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Fool · Joined: 22 Oct 2004 Posts: 102 Location: Dayton, OH

In between panels, for the double star, I noticed the binding was getting a lil uneven on top to bottom which it does from time to time. So I pulled about 3cm through straightened it out and started to do a few stitches when all of a sudden the machine pulls the binding through the hole in the bottom plate. Which then gets jammed between the bobbin bell and the thread catcher. Stops the machine. UH OH, I cut the binding between the attachment and the plate and start removing things to get access to the problem. Presser foot, needle, bottom plate, accessory case, bobbin case, and bobbin. I worked at getting that 3/4oz Ripstop binding out of the machine for about 10 minutes when i work it free. So next I take a look around trying to figure out why it pulled it through in the first place. Couldn't find any reason. Well before I decide to go back to setting up. I put the needle back in and try running it down into the bottom plate by hand. OH CRAP!!! It's hitting the backside of the thread catcher. I think the machine jar'd itself loose somehow and slipped the thread catcher back so that it's out of timing with the needle movements.

Has anyone with a pfaff had this happen? I'm planning on taking it to the shop later this week but I'm just wondering if it's something I could possibly repair myself. Ever since I've bought this machine it seems like it hasn't sewn as good as it did in the shop the day I was taking a look at it. I hope it's not expensive to repair.
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Chris Taylor
Dayton, OH

robkite · Joined: 30 Apr 2004 Posts: 106 Location: Olympia, WA

Check to make sure that you didn't tweak the needle even a slight bend can cause what you describe.

When I have a jam like that I usually take the whole machine set up down and start over by putting the machine in it's ready position and re-threading everything. and replacing the needle just because it might have hit something and gotten dull.

Best of luck
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Robkite
Rob Pratt
robcp@msn.com
Ft Worden Kitemaker conference web site: www.kitemakers.org

Fool · Joined: 22 Oct 2004 Posts: 102 Location: Dayton, OH

KiteSquid · Posted: Tue Jan 25, 2005 12:36 pm Post subject:

Try a new needle..

You probally bent it!!!!!!!

Lay it on a piece of glass and look to see if it lays like a new one.

I could not tell you why your machine did what it did, but you may have to take it in for an adjustment if a fresh needle does not go work....

There are a lot of fiddley adjustments that are required for each machine and Pfaff guards thier service manuals with armed guards. They dont want that data gettting out, but that said..... go to the library and look for books on sewing machine repair to see if it is a job you want to tackle yoursef but you can cause more damage than good.

DO NOT ATTEMPT IT IF YOU DONT FEEL COMFORTABLE AFTER READING AT LEAST 2 BOOKS ON MACHINE REPAIR!!!!!!!!!

Also NEVER tell your sewing machine mechanic that you monkied around inside your machine.. the repair bill will double with those words....
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VR/
KiteSquid
AKA TakoIka
AKA Harold
King George VA

P.S. Yet another post by the Squid..... Shocked

Doesent he ever shut up???

P.P.S. The wind is like the air, only pushier.

rbojarski · Posted: Tue Jan 25, 2005 1:36 pm Post subject:

I've had this happen if I try to start stitching the edge binding right at the top of the panel. Doesn't always happen. I now leave about 1 inch of binding sticking above the portion I'm trying to sew. Seems like enough material has to be in contact with the saw-like teeth that pulls the fabric thru the machine. I haven't had any similar problems as long as the edge binding makes contact with the teeth that pull the fabric. Not sure if this is something that can be corrected with a trip to the sewing store.

Ray Bojarski

KiteSquid · Posted: Tue Jan 25, 2005 2:24 pm Post subject:

This may be another fix to keep it from happening again...

You may try a straight stitch throat plate and presser foot. They have a round hole just big enough for the needle to pass thru but not much more...

It makes thin fabrics feed better at high speeds, so it may help you too...

Also, what type/size of needle are you using????
_________________
VR/
KiteSquid
AKA TakoIka
AKA Harold
King George VA

P.S. Yet another post by the Squid..... Shocked

Doesent he ever shut up???

P.P.S. The wind is like the air, only pushier.

Fool · Joined: 22 Oct 2004 Posts: 102 Location: Dayton, OH

KiteSquid · Posted: Tue Jan 25, 2005 3:41 pm Post subject:

So, is your machine working again?????

If so, what fixed i????
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VR/
KiteSquid
AKA TakoIka
AKA Harold
King George VA

P.S. Yet another post by the Squid..... Shocked

Doesent he ever shut up???

P.P.S. The wind is like the air, only pushier.

Fool · Joined: 22 Oct 2004 Posts: 102 Location: Dayton, OH

Nope, new needle and it still hits in the same spot. I tried taking pictures but this new memory card isn't reading properly. So i'm gonna have to charge the batteries up again since they were already dead and take out the memory card to get some pics. Squid if you take a close look at the thread catcher the plate that's screwed to the oposite side of the hook is what the needle is hitting.
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Chris Taylor
Dayton, OH

wdrwilson · Posted: Tue Jan 25, 2005 7:37 pm Post subject:

Are you saying it's hitting underneath the top plate.. i.e. in the bobbin compartment? I have a problem some times with my Pfaff when the bobbin doesn't get seated properly it will slide out a little and the needle will hit it. I usually notice it right away since I can't thread the needle.

What's the thread catcher? do you mean the hook?

cheers,
Bill