Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Pfaff 145

This is a refurbished Pfaff 145 H3 walking foot machine. This Pfaff was repainted before I got it, but it was in need of extensive mechanical work.

The timing was 90 or more degrees off and the hook was worn to a nub. I replaced the hook assembly, and adjusted the timing and all parameters to factory specs.


The Pfaff 145 H3 is a very popular upholstery machine. You won't find anything better than a properly adjusted mechanically sound Pfaff 145.

The newer Pfaff 545 has a bigger bobbin and the current model 1245 is basically the same mechanically.

If you find one make sure it has been gone-over and checked for wear and excessive play, and make sure the hook is still good and timed correctly.

The Pfaff 145 won't let you down, it will sew through numerous layers of leather as well as vinyl or just about anything you through at it.

This wonderful Pfaff 145 now works on any number of items made by Jack Knife Outfitters.

BTW - I got the servo motor for this machine from Nick-O-Sew. NKS-5500.



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22 comments:

  1. I just picked one of these up from Ed raichert in Phoenix. Came with a crap table and switched it all over to my singer table which looks just like your green table. That was a task since my singer 281 head was rockin' a 3500 rpm motor. All is rippin' along fine now and I've got much more control with the 1750 clutch motor than I thought I would. Ended up jamming the bobbin and while searching for some answers I came across your blog.

    If you know anyone interested in a Singer 281-1 with everything....table (kind of junky), light, bobbin winder, 3500 rpm motor with a small pulley wheel, I'm looking to make some garage space. It's in great shape.

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  2. After watching your video and another video I got my machine running great. Then today I ended up jamming a thread or two under the hook assembly. I'm using v92 thread so things are not coming out. How in the world do you remove the hook assembly from the 145? I tried to lightly pry it upwards with a screwdriver, but I was afraid I'd break something if I forced it.

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  3. I was going to shoot some photos and show you how to remove the hook, but someone bought the machine before I could do it. Have you figured it out yet? Let me know if you are still having problems and I'll try to explain it how to do it...

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  4. My 145 has been the biggest pain in the butt. I ended up taking it all apart to attempt to get the bobbin gear out so I could tap it for metric allen set screws but the gear is made of hardened steel so it ruined my tap. I went back to the trashed set screws since the new screws I ordered off ebay broke when I tightened them. I finally got them tight enough to where it hasn't gone out of time but I'm sure as soon as I jam some threads up or something it will get knocked out again. The safety clutch has yet to disengage to save me from this issue.

    I'm not sure if getting a servo motor would save me from some of these issues. I've done all the tricks to get it to be controllable by extending the length of the clutch arm and installing a stop bolt with foam padding underneath. So I can run the thing really slow, but every now and then.....bang!...it goes out of timing. I think this machine was destined for me as I'm a better tinkerer/mechanic than I am sewer.

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  5. Retired Army Rigger of 30 years, Have had a Pfaff 145 with no issues until I let a friend use it. Now I cannot for the life of me get it going correctly. Everything seems to be in order except leaving large loops on the underside of material as if the tension is off. But everything seems to be right on the top side. Could this be a timing issue that I am missing? I don't have a manual for it. I have always just kept it clean and oiled.

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  7. Thanks for the manual....figured out the problem. I had installed a new feed throat plate and the bobbin case opening hook was not allowing top thread free movement which in return didn't allow top tension to pull bottom loop tension after making the knot. Took my Dremel tool and beveled the new feed throat plate and everything is back like it used to be. One has to compare aftermarket Japanese parts with original German as they are off a little and need a little tooling. Thanks again.

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  8. Nice blog! I have the next generation version of this, a Pfaff 545 head and motor, but without a table. Any tips on finding a table? I am also in the SF Bay Area.

    Also, I am planning on trying to get it running on my own - it has been sitting for 10 years. It turns over, and I've oiled it, but i'm wondering if I should do more, like disassembling and cleaning with solvent. What do you do when you restore machines?

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    Replies
    1. Tables are sometimes hard to find - if you are looking for a used one - craigslist - you can get a new one from Nick-O Sewing Machine Co. in Tennessee - his prices are reasonable. I've ordered table tops and legs with casters.

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    2. Oh yes, solvents. I use penetrating oil in a spray can - after spraying the machine's insides thoroughly I use a heat gun set on low to help the penetrating oil loosen up everything. Be patient do not force anything. If you are going to use a hair dryer go ahead and set it on high. I use one of those paint stripping heat guns - they'll burn wood on high - be careful with what ever heat source you use. Let me know how it goes and feel free to ask questions if you run into problems - I love helping other tinkerers...

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  9. Thanks! I'll try your suggestions. I am currently working on a Pfaff 360. Hopefully I can get it working well, and then start on the 545. I noticed that you also just fixed a 260. I completely took apart the whole 360 zig zag mechanism that was totally frozen. I have it all back together and everything works, but the stitches aren't very nice. No dropped stitches, but slightly loose on both sides and slight wavering of the stitches. Any ideas? The hook to needle gap is .3-.4mm, so I thought that might be a problem (but can't get the keyed washers!).

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    1. Those are a nightmare - do you have the service manual? I prefer not to take them apart and just use my solvent/heat method. The 260 I had was working, but the embroidery mechanism was frozen. After spraying and heating she came back to life. NO DISASSEMBLY. A while back I had a 332 that had to be sold for parts because I couldn't get it back to working after disassembly. They're like Humpty Dumpty...

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    2. I wish I had tried your method first... I hope I can get my 360 working again. Any leads on 545 user and service manuals?

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    3. I have used the Pfaff 1245 manuals which can be downloaded from Pfaff - 145 all the way to 1245 are pretty much the same internally. Pretty close at least.

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    4. Thanks! I'll try that...

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  10. Hi,

    I just wanted to let you know that YOU MADE MY DAY!! :-)

    I recently bought that Pfaff 360, it looked like new but it had not been used for a long time. The Zig-Ziag mechanism, as well as the embroidery system were gummed, the dials were quite hard to turn. Since it looks like a clockwork inside, I was quite reticent to disassemble it... Then I stumbled upon your blog, and followed your advice : a few drops of WD40, patience, and a hair dryer were enough to get the little machine back to life. ;-)
    It took me a couple of hours, as the mechanisms had a tendency to re-gumm after the metal cooled down, so I had to reiterate the whole process.
    But then, oh boy, it felt like Christmas, this machine is so smooth, and quite powerful compared to its limited size! I love it!

    Thank you sooooo much! :-)

    Regards from France,
    Sham / Jim

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    1. Sham,

      I share your joy. I have experienced the feeling of elation and satisfaction after bringing a classic sewing machine back to life. Thank you for sharing your success...

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  11. Hi
    I am trying to get a Pfaff 145 H3 working as its timing seems to be out.
    How do I get the Timing Right?.

    John H

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    1. Hi John,
      I used the Pfaff 1245 service manual - I believe you can download free from Pfaff website. If you can't get the Pfaff 145 service manual the 1245 manual will give you enough info to take care of the 145.

      Goes to show how good the 145 is that the 1245 is so similar...

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  12. Could you tell us what servo motor you used on this machine? While I appreciate that the very smooth operation you got on it comes mostly from your good work on the head, the drive motor you are using must be working well too. Which one?

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    Replies
    1. I get my servo motors from Nick-O-Sew. NKS-5500.

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    2. I have just been given a 145 Phaff, just had it serviced and timed by a shop. Since this Friday, have spent over 12 hours trying to get it to sew. It will not hold the timing, set it by loosing the gears under the hook, retight and sometimes picks up the thread, try to sew, get only 6 stitches and then looses the bobbin. I am exhausted trying to set the timing, get the needle position set and the needle. Really need some help, have jobs pending. HELP Please, I have the 145 manual that does not offer much help!!

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