Pflaffing at myself but only sew, sew...

[grantmc]

Originally Posted by GordMay

Welcome back, Skip.

The Pfaff 139 is an [older] all-metal, heavy-duty [1.3 amp motor] domestic machine [not an industrial machine], with the robust construction, needed to handle thick materials, like multiple layers of denim, thick garment leather, and other tough fabrics.

Pfaff 139 Sewing Machine Instruction Manual ➥ https://www.sewingpartsonline.com/pr...ruction-manual

& ➥ https://www.pinterest.com/pin/pfaff-...4852329291733/

Sailrites aren't industrial machines either.
I know there'll be members who disagree, but they're a sort of hybrid.

Pfaffs have a reputation for quality way higher than Sailrite, especially the older mechanical units. So many have been passed down from Mother to Daughter (yes I know I'm sure some Fathers and Sons too). But they're such amazing machines for quality and durability.

Also Gordie's url link for the manual is a dead end. Suggest you get in touch with the sewingpartsonline.com and they'll have that sorted easy peasy lemon squeasy.

Originally Posted by nmuir

I coincidentally have both a Pfaff 139 (home) and Sailrite (boat).
The Pfaff easily handles very heavy material/webbing etc. Only things are no walking foot (which doesn't bother me)...

Actually you can buy very inexpensive walking foot kits for your 139 from most sewing suppliers. Less than $50 including delivery.
https://www.sewingpartsonline.com/co...-machine-parts

I doubt there's anything your 139 can't do that a Sailrite can, that includes thickness, speed, material types and threads. But can a Sailrite do everything a 139 can do? Probably not.

There's a great review of the machine along with its history here:
https://sewing.patternreview.com/rev...hine/3102/1000
But you'll need to create a user id.
One user calls it The Beast, fun moniker.

Back in the seventies my very first love used one (her Mum's) to make dresses and shirts etc. She and her Mother were amazing sewers and repaired jeans of mine more than once. And I would put money on it that she's still using that 139 machine.

Keep your needles sharp!

[CrispyCringle]

Originally Posted by Shrew View Post
From our sister site. Just listed yesterday:

https://www.maxumownersclub.com/foru...html#post77146

Originally Posted by Franziska

be very careful with this one.

The seller is a new member, has posted only two times and requests email contact.
Additional it's a very very good bargain.

Sounds like a high risk of being a scam.


I believe you are correct. Ive been in contact with the "seller". They sent pics promptly. Looks like a fairly new machine judging by a few of the details of the machine. She said they had no use for it. I asked where they were located and if there would be a discount if I could pick it up, because in a previous email I asked where they were located and it happened to be 30-40 minutes from me. Seller replied that no discount for a pickup, that she "had ways" with the shipping(?). I said I could get it any time that worked for them. Today she replied it had to be shipped with only a 50% deposit, and if I wouldn't do that, then I must be a scammer. I passed. Indeed, too good to be true. Bummer.

[skipgundlach]

Thanks to all respondents.

Joan Conover, of SSCA fame, gave me a very good overview which added minor detail to all the general info here.

Verdict:

For non-marine uses, all any of us is likely to need. As it came with the manual, I'm pretty well set up for what I need.

Any further discussion is fine by me but the bottom line for most here is that while it can carry thee freight, it's not a marine machine.

L8R
Grounded Pig, off, land cruising, for Halloween

[Morris Wilson]

Walking foot industrials (used). Singer, Pfaff or Juki. Heavy but if you have room... Parts and experienced repair people anywhere in the world. Zig-zag may be scarce but would be preferable. Mine is a Juki 1541 (no zig-zag) but I absolutely love it.

[wingssail]

I have used my Sailrite Sailmaker for 39 years. It has never been in the shop and only needed parts a few times, and then I already had them on hand.

It has a longer arm than an LZ model and I use it for canvas and sail repairs, I have also made a few sails from scratch with it.

Mostly it is on the boat, but for big jobs we take it ashore.

[hpeer]

Skip,
Non topic answer. Just pleased to see you around.

[skipgundlach]

Originally Posted by hpeer

Skip,
Non topic answer. Just pleased to see you around.

And, FOTM I'm glad to be seen, even if not with one of my logs; I still have my brain trust to rely on, while I cruise Grounded Pig (SATview of my cruising grounds below - Grounded Pig is at the top of the keyhole at the right):

[sinnerman]

I have an LSZ and they are overpriced. However they are also well built and as stated, Sailrite's assistance/ customer support is unsurpassed.


You can by used industrial machines which are way better than the LSZ. These machines sew faster (rotary mechanism vs the LSZ's oscillating), have more space under the arm, and can sew PTFE (aka Tenara) thread without issues. However, they are not portable.


If you are going to buy a machine for heavy work (i.e. canvas / multi-layers), stay away from any that use plastic gears, especially in the drive system (i.e. what drives the needle through the fabric.... ) these are designed for light work.


My two cents. Cheers..

[MV Intrigue]

I had a Sailrite but sold it. IMO the only reason to buy a Sailrite is if you need something semi portable or will be taking it cruising. If you will be using it at home and have space IMO the Consew RB206 or the Seiko sth-8bld-3 are way better machines that can be had slightly used for less than the cost of a new Sailrite.

I am still a novice and have managed to fumble my way through making all of our interior cushions, exterior covers and several other items. Certainly enough to pay for our machine and save some money.

I was so struck with the difference between the Sailrite and a Seiko that I made a crappy video demo'ing the difference. Granted the Sailrite does not have the servo motor, which had just come out. Keep in mind I am still a novice in this field.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WZpRXbTTMzU&t=1273s

[skipgundlach]

Dayum, man, that's a huge boat!

Two tabled sewing machines and a layout table to catch the long materials. Almost like a loft well...

Lydia made all of our cushion covers (cheap walmart fabric remainder bin) on the Sailrite I sold, on the fold-out/up back to the port salon seat (which became a spacious single bunk in the 'real world' - we even had lee cloths and support hanger straps connected to the overhead handholds - the lower Pullman queen had straps which attached to strap-hooks - look like U with screw-secure-mounts on the end - and lee cloths for that berth as well).

I also made fender covers, fuel can covers, a helm cover for hurricane prep, and other simple Sunbrella projects on ours before selling it as it became evident we'd never return to actual cruising (it took me about 3 years to recover from mourning).

Nice machine, that upholstery one...