Pfaff 145 h3 reverse stitch length shorter than forward

[Constabulary]

I remember is this video. Especially check from 9:50 min onward. Maybe you can check on your 145 if you have the same issue cause the stitch length lever seem to be the same on the industrial Pfaffs. Just a guess.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wtT7QejY2eQ

 

 

Edited February 3, 2022 by Constabulary

[ThomasBH]

18 hours ago, Constabulary said:

I remember is this video. Especially check from 9:50 min onward. Maybe you can check on your 145 if you have the same issue cause the stitch length lever seem to be the same on the industrial Pfaffs. Just a guess.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wtT7QejY2eQ

 

 

Thank you so much! This completely solved my issue, it ends up the previous owner had placed that tapered nut upside-down on the reverse lever! Such a simple solution after pouring what seemed like 5+ hours of punching holes in paper!

For reference for anyone with this same issue, the attached photo shows the nut in the correct orientation. 
 

still a little fine tuning to do with the eccentric to get it perfect, but it is already almost perfect even ten stitches backwards no matter the stitch length. 
 

Thanks for everyone’s help!

[Constabulary]

Ha - excellent! Glad you solved this.

[ThomasBH]

After much more fiddling I now think that I'm just chasing my tail. Every non-eccentric screw adjustment seems to affect the relationship between the forward and reverse stitch...the foot height adjustment wingnut and stitch length all seem to affect this in a large way. So if I adjust the eccentric screw to have forward and reverse perfectly match for a stitch length of "2", it will be off within just a couple of stitches if I adjust the foot height wingnut or the stitch length.

Is this normal? Do other non-Pfaff machines do this?

[Michiel]

In the service manual there is always an order in which you should do all the adjustments (and sometimes the advise doing an previous adjusment again)

i think it is best to check all the adjustments in the right order before doing the adjustment which is obvious neccesary 

(but i have to admit i am usualy not very concerned about being revers and forward exact the same since i hardly notice small differences if i  just make two or three stirches back and forward)

[ThomasBH]

Thanks Michiel. Unfortunately I have not been able to located a service manual for the 145. Does anyone know where I can download one?

[Johnny]

Thomas

This is as close to a service manual that I have found, not sure where I got it from.

I have used it many times to keep mine running smooth.

Johnny

PFAFF 145-545 Setup.pdf

Edited February 8, 2022 by Johnny

[ThomasBH]

2 hours ago, Johnny said:

Thomas

This is as close to a service manual that I have found, not sure where I got it from.

I have used it many times to keep mine running smooth.

Johnny

PFAFF 145-545 Setup.pdf 816.77 kB · 3 downloads

Thank you very much Johnny.

Reading point 9.2 it mentions the needle bar should not strike the raised foot. My outer foot does strike the needle bar when raised in this situation. Should I attempt to raise the needle bar? I think this will cause issues with the hook timing unless I had a longer needle. I'm using 134-35 needles, but this machine also came with a lot of 135-17. Also, the only foot it came with is a welting foot and it appears to be after market, which is why it may be striking the bar.

[Johnny]

Thomas

What is the complete number of your machine located on the brass tag (mine is 145-P-6/1-216C H4LMN)?

I would get a regular set of pressor feet, eBay has several sets at a reasonable price.

Start with a new Needle (just to make sure the current one is not bent), I believe your machine should use the 134-35 Needles.
Section 3, setting up your Needle Rise height, 3.2.6 the hook point should be just past the center line of the Needle this is important for the other adjustments.
Section 4, check your Needle Bar height and adjust if required.
Section 5, Needle to Hook distance, this one takes some patience to get just right.
Section 6, Needle Guard easy one but important.
Now would be a good time to check the alternating foot, foot motion, feed dog.

Check to see if the machine sews good in forward.

Now go back and adjust as above for your forward/reverse stitch length.

Send me a PM I have a parts manual but its to big to attach here.

Johnny

[ThomasBH]

Johnny, thank you for the help!

My machine is a 145 H3 6/01.

My needle is definitely new, I'm using the 134-35. I have also ordered a variety of feet (binding, regular and zipper) but alas, they are taking weeks to arrive.

I'm definitely going to be trying all of the sections you mentioned, however it is very "dense" filled with jargon I'll have to look up, so it will take me a while. Even 'hook point' or 'centerline of the needle' are confusing to me. I will keep reading and look some of these terms up.

I will send you a PM for the manual.