Joe, that machine does not have the embroidery unit installed, so is a ss/zz only. It could be the stopmatic, but it could also be a $50-$75 internal belt. Or another issue. If it were a CL machine, it would be well worth the effort and time to see what's wrong with it. I would consider such a machine a gamble buying it via GW and wouldn't pay more than I would for a parts machine. And keep in mind Pfaffs usually go somewhat high (non-working) simply for the parts. And I sure wouldn't pay to ship a parts machine that weighs 45 lbs. It's a nice looking machine though, but I bet it sells for at least $50-$75....or more. Those dang belts!

I should also add, that they are prone to having locked up dials (stitch width) etc. and can also be prone to being stuck into a zigzag or slight zigzag. I've purchased 4 vintage Pfaffs and 3 of them had needed intense rehab. and a lot of cash thrown at them. I love them and they were worth the time and effort but that's something to think about.

Candace,

Thanks a bunch for the Pfaff education. I think we'll pass on this one. I don't mind trying something new and different, but right now I don't want any more expensive rehab projects.

Joe

Maybe put an ad on CL? "Looking for a vintage/old Pfaff sewing machine." I know you've said there aren't many vintage machines in your area, but a posting might drive some out of the woodwork and the pluses would be you can see it in person and avoid the whole shipping issues.

pfaff 230
 

My mother bought a 230 in Germany in 1952 for $175. This machine will sew anything!!!!We have done upholery, we have made coats we have made ballet costumes and it will do leather (sew slow and have a leather needle). It will drop the feed dogs and zigzag. If you have the cams (they are under thre retangular opening on top of the machine). If you need the manuals I can get them from my mother's house. My mother is now in a dementia facility and no longer can sew. Until I bought my own Pfaff 10 years ago, my name was on that machine. They only time this machine has been worked on was about two years ago and it was taken to a pfaff dealer who told mother it was unrepairable. She brought it to me at Christmas and I took it to my repair guy and he called to ask who had worked on it, when I told him he laughed.....The wonderful pfaff dealer took the motor off and wired it backwards when it put it back on......Able charged me $20....It took him longer to find out what the doofus had done than to fix it. It didn't even need cleaning....I learned to sew on this machine.....It is a keeper!!! If you decide you want to sell it or get rid of it...I want first dibs!!!! I'll even drive to Illinois to get it. Let me know how it goes.

Nona,

We have been outbid on it and it's looks as if the high bidder is real serious about winning. Maybe next time.

Joe

I was going to say the same. I have 3 pfaff 130's. One is a treadle, one has the "coffee grinder" attachment, and last but certainly not least was my grandmother's 130 that I learned to sew on. Love my pfaff 130.(s)

Joe, I have an old Pfaff out in my sewing room that sews; and was reported to be a quilter's dream when I bought it. I have an offer to put on your table for later on; not now during the Christmas season. I know we have tried the PM thing in the past on this forum, but I am such an idiot on this computer (all I can do is type, can't work my way from one function to another); if you are interested let me know, and I'll go out and figure out what model Pfaff it is and get back to you. Today, though, the handsome one and I are heading out on an extended Christmas shopping trip.....

JoAnn,

This forum's format is a bit more complicated than others, but it's not that hard.

To send a PM:
1> Click on the persons name in the aqua blue text at the upper left corner of their post box. A box will appear.
2> Second one down on the left says "Private Message". Click on that, it will go directly to the PM page for that person.
3> Put in a title, then compose the message.
4> When finished, click on "Submit Message" in the blue box on the bottom of the PM box. ( Look down 2" and to the right.)
5> Once the message has sent, scroll down to the bottom of the page to the little box with forum destination choices.
( Quick Navigation Private Messages Top ) It has a little black arrow < on the left side. Click on that. An options box will appear.
6> Click on "For Vintage & Antique Machine Enthusiasts" and you'll come right back to the forum.

See, not too hard.

About the Pfaff. I'll tell my wife about it and let you know what her decision is.

Joe

I hear good things about the Pfaff 230 and I hear things like what is above. It's a decent machine, but fussy.

I have a Pfaff 130. A super machine, even though he is on my meching bench now because I tried to do bobbin work with him and he didn't like it. Should be a quick fix. Pfaffs, especially of that era, are very intolerant of any stray thread or lint in the bobbin area. And they are fussy. But once you understand their idiosyncrasies, they are great machines. (That said, they are so fussy that I would not buy another.)

If you are mechanically inclined and patient, and bearing in mind the warnings above especially about parts and the belt, go for it! Pfaff destroyed all extra parts some time ago and parts are very difficult and expensive to find.

Cricket

You are hesitating to pay $37 for that machine? It is most likely worth two or three hundred - at least in this part of the country!

There could be any number of things going on so that the needle doesn't go up and down. It could be frozen. That is not a problem for an experienced sewing machine mechanic. We see that all the time. Following instructions, you might be able to do the work yourself. (Hint: NO WD40! NO 3 in 1 oil!!! Nothing but sewing machine oil and grease or Tri-flow oil and grease on any sewing machine. Tri-flow is superior. Try Tri-flow oil and a blow dryer.)

Cricket