Pfaff 487 User manual

Service Manual
PFAFF INDUSTRIEMASCHINEN GMBH KAISERSLAUTERN
From the library of: Superior Sewing Machine & Supply LLC

Instructions for adjusting the Pfaff 487
Important note
Never use a C-clamp on the needle bar of Pfaff 480 series machines because this
would damage its special coating.
On machines which are put into operation for the first time or which have been idle
for a longer period of time (1 or 2 months) make absolutely sure to check the hook
lubrication system (Section 14).
Important note for version N machines
All adjustments described In this book also apply to version N machines (6.0 mm maximum ~ -
stitch length). An exception are machines supplied earlier whose stitch length control Is
knurled all the way around.
If on these machines the reverse-feed control can be moved when the stitch length control
Is set at "0", all adjustments which are carried out with the stitch length set at "0" must
be made with the reverse-feed control depressed.
If on machines having a stitch length control which Is knurled all the way around the
reverse-feed control cannot be moved, all adjustments which have to be carried out with
the stitch length set at "0" must be made with the stitch length set at "1.5" and the
reverse-feed control depressed.
Tools, gauges and other equipment needed for adjusting the Pfaff 487:
1 set of screwdrivers with blades from 2 to 10 mm wide
1 set of spanners from 7 to 14 mm wide
1 22-mm spanner
1 set of alien keys ranging from 1.5 to 6.0 mm
1 metal rule
1 adjusting pin, 5 mm dia.. No. 13-030 341-05
1 gauge. No. 61-111 642-19
(gauge foot No. 61-111 639-20)
1 wrapper with System 134 needles
1 strip of white paper, sewing thread and material for testing purposes.
From the library of: Superior Sewing Machine & Supply LLC

1
1.1
Note:
Preparations for adjustment
Take out both screws of the face cover and remove the cover.
The rnachlne can be blocked with the needle bar at different positions by
inserting a pin in one of the five holes of the bearing plate (Fig. 1.0.1).
After positioning the needie bar, push the pin into the appropriate hole
untii it enters the recess behind the bearing plate, thus blocking the
machine.
The function of each of the five holes is as follows:
Hole 1 (0.6 n.o.T.) = 0.6 mm past the top of the needle bar stroke. This hole
is used for timing the feed eccentrics and adjusting the feed dog height.
Hole 2(o.T.F.) = top of take-up lever stroke. (On subcl. -900 machines, this
hole Is used for timing the synchronizer.)
Hole 3 (0.6 n.u.T.) = 0.6 mm past the bottom of the needle bar stroke. (This
hole is needed on Pfaff 481 and 485 machines.)
Hole 4(Schl-H 1.8) = 1.8 mm past the bottom of the needle bar stroke. This
hole serves to time the sewing hook and the bobbin case opener.
Hole 5(o.T.N.) = top of needle bar stroke.
1
From the library of: Superior Sewing Machine & Supply LLC

Correct
setting:
Note:
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
2.4.1
2.4.2
2.4.3
2.4.4
2.4.5
2.4.6
2.4.7
2.4.8
Zeroing the bottom feed motion
With the stitch length set at "0", the feed dog must not move when the
balance wheel Is turned.
The bottom feed motion can also be zeroed with the gearcase closed (see
Fig. 2.0.2).
1
Remove the needle from the needle holder.
Raise the presser bar lifter.
Remove the knee lever together with Its joint and tilt the machine back.
Adjustment procedure to be applied when the gearcase Is open.
Turn the stitch length control to "0".
Take out the 16 screws of the gearcase cover and remove the cover with Its
gasket, making sure that the oil, If any, Is drained off into a container.
Take the oil sponge out of the gearcase.
Loosen screw 2 of feed crank 1 just sufficiently to allow the crank to be turned
on Its shaft against resistance.
To facilitate adjustment. Insert a screwdriver In the slot of feed rock shaft
crank 3.
Rotate the balance wheel and at the same time adjust feed crank 1 on its shaft
until the feed dog (or rather the screwdriver in feed rock shaft crank 3) no
longer moves.
In this position, tighten screw 2 of feed crank 1.
Check this adjustment (see "Correct setting").
From the library of: Superior Sewing Machine & Supply LLC

2.5 Adjustment procedure to be applied when the gearcase cover Is closed.
2.0.2
2.5.1 Turn the stitch length control to "0".
2.5.2 Loosen screw 6 of the feed regulator crank.
2.5.3 To facilitate adjustment, Insert a screwdriver In the slot of feed rock shaft
crank 3 (Fig. 2.0.1).
2.5.4 With the aid of a spanner pushed over hexagon tension nut 4 turn feed
regulator shaft 5 until the feed dog (or rather the screwdriver In the feed rock
shaft crank) remains absolutely still when the balance wheel Is turned.
2.5.5 In this position, hold the feed regulator shaft fast with the spanner and tighten
screw 6.
2.5.6 Check this adjustment (see "Correct setting").
3
From the library of: Superior Sewing Machine & Supply LLC

Bottom feed driving motion
Correct With the machine set for its longest stitch and the needle bar positioned
setting: 0.6 mm past top dead center (pin in hole 1), the feed dog should not
move when the reverse-feed control is operated.
m
3.1 Loosen both screws 2 in feed driving eccentric 1.
3.2 Bring the needle bar to a position 0.6 mm past top dead center and block the
machine in this position by inserting the pin in hole 1.
3.3 Set the machine for its longest stitch.
3.4 To facilitate adjustment, insert the screwdriver in the slot of feed rock shaft
crank 3.
3.5 Move the reverse-feed control up and down and simultaneously turn feed
driving eccentric 1until its notch Is visible and the feed dog (or rather the
screwdriver in feed rock shaft crank 3) is compieteiy motionless.
3.6 In this position, tighten the accessible screw 2 in feed driving eccentric 1.
3.7 Pull the pin out of the hole in the bearing plate and tighten the second screw
2 in feed driving eccentric 1.
3.8 Check this adjustment (see "Correct setting").
3.9 Pull the screwdriver out of the slot in feed rock shaft crank 3.
From the library of: Superior Sewing Machine & Supply LLC

Correct
setting:
Bottom feed lifting motion
With the stitch length control set at "0" and the needle bar positioned
0.6 mm past top dead center (pin hole 1), the feed dog should be at Its
highest point. The notch in feed lifting
eccentric 1should then be positioned
perpendicularly below the center of the shaft (Fig. 4.0.2).
4.0.2
4.1 Turn the stitch length control to "0" and remove the bedplate cover.
4.2 Loosen both screws 2 In feed lifting eccentric 1 (Fig. 4.0.1).
4.3 Bring the needle bar to a position 0.6 mm past top dead center and block the
machine in this position by inserting the pin in hole 1.
4.4 Turn feed lifting eccentric 1 until the feed dog is at its highest point and the
notch in feed lifting eccentric 1 is positioned perpendicularly below the
center of the shaft (Fig. 4.0.2).
4.5 In this position, tighten the accessible screw 2, making sure there is a smali
amount of play between feed lifting eccentric 1 and the bearing.
4.6 Pull the pin out of the hole in the bearing plate and tighten the second screw
2 too.
4.7 Check this adjustment (see "Correct setting").
From the library of: Superior Sewing Machine & Supply LLC

Feed dog height
With the stitch length control set at "0" and the needle bar positioned 0.6
mm past lop dead center (pin in hole 1), the feed dog should be centered
in its slots and contact the gauge throughout its entire length (Fig. 5.0.2).
Bring the needle bar to a position 0.6 mm
past top dead center and block the
machine in this position by inserting the pin in hole 1.
Turn the stitch length control to "0".
Loosen screw 4 and both screws 5(Fig. 5.0.1).
Place the gauge under the presser foot so that its front edge is flush with
the front edge of the needle plate (Fig. 5.0.2).
Lower the presser bar lifter to rest the presser foot on the gauge.
Center the feed dog In its slots.
Push the feed bar upwards until the feed dog contacts the gauge. Then tighten
screw 4 lightly.
Turn eccentric bushing 5 a until the feed dog Is In contact with the gauge
throughout Its entire length.
Tighten both screws 5 and screw 4, making sure the feed dog moves freely
in its slots.
Raise the presser foot lifter, remove the gauge from under the presser foot
and pull the pin out of the hole in the bearing plate.
Check this adjustment (see "Correct setting").
From the library of: Superior Sewing Machine & Supply LLC

6 Centering the needle In the needle hole
Correct A straight needle should be positioned exactly In the middle of the needle
setting: hole (Fig. 6.0.2).
i
i8i
Bring the needle bar to its highest point and remove the presser foot.
Insert a new needle (system 134 kk) into the needle bar.
Take out screw 6 in the eye of the needle bar frame (Fig. 6.0.1).
Loosen screw 7 of the eccentric stud.
Loosen screw 8 of the needle bar frame hinge stud.
Turn the balance wheel while moving the needle bar frame sideways, and
turn the eccentric stud until the needle is centered In the needle hole
(Fig. 6.0.2).
In
this position, tighten screw 8.
Pull out the eccentric stud until it contacts the needle bar frame and
tighten screw 7.
Replace screw 6 with its washer on the eccentric stud and tighten the screw.
Loosen screw 7 again and turn the balance wheel a few turns to ensure that
the needle bar frame is not under stress. Then tighten screw 7 securely again.
Check this adjustment (see "Correct setting").
From the library of: Superior Sewing Machine & Supply LLC

Correct
setting:
7.0.1
7.1
7.2
7.3
7.4
7.5
7.6
7.7
7.8
7.9
7.10
7.11
7.12
7.13
Eccentric hook shaft bearing
There should be a clearance of 0.4 mm between hook point and the middle
of the clearance cut of the needle when the sewing hook is up against
oil distributor ring 3 (Fig. 7.0.2). Also there should be aminimum amount
of play between the gears.
-Q rmirn
m
Remove the needle plate and the feed dog.
Loose screw 1 of oil regulating valve 2 and swivel the oil tube out of oil
distributor ring 3.
Loosen screw 4 on the surface of the bedplate (Fig. 7.0.2).
Turn eccentric hook shaft bearing 5 so that the recess Is visible from below
(see arrow In Fig. 7.0.1) and the two spur gears have neither too much play nor
stand too close together.
Loosen both screws 6 of the sewing hook.
Push the sewing hook up against oil distributor ring 3.
Turn the sewing hook and reposition the needle bar until the hook point is
positioned in the middle of the clearance cut of the needle.
Reposition hook shaft bearing 5 until there Is a clearance of 0.4 mm betw
een hook point and the middle of the clearance cut of the needle, making
sure however that the bearing Is not turned and that the hook remains In
contact with oil distributor ring 3.
In this position, securely tighten screw 4.
Loosen both screws 8.
Reposition gear 7 on its shaft until it is exactly in line with the small gear.
Tighten both screws 8 securely, making sure that the second screw of spur
gear 7 — as seen in its direction of rotation — is positioned in the groove
of the shaft and both gears have enough play.
Do not tighten screws 6 as yet and leave the oil tube swivelled away for the
following adjustment.
8
From the library of: Superior Sewing Machine & Supply LLC

Correct
setting:
Needle bar height, hook timing and hook-to-needie clearance
When the needle bar is positioned 1.8 mm past bottom dead center (pin
in hole 4), the top edge of the needle eye should be positioned 0.8 mm
below the bottom edge of the hook point (Fig. 8.0.3). In this position, there
should be a clearance of 0.1 mm between hook point and needle (Fig.
8.0.2).
s
oo o
8.0.2
8.1 Bring the needle bar to a point 1.8 mm past bottom dead center, making sure
that the needle does not strike the sewing hook. Block the machine In this
position by inserting the pin in hole 4.
8.2 Loosen both screws 1 in the needle bar connection stud (Fig. 8.0.1).
8.3 Turn the sewing hook on its ^haft until its point is exactly opposite the center
line of the needle.
8.4 Move the needle bar up or down until there Is a clearance of 0.8 mm between
the top edge of the needle eye and the bottom edge of the sewing hook
(Fig. 8.0.3).
8.5 In this position, tighten both screws 1, making sure that the needle bar is not
turned (Fig. 8.0.1).
8.6 Adjust the sewing hook laterally until there is a clearance of 0.1 mm between
its point and the needle (center of scarf), making sure the hook point Is op
posite the center line of the needle and the position finger Is In the slot of
the bobbin case.
8.7 In this position, tighten the accessible screw 2.
'8.8 Pull the pin out of the hole in the bearing plate and tighten the second
screw 2.
8.9 Check this adjustment (see "Correct setting").
9
From the library of: Superior Sewing Machine & Supply LLC

Correct
setting:
9.1
9.2
9.3
9.4
9.5
Eccentric bobbin case opener shaft bushing
When at Its left point of reversal, bobbin case opener finger 3 should be
positioned vertically so that it Is exactly opposite the lug of bobbin case
base 4 (Fig. 9.0.2).
9.0.1
Loosen screw 1 of eccentric bobbin case opener shaft bushing 2 (Fig. 9.0.1).
Turn the balance wheel to bring the opener finger to Its left point of reversal.
Turn bushing 2 until opener finger 3 is exactly opposite the lug of bobbin
case base 4. (Fig. 9.0.2). Make sure the bobbin case can be easily removed
from the sewing hook.
In this position, tighten screw 1.
Check this adjustment (see "Correct setting").
10
From the library of: Superior Sewing Machine & Supply LLC

10
Correct
setting:
10.1
10.2
10.3
10.4
10.5
10.6
10.7
10.8
10.9
Position of bobbin case opener
There should be a clearance of abt. 0.8 mm between bobbin case opener
finger 1 and bobbin case base 5 (Fig. 10.0.2). When opener finger 1 is on
the left of its stroke, there should be a clearance of abt. 0.3 mm between
bobbin case base 5 and position finger 6 (Fig. 10.0.3), In this position, the
lug on collar4 should be up against the stop ofopenerfinger1 (Fig. 10.0.1).
10.0.1
0.3 mm
10.0.2
10.0.3
Loosen screw 3 of collar 4.
Loosen clamp screw 2 of opener finger 1 just sufficiently to allow it to be
turned on its shaft against resistance.
Reposition opener finger 1 on its shaft untii there is a clearance of 0.8 mm
between it and bobbin case base 5 (Fig. 10.0.2).
Rotate the balance wheel until opener finger 1 is on the left of its stroke.
Turn opener finger 1untii there is a thread ciearance of 0.3 mm between
position finger 6 and the right waii of the position slot in the bobbin case
base when opener finger 1 contacts the iug of bobbin case base 5 (Fig. 10.0.3).
In this position, securely tighten screw 2.
Push collar 4 up against opener finger 1 and turn it so that its iug is up
against the stop of opener finger 1.
In this position, tighten screw 3.
Check this adjustment (see "Correct setting").
11
From the library of: Superior Sewing Machine & Supply LLC

Timing Ihe bobbin case opener
When the needle bar is positioned 1.8 mm past bottom dead center (pin
in hole 4), opener finger 3 should be at its right point of reversal (Fig.
11.0.2).
11.0.1
.s
h"! lA'-
. V
11.0.2
Loosen booth screws 2 (Fig. 11.0.1).
Bring the needle bar to a point 1.8 mm past bottom dead center and block
the machine in this position by inserting the pin in hole 4.
To
facilitate determining the exact point of reversal insert a small screw
driver in the slot of the clamp of opener finger 3.
Turn opener eccentric 1 until opener finger 3 Is at Its right point of reversal
(Fig. 11.0.2).
in this position, tighten the accessible screw 2 of opener eccentric 1 (Fig.
11.0.1), making
sure there is sufficient play between opener eccentric 1 and
the lifting eccentric.
Puii the pin out of the hole In the bearing plate and tighten the second
screw 2 also.
Pull the screwdriver out of the clamp slot and check this adjustment (see
"Correct setting").
From the library of: Superior Sewing Machine & Supply LLC

12
Correct
setting;
12.1
Note:
12.2
Oil tube In oil distributor ring
Oil tube 1should be positioned In the hole of oil distributor ring 2 (Fig.
12.0.2).
12.0.2
gnnr
12.0.1
Insert oil tube 1 Into the hole of oil distributor ring 2 (see arrow In Fig.
12.0.2); If
necessary, turn oil distributor ring 2 accordingly.
On subcl. -900 machines the oil distributor ring cannot be turned until you
have loosened the three screws on the front side of the hook shaft bearing.
Tighten screw 3 of oil regulating valve 4 (Fig. 12.0.1).
13
From the library of: Superior Sewing Machine & Supply LLC

13
Correct
setting;
Oil check valve
There should be a clearance of 1.0 mm between actuating rod 3 of the
centrifugal governor and push rod 4 of the oil check valve (Fig. 13.0.2).
13.0.2
13.0.1
13.1 Loosen screw 1 of oil check valve 2 (Fig. 13.0.1).
13.2 Push actuating rod 3 Into the centrifugal governor.
13.3 Press push rod 4 Into oil check valve 2 until a noticeable resistance Is felt.
13.4 Reposition oil check valve 2 until there Is a clearance of 1.0 mm between
actuating rod 3 and push rod 4(Fig. 13.0.2).
13.5 In this position, tighten screw 1.
13.6 Check this adjustment (see "Correct setting").
13.7 Soak the oil sponge with oil and replace It In the gearcase so that Its large
recess is at the bottom left and the oil tube is placed on top of It.
13.8 Clean the gasket face on the gearcase and the gasket of the gearcase cover.
13.9 Replace the gearcase cover and simultaneously screw on the two machine
legs, tightening the screws of the cover crosswise.
14
From the library of: Superior Sewing Machine & Supply LLC

14
Correct
setting:
Hook lubrication
After the machine has run at full speed for about ten seconds, a fine trace
of oil should appear on a piece of paper placed over the needle plate
cutout above the hook raceway.
14
14.1 Check the oil level and, if necessary, top up the reservoir until the oil level
is in line with the upper mark. Use oil No. 280-1-120144.
14.2 Turn in regulating screw 1 of oil regulating valve 2 as far as it will go, and
then back about three turns.
14.3 Start the machine and run it until the sewing hook starts emitting oil.
14.4 Turn regulating screw 1 in completely and then out half a turn.
14.5 Let the machine run about 1 minute.
14.6 Place a piece of white paper over the needle plate cutout.
14.7 Let the machine run about ten seconds. Then check to see if a fine trace of
oil has appeared on the paper opposite the hook raceway.
14.8 If too much oil Is emitted, turn regulating screw 1 in a little; or If too little oil
Is emitted, turn It out somewhat.
14.9 Check this adjustment (see "Correct setting").
15
From the library of: Superior Sewing Machine & Supply LLC

15
Correct
setting:
15.1
15.2
15.3
15.4
15.5
(S)
Zeroing the top feed motion
To determine whether the following setting Is correct, adjustments 15.1 to
15.5 must be carried out first.
With the stitch length set at "0", feed driving lever 7 (Fig. 15.0.4) must not
move when the balance wheel Is turned.
i lllil
15.0.1
Turn regulating screw 1 out a few turns.
Turn out stop screw 2until a resistance Is felt.
Q
o
Set the machine for Its longest stitch and move the reverse-feed control to
Its upper position.
Turn in regulating screw 1until the reverse-feed control begins to move
downwards.
Turn regulating screw 1 back half a turn.
16
From the library of: Superior Sewing Machine & Supply LLC

Not©: For information on version N machines supplied earlier see inside front cover.
15.6
15.7
15.8
15.9
15.10
15.11
15.12
15.13
15.0.2
m/ liiiiii
15.0.3 15.0.4
Turn the stitch length control to "0" and loosen screw 3.
Adjust scale 4 so that the zero mark is positioned above the tip of the pointer.
Retain the scaie in this position and tighten screw 3.
Repiace and screw on the belt guard and the rear arm cover.
Loosen screw. 5.
Adjust crank 6 so that feed driving lever 7 does not move when the balance
wheel Is turned.
In this position tighten screw 5.
Check this adjustment (see "Correct setting").
17
From the library of: Superior Sewing Machine & Supply LLC

With the presser bar lifter raised, there should be a clearance of 7.0 mm
between presser foot and needle plate (Fig. 16.0.2).
From the library of: Superior Sewing Machine & Supply LLC