Pfaff 141 User manual

R 6499
(PMff f 141; 143| 145; 151; 153
541; 543; 543-712; 545; 555
Single-needle flatbed sewing machines
142; 144; 146
542; 542-748/01; 544; 546; 546-748/01
Two-needle flatbed sewing machines
Instruction Book
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/
' •
Contents , ^
Page
1. General ®
2.
Fundamentals of machine operation 3
3. Cleaning and oiling ^
4. Winding the bobbin ®
5. Changing the bobbin and threading the bobbin case 7
6. Selecting the correct needle 3
Needle systems ®
Needle point styles ®
Needle and thread sizes 8
7. Changing the needle
8. Threading the needle ^
9. Drawing up the bobbin thread
10. Regulating the thread tensions
Adjusting the upper tension
Adjusting the lower tension
11. Regulating the stitch length
12. Regulating the pressure on the material ''S
13. Cleaning the sewing hook
14. The safety clutch
Additional instructions for Pfaff machines'141-705/03 and 141-705/03-725/01 . 16-18
15. Regulating the stitch length
16. Changing the feed gears '•8
17. Adjusting the trimmer * *
^18. Operating the trimmer ^
Additional Instructions for Pfaff machines 143-705/03 21
19. Regulating the stitch length 21
Additional Instructions for Pfaff machines 145 22-24
20. Exchanging the alternating pressers 22
21. Lubricating the machine 24
0-22. Setting the foot lift
- Additional Instructions for Pfaff machines 151 and 153 (
Additional Instructions for Pfaff machines 142, 542-748/01, 144 and 146 25-^
r23. Threading the needles 25
. 24. Adjusting the puller feed of the Pfaff 542-748/01 26
Additional Instructions for Pfaff machines 543-712/01 and 543-712/02 ... 27
"25. Threading the needle of the Pfaff 543-712
-.-Additional Instructions for Pfaff machines 546-748/01 28—29
^26. Setting the foot lift . . . ; ^
't27. Adjusting the puller feed 29
^Additional instructions for Pfaff machines 4141 and 4145 . - 30
^^^28. Threading of the Pfaff 4141 and 4145 8®
^ Additional Instructions for Pfaff machines fitted with thread puller/trimmer 900/» . 31
" '!'29. Pedal operation
Guards
Trouble shooting ^
t
.. ^i2
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t. General
• Since the operation of the machines listed on the title page is more or less the same
the general instructions compiled in this book apply to all of them.
Additional instructions for the Pfaff 141-705/03; 141-705/03-725/01; 142; 143-705 03-
144; 145; 146; 151; 153; 552-748/01; 543-712/..; 546-748/01; 4141; 4145 and -900'..
appear at the back of this booklet.
We reserve the right to make alterations serving progress. The illustrations in this book
are also subject to change.
It is recommended to run these machines at the following top speeds:
3 000 s.p.m. Pfaff 4141 2 200 s.p.m.
Pfaff 141 and 144 2 900 s.p.m. Pfaff 545 H3 2100 s.p.m.
2 800 s.p.m. Pfaff 546 H2 1 300 s.p.m.
Pfaff 151 and 544 2 700 s.p.m. Pfaff 546 H3 i 800 s.p.m.
Pfaff 153 and 542 2 600 s.p.m. Pfaff 545 H4 i 700 s.p.m.
^ 2 500 s.p.m. Pfaff 4145 1 600 s.p.m.
Pfaff 145 and 541 2 400 s.p.m. Pfaff 546 H4
2 300 s.p.m. and 543-712/.. 1400 s.p.m.
When sewing tightly woven and heavily dressed materials, the sewing speed should be
reduced In orderto prevent overheating of the needle.
The maximum speed of two-needle machines decreases as the needle gauge increases.
The maximum speeds which can be attained with machines fitted with special attach
ments or trimming mechanisms are often far below the recommended top speeds be
cause the nature of the work and the thickness of the material tend to limit the ma
chine s capacity. If the maximum speed is exceeded, trouble may develop chiefly in the
trimming mechanism.
To avoid trouble in the mechanism, run the machine at about 75 per cent of its top
speed until the parts which are in movable contact have become thoroughly glazed by
their action upon each other. This should normally be the case after about two weeks'
constant use.
All machines are regularly equipped with a fixed pulley which is cast in one with the
ba ance wheel. If desired, however, these machines can be supplied with a disengage-
ible pulley.
If fitted with the latter type pulley, the machine is dispatched with the sewing mecha
nism disengaged. To engage this mechanism for sewing, hold the balance wheel steady
with your left hand and turn the large lock nut clockwise.
2. Fundamentals of machine operation
Before you put the machine in operation for the first time, carefully remove all dust
which has accumulated in transit and oil the machine thoroughly (see Chapter 3).
on the machine only with Pfaff sewing machine oil which Is non-resinous and acid-free.
Check to make sure the finger, take-up lever and belt guards are properly fitted.
Never run a threaded machine unless you have fabric under the presser foot or the
vibrating presser.
Before you start sewing, lay both threads back under the presser foot
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To prevent thread jamming, hold both thread ends until the machine has made a few
stitches. . „
Do not pull the material during sewing: the machine wiil feed the fabric automatically.
Use needles of the correct system only (see Chapter 6).
Never use rusty needles.
Use high-quality threads only.
Always bring the take-up lever to its highest point before you remove the material.
3. Cleaning and oiling
Careful cleaning and regular oiling will Increase the service life of your machine.
After you have removed the dust which has accumulated on the machine in transit, take
a clean rag and remove the grease from all nickel-plated and polished Parts. Apply a
few drops of kerosene to all oiling points marked with dash lines in Figs. 1. 2 and 3.
raise the presser foot, unthread the needle, remove the bobbin case and let the J^achine
run briefly. Apply a few drops of Pfaff sewing machine oil No. 280-1-120122 to all points
of friction.
While these points of friction should be oiled twice a week, the sewing hook "lUSt be
oiled each day the machine is in operation. Make particularly sure that oil is applied to
oilhoie R (Fig. 4).
Althougti the bevel geers ere enclosed in ceses and require no speclel mamtenence.
it is recommended to replace the old grease by Pfaff grease once a
year. Owing to the special lubricating properties of this grease, the flanks of the beve
gear teeth should be greased only lightly.
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^rom time to time remove the needle plate alter taking out set sorevvs 14 and is rpi.
repT ^-Tng'tortnd dearnhTrougWy (sarcTaTte? 13') 7n
jse::Lrs,rrhi\rr3ror.t~ ^ -
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4. Winding the bobbin
Place a spool of ttfread on pin 1 (Fig. 5) and pass the thread from left to right through
eyelet 2, clockwise around and between tension discs 3 and from the inside through
the slot in the bobbin. Wind a few turns of thread on the bobbin and place the latter on
spindle 4. Start the bobbin winder by pressing down lever 5. The bobom is wound
automatically while the machine is sewing. When a sufficient amount of thread has been
wound on the bobbin, a latch stops the bobbin winder.
The amount of thread to be wound on the bobbin is regulated by screw 6.
Turn this screw clockwise for more thread, or counter-clockwise lor less thread.
If the thread should pile up at one end of the bobbin, adjust the position of the bobbin
winder tension sideways, as may be required. To do this, loosen screw 7, adjust th.
tension and tighten the set screw again.
The tension on the thread is regulated by turning nut 8.
Maks sure the bobbin winder pulley rotates in the direction Indicated by an arrow in
Fig. 5.
R 9929
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5. Changing the bobbin and threading the bobbin case
Raise the needle to its highest position and open the bed slide. With the thumb of you:
right hand open latch B (Fig. 6), then push the thumb nail under the projecting flange
C of the bobbin case cap and lift the latter out of the machine with thumb and fore
finger. The bobbin is now exposed in the bobbin case base and can be taken out
easily.
Place a full bobbin in the bobbin case cap so that the thread draws on top from left
toward the right, as shown in Fig. 7.
Hold the bobbin steady in the bobbin case, pull the thread into slot X and draw it under
tension spring Y. Leave a loose end of thread about 7 mm long outside the bobbin case.
Place the bobbin case with the bobbin on the center stud in the bobbin case base and
close latch B (Fig. 6) as well as the bed slide.
Note that the rotary hook of Pfaff machines 151 and 153 is located on the left of the
needle plate.
R 9931
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6. Selecting the correct needle
To ensure reliable stitch formation, check to see that the correct needle is inserted in
the machine.
Needle systems
The following needie systems are used for the individual machine classes:
134 for Pfaff machines 141, 142, 143, 144. 151. 541, 542, 543 and 544.
34 for Pfaff machines 142; 144; 542 and 544, when these machines have needle holders
with smaller holes (shank size 1.65 mm).
134-35 for Pfaff machines 142-732/09, 142-732/11, 145 H3, 146 H3, 545 H3, 546 H3,
555 H3 and 4141
134 FLQ for Pfaff machines 142-720/01-6/01, 142-721/01-6/01 and 144-720/01 in needle
gauges from 1.6 to 2.2 mm inclusive.
134 KK for the Pfaff 153.
134 RER and 134 REL for the Pfaff 546 H2.
190 for the Pfaff 543-712/... 545 H4. 546 H4. 555 H4. and 4145 H3.
Needle point styles
These needles are available with different type points to suit different requirements. The
various needle point styles are identified by a letter following the needle system, e. g.
134 R.
Fabrics are stitched with a round-point needle, identified by R, while for leather work
needles are available with the following styles of points:
LR
Narrow reverse twist point
LL
%
Narrow twist point
LACK
m
Patent leather point
Pm Extra-narrow wedge point
PGR
m
Extra-narrow wedge point with right-twist groove
POL
m
Extra-narrow wedge point with ieft-twist groove
S1 Narrow cross point; for long, straight stitches
D
Triangular point; for short, straight stitches
VR
#
Reverse twist spear point
VL
9Twist
spear point
Rubberized fabrics and plastic materials are sewn with round-point needles.
Needle and thread sizes
The correct needle size is dependent on the fabric and thread weights. For best re
sults. select the needle as thin as possible, but make sure the thread can be pulled
through the needle eye easily. The needle size (Nm) is indicated on the shank in
hundredths of a millimeter.
a
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Select the proper needle and thread sizes from the chart below:
Needle size
(Nm)
Cotton
Silk
Synthetic
Linen
60
130/3
130/4
140/3
200/3-150/3
70
130/3
100/4
140/3
140/3-120/3
60
80/3
80/4
100/3
120/3-100/3
SO
70/3-60/3
70/4-60/4
80/3
100/3- 80/3
70/3
100
50/3-40/3
50/4-40/4
70/3
70/3
60/3
110
30/3
30/4
30/6
60/3
60/3
50/3
120
24/3
24/6
50/3
50/3
40/3
130
20/3
40/3
40/3
35/3
140
12/3
12/6
30/3
30/3
30/3
150
10/9
8/6
25/3
20/3
25/3
160
6/6
20/3
18/3
20/3
170
6-ply
fancy>effect
thread
10/3
15/3
10/3
20/3
180
9-ply
fancy-effect
thread
10/3
0.6 mm dia.
18/3
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The needle size should be selected to match not only the thread weight, but also the
machine model, as follows:
Model A: Needle sizes 60— 70
Model B: Needle sizes 80—100
Model C: Needle sizes 110—140
Model D: Needle sizes 160 — 180
The needle size is indicated on the shank in hundredths of millimeters. Thus, a No. 100
needle has a shaft diameter of 100/100 = 1 mm.
7. Changing the needle
Raise the needle bar to its highest point, loosen the needle set screw half a turn, anc
pull the damaged needle out of the needle clamp.
Insert a new needle into the clamp, making sure that its short groove faces toward the
sewing hook. Push the needle up as far as it will go and tighten the needle set screw
securely.
Never use rusty needles.
8. Threading the needle
Pass the thread from spool 1 (Fig. 8) through the holes in stud 2 and thread guide 3,
around thread retainer 4, clockwise around between te'"'ion discs 5, under thread
controller disc 6, through thread check spri up and th igh thread guide 8, from
right to left through the hole in take-up lever j. then down and through thread guides
10, 11 and 12, and from left to right through the eye of the needle.
The spool holder on top of the machine arm w' ">6 suppli'^'f on special request only
because the thread stand which is supplied the m le regularly ensures a
smoother passage of the thread to the needle.
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9, Drawing up the bobbin thread
HCd t.e end ot t.e needle thread ^trne\V.~
rp;^rr:f.r:'.:e\r:.c.co..
r;:;Tr.rorHoTd".h?e:crr:;p°;' .treads un,,, .he .achma has .ade a .a«
stitches.
10. Regulating the thread tension
Adlustlng the upper tension counter-clockwise tor less
Turn tension nut M (Fig. 8) clockw.se for more tens.on,
K^Khin thread will draw the needle thread down
^or r.Tr:iv:.ra re unde.s.de o. .he .a.eda,. as shown ,n ^.
„ ,ne upper .ension is .00 .iph., .he hobbln .hread win be pu.led up (Fig. 10)
:::r:: r.,—• -
center of the material, as shown m F.g. 11.
upper tension too loose or lower tension too tight
Fig. 10
tension too tight or lower tension too loose
jliCZJ
Fig. 11
Both tensions properly balanced
-:rsr,vrr."-r
=».s rcrr .r«s r-™ ™—• «•
ping of stitches or thread breaking.
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Adjusting the lower tension
Take the bobbin case out of the machine and regulate the tension by turning screw Z
(Fig. 7) with the hook screwdriver, as appropriate. Turn this screw clockwise for a tight
er tension, or counter-clockwise for a looser tension.
The tension is correct if a noticeable resistance of spring Y (Fig. 7) has to be overcome
when pulling the thread out of the bobbin case.
If puckering occurs on delicate materials although the tension has been set correctly,
ease both tensions slightly.
11. Regulating the stitch length
The stitch length is regulated by turning thumb nut S (Fig. 12) on the feed regulator
lever.
R 9933
s
Fig. 12
Turn this nut clockwise for shorter stitches, or counter-clockwise for longer stitches. The
numerals on the left of the scale Indicate the stitch length in millimeters. The letters V
and R on the left side of the scale (Fig. 12) stand for forward and backward sewing,
respectively.
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All machines with the exception of the Pfaff 141-705/03 and 143-705/03 are regularly fitted
with aspring-return feed regulator. This device incorporates a spring which permanently
holds the feed regulator lever down in forward feeding position. When the lever is
pushed up as far as it will go, the machine will sew in reverse. And conversely, when
the lever is released, forward sewing will be resumed instantly.
If desired, the machine can be fitted with a pedal which makes it possible to reverse
the direction of feed by foot action.
12. Regulating the pressure on the material
The amount of pressure to be exerted by the presser foot must be adapted to the ma
terial to be sewn. The pressure is set correctly if the material is advanced through the
machine evenly without being injured by the teeth of the feed dog.
The pressure on the material is regulated by turning screw V (Fig. 8). Turn this screw
in for more pressure, or out for less pressure.
Depending on the version, Pfaff 145, 146, 545. 546 and 555 machines are equipped with
one or two leaf springs on the machine arm instead of the conventional presser bar
spring with pressure regulating screw. On these machines the presser foot pressure Is
increased by turning knurled nut V (Fig. 13) upwards, and decreased by turning It
downwards.
Fig. 13
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13. Cleaning the sewing hook
The sewing hook Is the most essential part of the whole machine and. for this reason,
should be cleaned thoroughly from time to time. To do this, raise the needle bar to its
highest point, open the bed slide and remove the bobbin case with the bobbin. Take
out the three screws Ei, Ej and Es (Fig. 6) and strip the hook gib. Turn the balance
wheel until point S of the bobbin case base is about to enter groove N of the hook
(Fig. 14). When in this position, the
bobbin case base can be tipped out easily by seiz
ing center stud Z with thumb and forefinger while turning the balance wheel back and
forth lightly.
Clean hook and hook raceway thoroughly with kerosene. If the cotton wool in slot 0
(Fig. 14) should have become matted, it should be replaced and the new cotton wool be
soaked with oil.
Fig. 14
To clean the parts in the vicinity of the sewing hook, take out set screw 20 (Fig. 4) and
pull the hook up out of the machine. When the hook is replaced, pin 19 (Fig. 4) ensures
proper positioning and eliminates the need of retiming the hook.
In replacing the bobbin case base, make sure that position finger F (Fig. 14) enters slot
P on the underside of the needle plate. Replace hook gib and tighten screws Ei -
Ej. Put a drop of oil Into the hook raceway, replace the bobbin case with the bobbin
and close latch B (Fig. 6).
Never run the machine with the needle plate removed as this may result in damage to
the bobbin case or the bobbin case opener.
The above Instructions also apply to all two-needle sewing machines covered by this In
struction Book.
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14. The safety clutch
Model C and D machines are equipped with a safety clutch which prevents disturbance of
the hook timing and damage to the bobbin case base in case of thread jamming in the
hook raceway.
If an irregularly spun needle thread should jam in the hook raceway and block the sew
ing hook, the safety clutch automatically disengages the hook drive.
After
the jammed thread has been removed, tilt back the sewing head and rotate the
balance wheel, while holding the hook drive shaft steady, until the tip of the latch is
positioned exactly above the groove in the clutch bushing. Now push back the spring-
loaded pin so that the latch can snap Into this groove.
To resume sewing, simply let down the sewing head again.
R 9343
Fig. 15
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Additional instructions
for Pfaff machines 141-705/03 and 141-705/03-725/01
The Pfaff 141-705/03 and 141-705/03-725/01 have the same feed regulator. This new
mechanism makes it possible to select the proper stitch length out of twelve different
stitch lengths available. These twelve stitch lengths are divided into four stitch length
groups (l-IV) having three predetermined stitch lengths each (Fig. 16).
The following taoie lists the stitch lengths in millimeters as well as the number of
stitches per inch.
For adjustment, as well as engagement and disengagement of the trimming mechanism
on the Pfaff 141-705/03-725/01. see pages 19 and 20.
Stitch length group
Stitches per inch
33 28 25V2 23 21 19 17 15 13 12 11 10
Stitch length in mm
0.8 0.9 1.0 1.1 1-2 1.3 1.5 1.7 1.9 2.1 2.3 2.6
Stitches per cm
12'/? 11 10 9 8 Th 6Vj 5Vj 5 4V2 4 3'/?
R 6575
Fig. 16
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15. Regulating the stitch length
The stitch length is regulated as follows:
Begin by selecting the proper stitch length group from the table on p. 16 and inter
change the feed gears as indicated in the feed gear housing (Fig. 18).
Press down button K(Fig, 17) and turn the baiance wheei untii the button snaps in po
sition.
Again rotate the balance wheel backwards or forwards until notch M (Fig. 17) on the
baiance wheei is opposite the number of the stitch length group chosen (I, II. Ill or IV).
Release button K and turn feed regulator lever S (Fig. 16) to the desired stitch length.
R 8994
Fig. 17
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16. Changing the feed gears
Exchanging the feed gears is greatly facilitated by the wheel puller which Is supplied
with the machine. To pull the feed gear off its shaft, slip the fork of the wheel puller
under the projecting rim of the hub and puli (Fig. 18),
Consult the diagram on the feed gear housing (Fig, 18) to see how the feed gears have
to be exchanged to obtain the stitch length group and stitch length desired. Exchange
the feed gears accordingly.
For better Identification, the outside of the feed gears and the corresponding symbols
used in the diagram are painted yellow, green, red and blue. In slipping the feed gear
onto its shaft, see that the key on the shaft enters the notch in the feed gear and that
the mating gears are meshed properly.
For instructions on how to adjust the trimmer of the Pfaff 141-705/03-725/01. please refer
to Chapters 17 and 18.
mR
6585
IPI
Fig. 18
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17. Adjusting the trimmer
To take out the trimming knife for sharpening, loosen set screw C (Fig. 19) swinq the
knife halfway between its operative and inoperative positions and pull the knife out
of Its guide. As you replace the knife, make sure its cutting edge bears lightly against
the edge of the needle plate slot which serves as a guide. However, the knife must
never be set too close to this edge as this might cause the knife to jam as it is thrown
out of action. When the setting is correct, tighten set screw C securely.
The cutting stroke of the knife should be exactly halved by the needle hole. To adjust
the position of the cutting edge in relation to the needle hole, loosen nut M (Fig 19)
and move the knife carrier forward or backward, as appropriate. This setting also
applies to knives which have been resharpened repeatedly. After the adjustment tighten
lut M securely. . y ci.
The vertical position of the knife is adjusted by screw S (Fig. 19). Turn this screw clock
wise to set the knife lower, or counter-clockwise to set it higher. The knife isset cor
rectly, If Its cutting edge is positioned just above the bottom of the needle plate guide
Fig. 19
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It goes without saying tnat only a sharp and correctly set knife will produce a clean cut.
Blunt knives are either snarpened with a triangular oilstone by hand (Fig. 2C) or with
the aid of a knife sharpener. In sharpening the knife, take care that the cutting angle
is preserved and that the cutting edge is sharpened thoroughly up to its innermost cor
ner e which has to take most of the strain.
18. Operating the trimmer
To engage the trimmer, turn lever H (Fig. 19) to the right until it catches on lug K on th(
knife carrier. To
disengage it. lift lever H up slightly and swing it forward.
With the trimmer thrown out of action, the machine can be used for ordinary sewing
operations.
R 5436
'si«' •
Fig. 20
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