Man!! Good videos. I hate to see you quit making them. I really got a lot out of it. Thanks !! My grandmother was a professional seamstress and always had an industrial machine at home while I was growing up. Her and my grandfather would buy good used machines and tune them up (he worked on Brown and Sharpe spring winders for years, very similar to the intricacies of a sewing machine from what they told me). When he passed in 17’ my grandmother asked if I wanted her industrial machine and “heavy” materials/supplies. Of course being young I had no use and she sold it cheap. It was a Pfaff 145. Now, I find myself into areas of interest (skydiving, scuba, tactical things) that are heavily saturated in 1000D +- Nylon. Maybe do some rigging someday Etc…. I wanted a machine!! Just bought a 145 H4. I researched and knew what machine I wanted but unfortunately, not how to tell if one was in good shape. I think I paid too much for what I got ($650) and it’s pretty used. Good clutch motor and most of the parts are present (I think) but the table is pretty useless and the machine is filthy with a lot of mileage. It’s missing the “thumb” screw on top that adjusts the foot pressure and maybe whatever is inside below the screw. Still has a good amt of pressure and sews pretty good but I just don’t know what’s missing and how important it is. Has an issue breaking thread in reverse if you go too fast. If you read this and have a minute to answer, I would love some direction on where you find best to buy parts (I’m ok with buying good quality) and I need a manual (most detailed I can get). If you don’t have time to reply, the videos you posted were more than helpful and I wanted to say…thank you. Best wishes-Chris
Well due to your guidelines I picked up a pfaff 145 h4 it has been sitting for 10 years I'm looking for a video on how to break it down clean it and tune it up so to speak
Are you still doing this? I have a used 145-H4 that I bought for my wife several years ago and she has never used it. Now, I want to use it to reupholster some chairs in leather. The machine was owned first by a lady who did shoe and clothing repair and then I bought it from a man who made leather stuff for his daughter who was in horse riding competition. My point is it has always been used for leather. I have never sewn anything on any sewing machine and I know nothing about maintaining this machine. However, I know I can do light maintenance on this machine. So, please tell me you have made some videos on setting tension, cleaning the machine, changing bobbins, etc. so I am not learning from absolute scratch.
Hey brother can you make a video on how to adjust tension on this machine the 145 h4 , i recently got this machine and ive been having problems with the tension , it bunches up
Thanks for all the Great Advice and Information videos on Industrial Sewing Machines!!! I own an Adler 67 and 167; I have noticed how similar they are to the Pfaff 145 and 545. I am guessing that many of the parts are interchangeable. I am wondering if you can make the Adler 67 & Pfaff 145 hold the larger bobbin with changing out the whole hook assembly?
Unfortunately I don't believe this is possible. Because the 167/545/etc. have larger bobbins, with a larger diameter, the centerpoint of the hook is further away from the needle. Since the hook runs off of a gear on the lower shaft the entire gear cluster, housing and shafter would have to be moved further to the right to accommodate the increased hook/bobbin size.
Hi thesergent, You showed a couple of times that the lift on the foot can be adjusted but the how (the control) was off screen. Can you tell me how you did that? TIA
Behind the machine there is a linkage bar with a large wingnut. You can loosen that wingnut a turn or two and slide it up and down. Up=more foot lift, down=less. Hope that helped!
It's a 'compound feed' also called a 'unison feed' walking foot machine, in that the inner foot, needle and feed dogs clamp the material and pull it back, while the outside foot clamps the material down. It is a 'needle feed' in that the needle moves to assist the transport of the fabric but it's much more. This is a heavy duty machine designed for leather, upholstery and other heavy tasks, it can't be set up to handle silk. You'd want a standard lockstitch bottom feed machine for that.
Great video. I just got one of these, needs a little love, but I got it working. I doesn't like going backwards, is that a different timing adjustment?
I just acquired one of these machines from a relative that passed. The numbers on it are H4LMNP 145-6/1-2160. What do these go for since i will be selling it. Thanks
You haven't released any videos in a year... I'd like to contact you with a question regarding the attachment. I checked your ABOUT tab - no info. Thanks.
The drop down guide is a Kwok Hing Pfaff 1245 Guide. I ordered direct but i believe you can purchass similar units in ebay. You will need to drill and tap your machine for threads to install it.
I noticed you don't have a drip tray under the machine. I am getting ready to buy a Pfaff 145-H4 and the seller is recommending a drip pan. I'm sure it's to catch extra oil but how important is it?
thesergeant as far as creating a table. Do you have a source for a good DIY or something of that nature on how to mount an industrial machine to a table to ensure a flush surface and stable table?
The absolute max thread thickness on this machine is 207 up top and 138 in the bobbin. T90 and T138 thread work best in the machine but if you need to go up to 207 you'll need a much larger needle and will have to adjust the upper tension. Goodluck.
Hi.I just found a Pfaff 145-p-6c-H4lmn, w/no instruction booklet. Where and how are you raising and dropping the walking feet height? I'm new to this. Thanks
There's a wingnut on the back of the machine that you loosen. When the wingnut is in the top position the alternating foot height is the greatest. At the bottom the 'walking foot action' is the smallest. Goodluck and enjoy your new machine. I suggest googling "Pfaff 145 Manual" as well. Plenty of info in there.
I am looking for a machine for me to sew leather gloves for me for the pilots and use it from the cold in the winter and leather clothing machines and leather gloves for clothing as well.
good afternoon..... I was sewing on my 145 pfaff.... and in mid seam the large foot just stopped on the dog feed.... it lifts up with the knee and manual lift.... any help will be greatly appreciated
theres a bolt in the back with a wing nut used to set the height of the walking action. I suspect yours slipped and is in the bottom position. Take a look. If it is, loosen and raise to halfway for general work and tighten down. Hope that helps
Is it wobbling side to side or up and down? If it's wobbling side to side it's probably because the wheel isn't seated fully on the shaft. Remove the drive belt. There will be two holes that lead to set screws. Loosen the set screws and then tighten the screw on the right side, center, of the handwheel, then retighten the set screws . If it's wobbling up and down there isn't anything you can do. Some will have a visual wobble but you won't feel it. If you don't feel it I wouldn't worry about it.
Abigail Barrietua If the machine was dropped it's possible that the upper drive shaft was bench. Is there any physical damage on the handwheel? Even just a small knick or dent? The shaft can be replaced, but the part is going to be expensive if you are lucky enough to find it. The part is called the "ARM SHAFT" the part number is: 91-010 002-05 . Google it, call around, etc. changing that part is a major repair though. I have no idea what someone would charge for that, but it won't be cheap. Goodluck!
Man!! Good videos. I hate to see you quit making them. I really got a lot out of it. Thanks !!
My grandmother was a professional seamstress and always had an industrial machine at home while I was growing up. Her and my grandfather would buy good used machines and tune them up (he worked on Brown and Sharpe spring winders for years, very similar to the intricacies of a sewing machine from what they told me). When he passed in 17’ my grandmother asked if I wanted her industrial machine and “heavy” materials/supplies. Of course being young I had no use and she sold it cheap. It was a Pfaff 145. Now, I find myself into areas of interest (skydiving, scuba, tactical things) that are heavily saturated in 1000D +- Nylon. Maybe do some rigging someday Etc…. I wanted a machine!! Just bought a 145 H4. I researched and knew what machine I wanted but unfortunately, not how to tell if one was in good shape. I think I paid too much for what I got ($650) and it’s pretty used. Good clutch motor and most of the parts are present (I think) but the table is pretty useless and the machine is filthy with a lot of mileage. It’s missing the “thumb” screw on top that adjusts the foot pressure and maybe whatever is inside below the screw. Still has a good amt of pressure and sews pretty good but I just don’t know what’s missing and how important it is. Has an issue breaking thread in reverse if you go too fast. If you read this and have a minute to answer, I would love some direction on where you find best to buy parts (I’m ok with buying good quality) and I need a manual (most detailed I can get). If you don’t have time to reply, the videos you posted were more than helpful and I wanted to say…thank you. Best wishes-Chris
Another great film - thanks for posting......you have a very interesting array of machines! Regards Harry UK
Well due to your guidelines I picked up a pfaff 145 h4 it has been sitting for 10 years I'm looking for a video on how to break it down clean it and tune it up so to speak
Are you still doing this? I have a used 145-H4 that I bought for my wife several years ago and she has never used it. Now, I want to use it to reupholster some chairs in leather. The machine was owned first by a lady who did shoe and clothing repair and then I bought it from a man who made leather stuff for his daughter who was in horse riding competition. My point is it has always been used for leather. I have never sewn anything on any sewing machine and I know nothing about maintaining this machine. However, I know I can do light maintenance on this machine. So, please tell me you have made some videos on setting tension, cleaning the machine, changing bobbins, etc. so I am not learning from absolute scratch.
thank you very much and It wobbles side to side. I'm very relieved it's not something major
Hey brother can you make a video on how to adjust tension on this machine the 145 h4 , i recently got this machine and ive been having problems with the tension , it bunches up
Thanks for all the Great Advice and Information videos on Industrial Sewing Machines!!!
I own an Adler 67 and 167; I have noticed how similar they are to the Pfaff 145 and 545. I am guessing that many of the parts are interchangeable.
I am wondering if you can make the Adler 67 & Pfaff 145 hold the larger bobbin with changing out the whole hook assembly?
Unfortunately I don't believe this is possible. Because the 167/545/etc. have larger bobbins, with a larger diameter, the centerpoint of the hook is further away from the needle. Since the hook runs off of a gear on the lower shaft the entire gear cluster, housing and shafter would have to be moved further to the right to accommodate the increased hook/bobbin size.
Lo mejor en maquinas de coser
Where are you located? I have a Phaff 145 H3 and having issue with the thread cutting every time I sew.
Hi thesergent,
You showed a couple of times that the lift on the foot can be adjusted but the how (the control) was off screen. Can you tell me how you did that? TIA
Behind the machine there is a linkage bar with a large wingnut. You can loosen that wingnut a turn or two and slide it up and down. Up=more foot lift, down=less. Hope that helped!
does this have needle feed? also can you switch the needle, threads and adjust the tension so it can sew lighter fabrics such as satin silk?
It's a 'compound feed' also called a 'unison feed' walking foot machine, in that the inner foot, needle and feed dogs clamp the material and pull it back, while the outside foot clamps the material down. It is a 'needle feed' in that the needle moves to assist the transport of the fabric but it's much more. This is a heavy duty machine designed for leather, upholstery and other heavy tasks, it can't be set up to handle silk. You'd want a standard lockstitch bottom feed machine for that.
Great video. I just got one of these, needs a little love, but I got it working. I doesn't like going backwards, is that a different timing adjustment?
Hey, I know this was a long time ago but I also have a Pfaff 145 that doesn't like sewing in reverse. Did you find a solution ? Thanks :-)
@@rmackenzie I think I did figure it out, but I have long since sold the mchine, thanks.
@@petercheney8316 no problem, thanks for taking the time to reply 👍
I just acquired one of these machines from a relative that passed. The numbers on it are H4LMNP 145-6/1-2160. What do these go for since i will be selling it. Thanks
It really varies by location and condition. I've seen them as low as $350 but also over $1,000. You'll have to do some research for your area.
What would the 145 have sell for
What is the max capacity/ hight of the walking foot?
que faire lorsque le fil de dessus n'est pas noué ?
You haven't released any videos in a year... I'd like to contact you with a question regarding the attachment. I checked your ABOUT tab - no info. Thanks.
The drop down guide is a Kwok Hing Pfaff 1245 Guide. I ordered direct but i believe you can purchass similar units in ebay. You will need to drill and tap your machine for threads to install it.
I noticed you don't have a drip tray under the machine. I am getting ready to buy a Pfaff 145-H4 and the seller is recommending a drip pan. I'm sure it's to catch extra oil but how important is it?
It's not really that important. A lot of professionals with just cut a rectangular piece of vinyl and staple it to table, under the machine. I
thesergeant as far as creating a table. Do you have a source for a good DIY or something of that nature on how to mount an industrial machine to a table to ensure a flush surface and stable table?
Can you run thicker string thru this type of machine, what changes have to be made, can you please post a video if possible.
The absolute max thread thickness on this machine is 207 up top and 138 in the bobbin. T90 and T138 thread work best in the machine but if you need to go up to 207 you'll need a much larger needle and will have to adjust the upper tension. Goodluck.
what size thread are you using ?
Hi.I just found a Pfaff 145-p-6c-H4lmn, w/no instruction booklet. Where and how are you raising and dropping the walking feet height? I'm new to this. Thanks
There's a wingnut on the back of the machine that you loosen. When the wingnut is in the top position the alternating foot height is the greatest. At the bottom the 'walking foot action' is the smallest. Goodluck and enjoy your new machine. I suggest googling "Pfaff 145 Manual" as well. Plenty of info in there.
I am looking for a machine for me to sew leather gloves for me for the pilots and use it from the cold in the winter and leather clothing machines and leather gloves for clothing as well.
good afternoon..... I was sewing on my 145 pfaff.... and in mid seam the large foot just stopped on the dog feed.... it lifts up with the knee and manual lift.... any help will be greatly appreciated
theres a bolt in the back with a wing nut used to set the height of the walking action. I suspect yours slipped and is in the bottom position. Take a look. If it is, loosen and raise to halfway for general work and tighten down. Hope that helps
Que número de aguja y hilo
dommage... pas de texte en français.... difficulté sur la tension fil canette
What did you adjust to make the foot lift higher and then back?
+Ray Garcia There is a wingnut in back of the machine that can be loosened and raised.
I have this machine and was wondering if anyone could tell me why the hand wheel wobbles?
Is it wobbling side to side or up and down? If it's wobbling side to side it's probably because the wheel isn't seated fully on the shaft. Remove the drive belt. There will be two holes that lead to set screws. Loosen the set screws and then tighten the screw on the right side, center, of the handwheel, then retighten the set screws .
If it's wobbling up and down there isn't anything you can do. Some will have a visual wobble but you won't feel it. If you don't feel it I wouldn't worry about it.
thesergeant So I think I did this the right way but it didn't make any difference it seems like the bar is somehow possibly bent .
Abigail Barrietua can the shaft that goes through the machine be replaced?
Abigail Barrietua If the machine was dropped it's possible that the upper drive shaft was bench. Is there any physical damage on the handwheel? Even just a small knick or dent?
The shaft can be replaced, but the part is going to be expensive if you are lucky enough to find it. The part is called the "ARM SHAFT" the part number is: 91-010 002-05 . Google it, call around, etc. changing that part is a major repair though. I have no idea what someone would charge for that, but it won't be cheap.
Goodluck!