Pfaff 242 User manual

296-12-18 166
Betriebsanleitung engl. 03.99
Service manual
242
244
1242
1243
1244

The reprinting, copying or translation of PFAFF Instruction Manuals, whether in whole or in
part, is only permitted with our previous permission and with written reference to the
source.
G.M. PFAFF
Aktiengesellschaft
Postfach 3020
D - 67653 Kaiserslautern
Königstr. 154
D - 67655 Kaiserslautern
Editing/Illustrations
Verlag - TD
D - 77901 Lahr
This Instruction manual is valid for all models and subclasses listed in the
chapter „Specifications“.

Contents
Contents ...............................................................................Chapter - Page
1Safety ........................................................................................................................ 1 -1
1.01 Directives...................................................................................................................1- 1
1.02 General notes on safety............................................................................................. 1 - 1
1.03 Safety symbols .......................................................................................................... 1 - 2
1.04 Important notes for the user...................................................................................... 1 - 2
1.05 Operating and technical staff ..................................................................................... 1 - 3
1.05.01 Operating staff...........................................................................................................1- 3
1.05.02 Technical staff............................................................................................................ 1 - 3
1.06 Danger warnings........................................................................................................ 1 - 4
2Proper use ................................................................................................................ 2 - 1
3Specifications ........................................................................................................... 3 - 1
3.01 PFAFF 242 / PFAFF 1242........................................................................................... 3 - 1
3.01.01 Models and subclasses.............................................................................................. 3 - 2
3.01.02 Max. speeds, PFAFF 242........................................................................................... 3 - 2
3.01.03 Max. speeds, PFAFF 1242......................................................................................... 3 - 2
3.02 PFAFF 244 / PFAFF 1243 / PFAFF 1244 .................................................................... 3 - 3
3.02.01 Models and subclasses.............................................................................................. 3 - 4
3.02.02 Max. speeds .............................................................................................................. 3- 4
4Machine disposal ..................................................................................................... 4 - 1
5Transportation, packing and storage...................................................................... 5 - 1
5.01 Transportation to customer’s premises ..................................................................... 5 - 1
5.02 Transportation inside customer’s premises ............................................................... 5 - 1
5.03 Disposal of packing materials..................................................................................... 5 - 1
5.04 Storage ......................................................................................................................5- 1
6Explanation of symbols ........................................................................................... 6 - 1
7Controls .................................................................................................................... 7 - 1
7.01 On/off switch ............................................................................................................. 7 - 1
7.02 Pedal (on machines without automatic backtacking mechanism and
presser foot lifter -911/97 ) ....................................................................................... 7 - 1
7.03 Pedal (on machines with automatic backtacking mechanism and
presser foot lifter -911/97) ......................................................................................... 7 - 2
7.04 Pedals (on machines with presser foot lifter)............................................................. 7 - 2
7.05 Knee lever (on machines without automatic backtacking mechanism and
presser foot lifter -911/97) ......................................................................................... 7 - 3
7.06 Key on the machine head (on machines with automatic backtacking mechanism
and presser foot lifter -911/97)................................................................................... 7 - 3
7.07 Lever for lifting the presser foot / roller presser ........................................................ 7 - 4
7.08 Feed regulator and reverse sewing lever................................................................... 7 - 4
7.09 Feed regulator (on machines with automatic backtacking mechanism and
presser foot lifter -911/97) ......................................................................................... 7 - 5

Contents
Contents ...............................................................................Chapter - Page
8Installation and initial operation ............................................................................. 8 - 1
8.01 Installation.................................................................................................................. 8 - 1
8.01.01 Adjusting the table-top height .................................................................................... 8 - 1
8.01.02 Adjusting the V-belt tension....................................................................................... 8 - 2
8.01.03 Fitting the upper V-belt guard .................................................................................... 8 - 2
8.01.04 Fitting the lower V-belt guard..................................................................................... 8 - 3
8.01.05 Fitting the tilt lock ...................................................................................................... 8 - 3
8.01.06 Fitting the synchronizer.............................................................................................. 8 - 4
8.01.07 Fitting the reel stand .................................................................................................. 8 -4
8.02 Commissioning .......................................................................................................... 8 - 5
8.03 Switching the machine on / off .................................................................................. 8 - 5
9Setting up ................................................................................................................. 9 - 1
9.01 Inserting the needle in the PFAFF 242 and PFAFF 1242 ........................................... 9 - 1
9.02 Inserting the needle in the PFAFF 1243..................................................................... 9 - 2
9.03 Inserting the needle in the PFAFF 244 and PFAFF 1244 ........................................... 9 - 2
9.04 Winding the bobbin thread, adjusting the thread tension .......................................... 9 - 3
9.05 Removing /inserting the bobbin case......................................................................... 9 - 4
9.06 Threading the bobbin case / adjusting the thread tension.......................................... 9 - 4
9.07 Threading the needle thread / adjusting the needle thread tension (PFAFF 1243)..... 9 - 5
9.08 Threading the needle thread / adjusting the needle thread tension
(PFAFF 242 and PFAFF .............................................................................................. 9 - 6
9.09 Threading the needle thread / adjusting the needle thread tension
(PFAFF 244 and PFAFF 1244 ..................................................................................... 9 - 7
10 Care and maintenance........................................................................................... 10 - 1
10.01 Servicing and maintenance intervals........................................................................ 10 - 1
10.02 Cleaning the hook compartment and the hook ........................................................ 10 - 1
10.03 General lubrication ................................................................................................... 10 - 2
10.04 Lubricating the hook ................................................................................................ 10 - 3
10.05 Lubricating the needle head parts............................................................................ 10 - 4
10.06 Checking / adjusting the air pressure ....................................................................... 10 - 4
10.07 Emptying / cleaning the water container of the air filter .......................................... 10 - 5
11 Adjustment ............................................................................................................. 11 - 1
11.01 Notes on adjusting ................................................................................................... 11 - 1
11.02 Tools, gauges and other accessories ....................................................................... 11 - 1
11.03 Abbreviations ........................................................................................................... 11 - 1
11.04 Adjusting the basic machine................................................................................. 11 - 2
11.04.01 Positioning the feed dog .......................................................................................... 11 - 2
11.04.02 Height of the feed dog............................................................................................. 11 - 3
11.04.03 Pre-adjusting the needle height ............................................................................... 11 - 4
11.04.04 Centering the needle in the needle hole (PFAFF 242 and 1242 ............................... 11 - 5
11.04.05 Centering the needle in the needle hole (PFAFF 244, 1243 and 1244) .................... 11 - 6
11.04.06 Driving motion of the feed dog (PFAFF 242 and 1242) ............................................ 11 - 7

Contents
Contents ...............................................................................Chapter - Page
11.04.07 Driving motion of the feed dog (PFAFF 244, 1243 and 1244) .................................. 11 - 8
11.04.08 Lifting motion of the feed dog (PFAFF 242 and 1242) ............................................. 11 - 9
11.04.09 Lifting motion of the feed dog (PFAFF 244, 1243 and 1244) ................................... 11 - 10
11.04.10 Basic position of the roller presser drive (only on machines with subcl. -4/01).......... 11 - 11
11.04.11 Synchronizing the roller presser and feed dog
(only on machines with subcl. -4/01) ....................................................................... 11 -12
11.04.12 Releasing the roller presser for reverse sewing
(only on machines with subcl. -4/01) ....................................................................... 11 -13
11.04.13 Hook-to-needle clearance, needle rise, needle height and needle guard ................. 11 - 14
11.04.14 Bobbin-case opener ................................................................................................. 11 -16
11.04.15 Safety clutch ............................................................................................................ 11 - 17
11.04.16 Clearance between presser foot / roller presser and needle plate........................... 11 -18
11.04.17 Pressure of presser foot / roller presser .................................................................. 11 - 19
11.04.18 Needle thread tension release ................................................................................. 11 - 20
11.04.19 Thread check spring (PFAFF 1243 and on machines without -900/56) .................... 11 - 21
11.04.20 Thread check spring (on two-needle machines with - 900/56)................................. 11 - 22
11.04.21 Bobbin winder.......................................................................................................... 11 -23
11.05 Adjusting the thread trimmer -900/56 .................................................................. 11 - 24
11.05.01 Pre-adjusting the control cam .................................................................................. 11 - 24
11.05.02 Tripping lever ........................................................................................................... 11 - 25
11.05.03 Pawl ......................................................................................................................... 11 -26
11.05.04 Engaging solenoid.................................................................................................... 11 -27
11.05.05 Release trip..............................................................................................................11-28
11.05.06 Engaging lever ......................................................................................................... 11 -29
11.05.07 Linkage rod .............................................................................................................. 11 - 30
11.05.08 Final adjustment of the control cam......................................................................... 11 -31
11.05.09 Catch........................................................................................................................ 11 - 32
11.05.10 Connecting rod (only for two-needle machines) ...................................................... 11 -33
11.05.11 Thread-catcher height .............................................................................................. 11 -34
11.05.12 Knife......................................................................................................................... 11 - 35
11.05.13 Thread-catcher reverse position............................................................................... 11 - 36
11.05.14 Bobbin-thread clamp spring ..................................................................................... 11 -37
11.05.15 Tension release bar.................................................................................................. 11 - 39
11.05.16 Adjusting the synchronizer....................................................................................... 11 -41
11.06 Adjusting the presser bar lifting lever with subclass -911/97................................... 11 - 42
11.07 Adjusting the presser bar lifting lever without subclass -911/97.............................. 11 -43

1 - 1
Safety
1 Safety
1.01 Regulations
This machine is constructed in accordance with the European regulations indicated in the
conformity and manufacturer's declarations.
In addition to this instruction manual, please also observe all generally accepted, statutory
and other legal requirements, including those of the user's country, and the applicable pol-
lution control regulations!
The valid regulations of the regional social insurance society for occupational accidents or
other supervisory authorities are to be strictly adhered to!
1.02 General notes on safety
●The machine must only be operated by adequately trained operators and only when the
instruction manual has been fully read and understood!
●All notices on safety and the instruction manual of the motor manufacturer are to be
read before the machine is put into operation!
●All notes on the machine concerning danger and safety must be observed!
●The machine must be used for the purpose for which it is intended and must not be
operated without its safety devices; all regulations relevant to safety must be adhered
to.
●When part sets are changed (e.g. needle, presser foot, needle plate, feed dog or bob-
bin), during threading, when the workplace is left unattended and during maintenance
work, the machine must be isolated from the power supply by turning off the on/off
switch or removing the plug from the mains!
●Daily maintenance work must only be carried out by appropriately trained persons!
●Repairs and special maintenance work must only be carried out by qualified technical
staff or persons with appropriate training!
●During maintenance or repairs on the pneumatic system the machine must be isolated
from the compressed air supply! The only exception to this is when adjustments or
function checks are carried out by appropriately trained technical staff!
●Work on the electrical equipment must only be carried out by technical staff who are
qualified to do so!
●Work on parts or equipment connected to the power supply is not permitted! The only
exceptions to this are specified in regulations EN 50110.
●Conversion or modification of the machine must only be carried out under observation of
all relevant safety regulations!

1 - 2
Safety
●Only spare parts which have been approved by us are to be used for repairs! We draw
special attention to the fact that spare parts and accessories not supplied by us have not
been subjected to testing nor approval by us. Fitting and/or use of any such parts may
cause negative changes to the design characteristics of the machine. We shall not ac-
cept any liability for damage caused by the use of non-original parts.
1.03 Safety symbols
Danger!
Special points to observe.
Danger of injury to operating or technical staff!
1.04 Important notes for the user
●This instruction manual belongs to the equipment of the machine and must be available
to the operating staff at all times.
This instruction manual must be read before the machine is operated for the first time.
●Both operating and technical staff must be instructed on the safety devices of the mach-
ine and on safe working methods.
●It is the duty of the user to operate the machine in perfect running order only.
●The user must ensure that none of the safety devices are removed nor put out of work-
ing order.
●The user must ensure that only authorized persons operate and work on the machine.
For further information please refer to your PFAFF agency.

1 - 3
Safety
1.05 Notes for operating and technical staff
1.05.01 Operating staff
Operating staff are the persons responsible for setting up, operating and cleaning the mach-
ine and for removing any disturbances in the sewing area.
The operating staff are obliged to observe the following points, and must:
●always observe the notes on safety in this instruction manual!
●avoid using any working methods which adversely effect the safety of the machine!
●avoid wearing loose-fitting clothing or jewelry such as necklaces or rings!
●also ensure that only authorized persons are allowed near the danger area of the
machine!
●immediately report to the user any changes to the machine that may affect its safety!
1.05.02 Technical staff
Technical staff are persons who have been trained in electrical engineering, electronics,
pneumatics and mechanical engineering. They are responsible for lubricating, servicing,
repairing and adjusting the machine.
The technical staff are obliged to observe the following points, and must:
●always observe the notes on safety in this instruction manual!
●switch off the on/off switch before carrying out adjustment and repair work and ensure it
cannot be switched on again unintentionally!
●never work on parts or equipment still connected to the power supply! Exceptions to this
are only permissible according to regulations EN 50110;
●isolate the machine from the compressed air supply when carrying out maintenance or
repair work on pneumatic equipment!
Exceptions to this are only permissible for function checks;
●replace all safety covers after carrying out maintenance or repair work!

1 - 4
Safety
1.06 Danger warnings
A working area of 1 metre is to be kept free both in front of and behind the
machine while it is in operation, so that it is always easily accessible.
Never reach into the sewing area while sewing! Danger of injury by the needle!
Never leave objects on the table while adjusting the machine settings! Objects
can become trapped or be hurled out! Danger of injury!
On mechanically activated clutch motors without an actuating lock, wait until
the motor has come to a standstill! Danger of injury!
Do not operate the machine without the take-up lever guard 1!
Danger of injury due to the movement of the take-up lever !
Do not operate machines with a presser foot without the finger guard 2!
Danger of injury by the moving needle!
Do not operate the machine without belt guards 3and 4!
Danger of injury by the revolving drive belt!
Do not operate the machine without tilt-back safeguard 5!
Danger of fingers being crushed if the machine closes accidentally!
Fig. 1 - 01
1
2
3
0
4
13
2
5

Proper use
2 - 1
2 Proper use
The PFAFF 242PFAFF 242
PFAFF 242PFAFF 242
PFAFF 242 is a two-needle lockstitch sewing machine with needle feed and vertical
sewing hook.
The PFAFF 1242PFAFF 1242
PFAFF 1242PFAFF 1242
PFAFF 1242 is a two-needle lockstitch sewing machine with needle feed and large
vertical sewing hook.
The PFAFF 1243PFAFF 1243
PFAFF 1243PFAFF 1243
PFAFF 1243 is a single-needle lockstitch sewing machine with roller presser and large
vertical sewing hook.
The PFAFF 244PFAFF 244
PFAFF 244PFAFF 244
PFAFF 244 is a two-needle lockstitch sewing machine with roller presser and vertical
sewing hook.
The PFAFF 1244PFAFF 1244
PFAFF 1244PFAFF 1244
PFAFF 1244 is a two-needle lockstitch sewing machine with roller presser and large
vertical sewing hook.
The machines are used for producing lockstitch seams in the textile and leather industries.
Any use of these machines which is not approved by the manufacturer shall be
considered as improper use! The manufacturer shall not be liable for any
damage arising out of improper use! Proper use shall also be considered to
include compliance with the operation, adjustment, service and repair
measures specified by the manufacturer!

3 - 1
Specifications
3 Specifications
3.01 PFAFF 242 / PFAFF 1242 ◆
Stitch type:.................................................................................................. 301 (lockstitch)
Needle system:............................................................................................................. 134
Needle thickness in 1/100 mm:
Model B: ................................................................................................................ 80 - 100
Model C: .............................................................................................................. 110 - 140
Max. thread size (synthetic▲):
Model B: ...................................................................................................................... 40/3
Model C: ...................................................................................................................... 15/3
Max. stitch length:
Model BN:............................................................................................................... 6.0 mm
Model CN:............................................................................................................... 6.0 mm
Balance wheel eff. dia.:
Model B: .................................................................................................................. 80 mm
Model C: .................................................................................................................. 90 mm
Dimensions of machine:
Length:...................................................................................................... approx. 530 mm
Width: ....................................................................................................... approx. 177 mm
Height (above table): ................................................................................. approx. 265 mm
Clear workspace width: .......................................................................................... 270mm
Clear workspace height: ........................................................................................ 115 mm
Fabric clearance under roller presser ...................................................................... 8.5 mm
Net weight (machine head)............................................................................approx. 42 kg
Power supply: .......................................................................see motor instruction manual
Max. power consumption: ....................................................see motor instruction manual
Fuse protection: .................................................................... see motor instruction manual
Working air pressure:.................................................................................................. 6 bar
Air consumption:...................................................................................... ~0.8 l/work cycle
Working noise level:
Emission at workplace
PFAFF 242 at a speed of 2300 spm:......................................................................83 dB(A)
PFAFF 1242 at a speed of 1800 spm:....................................................................80 dB(A)
Noise measurement in accordance with DIN 45 635-48-A-1
◆Subject to technical alterations
▲ Or comparable size of other thread types

Specifications
3 - 2
3.01.01 Models and subclasses
Model B: ............................................................ For processing medium-weight materials
Model C (only PFAFF 1242): ................................ For processing medium-heavy materials
Additional equipment:
Subclass -900/56.........................................................................................Thread trimmer
Subclass -911/97......................Automatic presser-foot lifter with backtacking mechanism
3.01.02 Max. speeds of the PFAFF 242
Model Needle gauge (mm) Max.speed (r.p.m.)
B up to 10 2900
from 10.4 2700
from 25.2 2400
3.01.03 Max. speeds of the PFAFF 1242
Model Needle gauge (mm) Max.speed (r.p.m.)
B up to 10 2700
from 10.4 2500
from 25.2 2200
C up to 10 2300
from 10.4 2100
from 25.2 1900

3 - 3
Specifications
3.02 PFAFF 244 / PFAFF 1243 / PFAFF 1244 ◆
Stitch type:.................................................................................................. 301 (lockstitch)
Needle system:............................................................................................................. 134
Needle thickness in 1/100 mm:
Model A: .................................................................................................................. 60 - 70
Model B: ................................................................................................................ 80 - 100
Model C and C/D:................................................................................................. 110 - 140
Model D: .............................................................................................................. 160 - 200
Max. thread size (synthetic▲):
Model A: ...................................................................................................................... 60/3
Model B: ...................................................................................................................... 40/3
Model C and C/D:......................................................................................................... 15/3
Model D ....................................................................................................................... 11/4
Max. stitch length:
Model AN2.5:.......................................................................................................... 2.5 mm
Model A and B: ....................................................................................................... 4.5 mm
Model CN8; C/DN8 and DN 8: ................................................................................ 8.0 mm
Balance wheel eff. dia.:
Model A and B: ........................................................................................................ 80 mm
Model C; C/D and D: ................................................................................................ 90 mm
Dimensions of machine:
Length:...................................................................................................... approx. 530 mm
Width: ....................................................................................................... approx. 177 mm
Height (above table): ................................................................................. approx. 265 mm
Clear workspace width: .......................................................................................... 270mm
Clear workspace height: ........................................................................................ 115 mm
Fabric clearance under presser foot........................................................................... 5 mm
Net weight (machine head)............................................................................approx. 42 kg
Power supply: .....................................................................................................................
see motor instruction manual
Max. power consumption: ....................................................see motor instruction manual
Fuse protection: .................................................................... see motor instruction manual
Working air pressure:.................................................................................................. 6 bar
Air consumption:...................................................................................... ~0.8 l/work cycle
Working noise level:
Emission at workplace
PFAFF 244 at a speed of 2000 spm:......................................................................81 dB(A)
PFAFF 1243 at a speed of 1500 spm:....................................................................79 dB(A)
PFAFF 1244 at a spped of 1400 spm:....................................................................79 dB(A)
Noise measurement in accordance with DIN 45 635-48-A-1
◆Subject to technical alterations
▲ Or comparable size of other thread types

Specifications
3 - 4
3.02.01 Models and subclasses
PFAFF 244
Model A: ...............................................................................For processing light materials
Model B: ............................................................ For processing medium-weight materials
PFAFF 1243 und PFAFF 1244
Model C and C/D:................................................. For processing medium-heavy materials
Model D: ............................................................................ For processing heavy materials
Additional equipment:
Subclass -750/04...................................................................................Roller presser drive
Subclass -900/56.........................................................................................Thread trimmer
Subclass -911/97.......................Automatic backtacking mechanism and presser-foot lifter
3.02.02 Max. speeds
Machine type Model Max.speed (r.p.m.)
PFAFF 244 A 2500
B 2500
PFAFF 1243 C 2100
C/D 1800
D 1800
PFAFF 1244 C 2000
C/D 1700
D 1700

Disposal of Machine
4 - 1
4 Disposal of Machine
●Proper disposal of the machine is the responsibility of the customer.
●The materials used for the machine are steel, aluminium, brass and various plastic mat-
erials.
The electrical equipment comprises plastic materials and copper.
●The machine is to be disposed of according to the locally valid pollution control regula-
tions; if necessary, a specialist is to be commissioned.
Care must be taken that parts soiled with lubricants are dispoed of separately
according to the locally valid pollution control regulations!

Transportation, packing and storage
5 - 1
5 Transportation, packing and storage
5.01 Transportation to customer's premises
Within the Federal Republic of Germany, complete machines (with table and motor) are
delivered without packing.
Machines without table (only sewing heads) and machines intended for exports are packed.
5.02 Transportation inside the customer's premises
The manufacturer cannot be made liable for transportation inside the customer's premises
nor to other operating locations.
5.03 Disposal of packing materials
The packing materials of this machine comprise paper, cardboard and VCE fibre. Proper dis-
posal of the packing material is the responsibility of the customer.
5.04 Storage
If the machine is not in use, it can be stored as it is for a period of up to six months, but It
should be protected against dust and moisture.
If the machine is stored for longer periods, the individual parts, especially the surfaces of
moving parts, must be protected against corrosion, e.g. by a film of oil.

Explanation of symbols
6 - 1
6 Explanation of symbols
In this instruction manual, work to be carried out or important information is accentuated by
simbols. These symbols have the following meanings:
Note, information
Cleaning, care
Lubrication
Maintenance, repairs, adjustment, service work
(only to be carried out by technical staff)

Controls
7 - 1
Fig. 7 - 01
7 Controls
7.01 On/off switch
●Turn the machine on and off by turning
the on/off switch 1.
The switch in the illustration
can be found on machines with
Quick motors. When other
motors are used, other
switches may be fitted.
1
7.02 Pedal
(on machines without automatic backtacking mechanism and presser foot
lifter -911/97)
0= Neutral position
+1 = Sew
-1 = Trim thread (on machines with
thread trimmer -900/56)
For other pedal functions see
the motor instruction manual.
Fig. 7 - 02
0+1
-1

Controls
7 - 2
7.03 Pedal
(on machines with automatic backtacking mechanism and presser foot
lifter -911/97) 0= Neutral position
+1 = Sew
-1 = Lift presser foot or roller presser
-2 = Trim thread (on machines with
thread trimmer -900/56)
For other pedal functions see
the motor instruction manual.
Fig. 7 - 03
0
+1
-1 -2
7.04 Pedals (on machines with presser foot lifter -910/01)
0= Neutral position
+1 = Sew
-1 = Trim thread (on machines with
thread trimmer -900/56)
+2 = Lift presser foot or roller presser
For other pedal functions see
the motor instruction manual.
Fig. 7 - 04
0
+ 1
+ 2
- 1

Controls
7 - 3
7.05 Knee lever (on machines without automatic backtacking mechanism and
presser foot lifter -911/97)
●The presser foot or roller presser is
raised by operating the knee lever 1.
Fig. 7 - 05
Fig. 7 - 06
7.06 Key on the machine head (for machines with automatic backtacking
mechanism and presser foot lifter -911/97)
●Switch to reverse sewing by pressing
key 1while sewing.
1
1