Choosing a Vintage Sewing Machine for Gear Making - Videos on Pfaffs, Singers, Adlers, Durkopps

**Datahiker** · 10-26-2014, 18:00

I downloaded the manuals back when I bought it and I've watched the videos, thanks! Bubba's second point is what I'm missing. I figured I'd be able to get everything set up and start on my first project. I definitely need some practice first. I made the mistake of practicing on an old cotton T-shirt and it just turned into a mess that I had to cut away from the machine. I didn't realize that's where needle size and feet and different thread types make a difference.

**Bubba** · 10-26-2014, 18:07

Originally Posted by Datahiker

I downloaded the manuals back when I bought it and I've watched the videos, thanks! Bubba's second point is what I'm missing. I figured I'd be able to get everything set up and start on my first project. I definitely need some practice first. I made the mistake of practicing on an old cotton T-shirt and it just turned into a mess that I had to cut away from the machine. I didn't realize that's where needle size and feet and different thread types make a difference.

Also different throat plates can make a difference. If you use a zigzag foot and zigzag throat plate, material can get pushed down and get jammed. I first started on some old painters tarp material I had laying around. It wasn't too heavy and I had dark thread so I could easily see the top and bottom stitches.

**VictoriaGuy** · 10-26-2014, 18:15

Originally Posted by Bubba

I first started on some old painters tarp material I had laying around.

I've sewn paper towels (the blue shop towels, or just the ones from the kitchen) when testing machines and getting the tension set up. Paper towels are also good for catching oil if you've been too 'enthusiastic' oiling the needle bar and presser bar.

**Bubba** · 10-26-2014, 22:29

Originally Posted by VictoriaGuy

I've sewn paper towels (the blue shop towels, or just the ones from the kitchen) when testing machines and getting the tension set up. Paper towels are also good for catching oil if you've been too 'enthusiastic' oiling the needle bar and presser bar.

That's a good suggestion. Didn't Ramblinrev suggest using lined paper or am I mistaken?

**gmcttr** · 10-26-2014, 23:09

Originally Posted by VictoriaGuy

I've sewn paper towels (the blue shop towels, or just the ones from the kitchen) when testing machines and getting the tension set up...

Paper towels and napkins are good for mockups to work out details too.

Square bottom stuff sack w/bottom handle and quilt details as examples...

IMG_1766 (Medium).JPG IMG_1749 (Medium).JPG

**Koolranch** · 10-28-2014, 14:58

Originally Posted by gmcttr

Paper towels and napkins are good for mockups to work out details too.

Square bottom stuff sack w/bottom handle and quilt details as examples...

IMG_1766 (Medium).JPG IMG_1749 (Medium).JPG

Wow that's really cool.

**Datahiker** · 10-29-2014, 14:59

That is cool. I wish this thread was around six months ago. Now that winter is approaching hopefully I'll have some time to drag the machine back out and try sewing some paper towels together.

**cabsplus** · 10-29-2014, 20:16

Originally Posted by thesergeant

Hey guys, I've been MIA for awhile but in the last couple years I have gotten REALLY into restoring vintage industrial and domestics machines. The interest was sparked of course by this site and other DIY outdoor forums. I thought I would share with others what I've learned along the way.

I'll cut to the chase with my reccomdations after owning dozens of industrial and domestics:

Top Choices for Straight Stitch Domestic:
1) Pfaff 30 or 131
2) Singer 201
3) Singer 15-91

Top Choices for Zig/Zag and Straight Stitch Domestic:
1) Pfaff 130
2) Adler 189A
3) Necchi BU Nova/Mira

Tops Choice for Zig/Zag & Straight Stitch Industrial:
1) Bernina 217N
2) Pfaff 138
3) Singer 20U

Top Choices for Industrial Compound Feed Walking Foot:
1) Pfaff 545-H3 or 545-H4
2) Adler 267

Here are Links to videos showing those machines and many more in action:

Domestic Sewing Machine Demonstration Videos:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...sQaMDKzx_L0LjN

Industrial Sewing Machine Demonstration Videos:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...Nfg3g6rY2qXpP5

Instructions/Adjustments/Walk-Thrus:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...LZw2SmjI7R4JxV

In the future I plan on doing sewing techniques and skill videos. I'll post links when those start to go live. I have a whole list of things that I think would be helpful to people who are new to sewing and those who may have years of experience who are looking for quicker and cleaner ways to get things done.

Just thought I'd share with the rest of the DIY community.

I have a chance to buy a 201 for $100 with a table. The machine is in good shape. Would you buy it?

**Firesong** · 11-15-2014, 18:57

I didn't have as good results with the Necchi Mira. My machine was in immaculate condition but it seemed to struggle with webbing. And it wouldn't make a long enough stitch for the end channels. I Didn't want to have a 'tear away' perforated ripstop end channel. Beautiful machine otherwise.

**gmcttr** · 11-15-2014, 20:30

Originally Posted by Firesong

I didn't have as good results with the Necchi Mira. My machine was in immaculate condition but it seemed to struggle with webbing. And it wouldn't make a long enough stitch for the end channels. I Didn't want to have a 'tear away' perforated ripstop end channel. Beautiful machine otherwise.

I suspect something/s was/were gummed up preventing full range of adjustment of stitch length mechanism and of the machine attaining full power. Another possibility was the need to clean the armature and brushes.