Pfaff 230
 

Can somebody(s) give me the low down on the Pfaff 230 machines?

Joe

Sorry, not me Joe.
I have a really old hand crank Pfaff model B, and two newer Pfaffs. Not familiar with the 230.

let me know if you want input on a 130!

No input on the 230 (though I know a couple of people here have them - is it the Automatic version?) but I'm interested in feedback on the 130, makitamama.

Nancy (BoJangles) has this model I think. What do you want to know? I own like 4 or 5 Pfaffs.

What do I want to know?

Well:

About when was the model made?
Is it a ZZ or SS?
Metal or plastic gears?
Built in cam stack or removeable cams?

That kind of thing.

Joe

OK. I got my 130s to handle heavy stuff. It is a ZZ machine, very straightforward and robust. Vertical loading, specialty bobbin that resembles a 66 but is not. I just finished a messenger bag out of waxed canvas(both Australian and US army tarp), calfskin, and deer hide. If it fit under the presser foot, the machine could handle it although of course I sewed slowly. I used #92 nylon thread top and bottom, with various needles 14-20. So imagine- two layers of leather, 3 layers of tarp, topstitched!
One thing- this machine does have a left mounted needle. It has a doublewide cleated belt, and if you see a machine without it, don't buy the machine. There is an add-on embroidery module for the 130.
I saw it open and it is all metal. Sorry I don't know about the cams- Ms Boats, any input??

let me know and I will pull it down, make a video, and post it for you.

makitmama,

Got your PM and responded.

That's a lot of heavy stuff to sew threw.

Joe

All metal. The embroidery unit/cam stack is built in if it has the embroidery unit installed. There are no external cams. It does multiple stitches if it's operating correctly with the embroidery unit. They are not easy machines to work on and the parts cost an arm and a leg. If you are looking at purchasing one, make sure all components and necessary attachments like cords and controls are with the machine and that it is stitching all the embroidery stitches correctly. The embroidery unit is not fun to repair or remove and put back in. Belts alone will set you back $50-$75 each. Vintage Vikings and Pfaffs are some of the hardest machines to repair and there are very few people that will even touch them. I have about 15 hours of work into each of my Pfaffs and a good percentage of repair shops will not even look at your machine because the time necessary and parts cost too much.

If it doesn't have the embroidery unit, it's just a zigzag and straight stitch. You can tell by looking at the photo of one if it has the embroidery unit installed or not.

Candace,

Thanks for the info.

Now I have another question. The pic of the one we're looking at does not show the swing cover on the top over the controls, but the logo Pfaff 230 is clearly visible.
But the photo in the owners manual I downloaded does show the raised cover. Is there two versions of the 230 or does this machine have a different top cover to it?
Also the add says the motor runs, but the needle didn't move up and down. Knowing GW as I do the stop motion knob is probably not tight, but is there any other reason for this that might be a cause to back away from it?

Here's the GW add we're watching:
http://www.shopgoodwill.com/viewItem...temID=11998761

Joe