an accurate ruler, or inside opened calipers. Then contact any industrial sewing machines dealer and order packs of 10 in each size you may need.

I buy most of my needles from dealers who advertise via banners on top of our pages. If they don't have what I want, I then go to eBay.

[Wizcrafts]

Maybe this Pfaff 138 manual will help.