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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!
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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.
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Nancy (BoJangles) has this model I think. What do you want to know? I own like 4 or 5 Pfaffs.
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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 |
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.
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pfaff 230
Originally Posted by J Miller
(Post 5698462)
Can somebody(s) give me the low down on the Pfaff 230 machines?
Joe |
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 |
Originally Posted by makitmama
(Post 5698568)
let me know if you want input on a 130!
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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.....
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Originally Posted by oldtnquiltinglady
(Post 5701936)
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.....
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 |
I have a Pfaff 130 -- my main machine, and I do a lot of fleece for Project Linus. It is not fussy at all.
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Originally Posted by cricket_iscute
(Post 5702549)
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 Your own comments following the cautions of the other posters before you should be a clue why I don't want to deal with it. Joe |
Originally Posted by Daylesewblessed
(Post 5703680)
I have a Pfaff 130 -- my main machine, and I do a lot of fleece for Project Linus. It is not fussy at all.
Joe |
Joe,
Project Linus is an charitable organization that makes and distributes homemade blankets to children who are ill or in a trauma situation. There are chapters in many communities. See projectlinus.org for more information. Dayle |
Dayle,
Thanks, I'll check it out. Joe |
Ditto Joe, you should bid on it Cricket, if they're so easy to fix and worth so much in your area;>
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Originally Posted by pinkCastleDH
(Post 5698577)
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.
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It's Baaaaaccccckkkkk
http://www.shopgoodwill.com/viewItem...temID=12141962 According to the text: "Additional Information Added 12/26/2012 6:06:55 AM Item re-listed due to non payment." LOL, I wonder why the high bidder didn't remit payment? You think maybe she / he is a member here and read this thread and got scared away???? Joe |
Maybe. Or maybe they hadn't figured out the actual shipping costs. Yikes.
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