Pfaff bobbin problem

Thread Tools
 
Old 05-07-2013, 04:24 PM
  #1  
Super Member
Thread Starter
 
oldtnquiltinglady's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Lafayette, TN
Posts: 1,204
Default Pfaff bobbin problem

I hope someone can tell me how to get the bobbin case out of a Pfaff 260 that I recently sold without doing the proper check-out before sale thing. I thought the machine was in tip top shape, but I guess I though wrong. The buyer checked out the machine yesterday, took the bobbin case out, changed the bobbin, and put in back in. No problem. It sewed fine.

Today, I was checking out the machine to do some sewing for a do-good project she is involved in; took the bobbin case out, changed the bobbin, put it back in; nuthin'......tried to take the bobbin case out to check out the problem; nuthin' doin'.......stuck fast. We both tried and tried and tried. Finally, looked at the book that came with the machine--this one is a 260, and the book is for a 262 and 263. I never even noticed that the whole time I had the machine. Normally, I don't have to refer back to one for something as simple as threading and filling the bobbin, and especially removing the bobbin case.

Now who can help me? I have a whole week to try to figure this out. This is a wonderful machine, and is supposed to be superior for FMQ. It is nice and quiet, and isn't completely worn out--even though it is pretty old, my guess being sometime from the early 60s.

Please, please, please. I did finally find some TriFlow oil, so I can at least take that with me if I need to when I go back to try it out again.
oldtnquiltinglady is offline  
Old 05-07-2013, 07:22 PM
  #2  
Senior Member
 
Born2Sew's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: North Central Texas
Posts: 656
Default

I fear I don't know much about that model. However, there is a wonderful group at yahoo who could offer their expertise. It's called Old Pfaff forum. Good luck!
Born2Sew is offline  
Old 05-07-2013, 08:03 PM
  #3  
Junior Member
 
QuiltnMyra's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Southern NSW Australia
Posts: 219
Default

Quilting Lady, it sounds to me like a timing problem and may need a visit to the machine doctor to fix it. I have a Pfaff 260 and a Pfaff Quilt Expression and any time I have had any problems of this kind, it has been timing out of sinc. Beautiful machines and I love mine dearly.
QuiltnMyra is offline  
Old 05-08-2013, 02:44 AM
  #4  
Super Member
 
Mitch's mom's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: TN
Posts: 1,443
Default

Will the machine move or is it stuck and won't move by turning the hand wheel? Remove the needle from the machine. Try moving the hand wheel toward you, don't force it, and see if there is some movement in the bobbin case. If there is a bit of movement pull up the latch on the case so you have something to hold on to, then move the hand wheel while pulling the case straight out. You may have to move the hand wheel back and forth a couple times but it will eventually let go.
Mitch's mom is offline  
Old 05-08-2013, 03:49 AM
  #5  
Super Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: West Texas
Posts: 2,073
Default

The only time I have had this type of problem with my Pfaff 130 is when a thread has gotten stuck in the bobbin area. Mitch's mom has given good advice.
Daylesewblessed is offline  
Old 05-08-2013, 03:36 PM
  #6  
Super Member
Thread Starter
 
oldtnquiltinglady's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Lafayette, TN
Posts: 1,204
Default

Thanks, y'all. I am going to print your answers off and take them with me when I try again.
oldtnquiltinglady is offline  
Old 05-09-2013, 01:58 PM
  #7  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: New England
Posts: 865
Default

Originally Posted by Mitch's mom View Post
Will the machine move or is it stuck and won't move by turning the hand wheel? Remove the needle from the machine. Try moving the hand wheel toward you, don't force it, and see if there is some movement in the bobbin case. If there is a bit of movement pull up the latch on the case so you have something to hold on to, then move the hand wheel while pulling the case straight out. You may have to move the hand wheel back and forth a couple times but it will eventually let go.
Good advice. Most Pfaffs, especially those early Pfaffs, can get the smallest bit of thread or lint in them, so small you can barely see it, and - ka boom! - no more sewing. In fact, I have one on my bench like that right now. Get out your magnifying glass and your best tweezers and see what you can find. You are looking for a very small piece. You probably have to take the needle plate off, and if all else fails, the feed dogs as well.

Don't think of blowing air in it, as that drives dirt deeper, but you could vacuum the area.

I do NOT think it is a timing issue. It sewed fine before and that indicates the timing is fine. (I don't know everything but I am a certified sewing machine mechanic and I work on many machines. Timing is almost never the problem.) Are you using the correct needle for both the machine and the thread and fabric?

Oh, don't ever use your Pfaff for bobbin work, where you put specialty thread in the bobbin. Ask me how I know!

You can find more information on a yahoo group called oldpfaffforum. You need to join it. They might have a manual. Look in the files.

Your Pfaff is worth the effort, IMHO. I have a Pfaff 130 in pristine condition and it free motion quilts very well.

Last edited by cricket_iscute; 05-09-2013 at 02:07 PM.
cricket_iscute is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Josie52
Main
5
01-24-2016 09:26 AM
gneebee
Main
26
06-30-2013 05:53 AM
MathTeacher1980
Main
16
05-09-2013 11:37 AM
EvelynAnita
For Vintage & Antique Machine Enthusiasts
9
09-16-2012 07:48 AM
lovinquilting
Main
68
10-22-2010 12:56 PM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off



FREE Quilting Newsletter