Pfaff's new owners

[MinUph]

I understand pfaff has been bought back in 2010 by another company Mauser Spezial. We will be going to look at a 1245 this coming monday and wonder if any of you have any experience with this new company making pfaffs?
 

[Mojo]

I believe Mauser has been around for a long time. Not sure on their quality. Give Bob Kovar a call and check with him. he will know.

If memory serves me right Mauser had a nitch market in specialty machines. Maybe Bobbin would know as she has run across alot of different machines in the garment trade.

Chris

[sofadoc]

I read that the engineering is still done in Germany, manufacturing moved to China. I think the retail price for a 1245 actually dropped a little when Mauser took over. I remember there used to be a bigger disparity in price between a Juki 1508 and a Pfaff 1245. Now they're pretty close.

[baileyuph]

Paul,

That is a large machine manufacturing group in China.  If you check their address is China.

What do you mean by experience with them?  Experience, regarding the Pfaff, well product wise would be with a Pfaff built withing the last couple of years or maybe a little longer.

If you recall, we discussed the purchase of PFaff by China, probably within the last two or three years.  They bought it from Germany, and since have used German experience for consulting and technical support.  

Any 1245 built before would be to the German standard, and any sold new in recent years, as we talk, would be most likely good because, like was reported and I remarked their expertise is still serving as product guidance and tech support.  I wouldn't hesitate to buy one of Mausers 1245 because they are a BIG company and only enhanced the product, especially the electronics (I read).  

I have a 1245, built in Germany and when it comes to the heavy jobs like we get in auto seating, it can do the job.  So many machine builders have gone to China, in some fashion, they should be getting into position to produce with about anyone.

A good used 1245 or one of the new China 1245 built under German guidance should not be a risk at all.  

To Add, I did read where Mauser has adopted the German manufacturing techniques to a "T" and probably improved it.

You thinking of a new one?  One with all the electronic controls, well one with the stitch speed control?  Let us know what they cost?  

Chris likes his double needle which is China built, cheaper labor sure has reshaped the world and it is very doubtful the full stage has unfolded in that regard.

Maybe someone will come on with one of the new Pfaffs made by their new owner.

Doyle

[MinUph]

We will be looking at a used machine. It looks great in the pictures. We will see how it sews on Monday. I thought the new manufacturer would be fine. I was just looking for some first hand experience with the newer machines made by them. For all I know this machine in question is old enough to be a true pfaff.

[brmax]

Paul  I read on Pfaff America's site they are or part of the company is "under one roof" with Durkopp Adler and this might be in Kaiserslautern Germany. I thought from looking at other stuff you all brought up i seen something about main tooling and parts in Czech Rep. for the company possibly, dont hold me to that though.
Good Day

[baileyuph]

This would be an interesting discussion for a Pfaff dealer, one selling the new machines.

Don't know if we have any in my area?

Doyle

[bobbin]

What did you think of the machine when you test drove it?

The last Pfaff I operated was a 1245, German (late '90s).  Nice machine and they'd changed the reverse mechanism to a push down lever by that time.  There was also a 545 with the reverse lever that you had to lift up, that was part of the stitch length control.  It was a nice machine, but the reverse thing was a PITA.  Every time you reversed you shortened the stitch length.  There was a Pfaff long arm in Boss's shop, too... modelled on the 545, also a nice machine in spite of no care/maintenance. 

Last time I knew Pfaff was not in the "universal" group and parts were very brand specific, which meant that adding different feed was an expensive proposition.  I'll be interested in what you thought of the machine.

[MinUph]

After researcing and testing it out we bought the machine. Runs smooth well cared for.
I've always been partial to Pfaff. This one is pre transfer of the company.

[bobbin]

That's great, Paul.  I'm sure you'll give it a nice home.  (I missed a Kansai Special coverstitch machine a couple of weeks ago... $350, I was bummed!)

[baileyuph]

All of my Pfaffs are from Germany also.  Congrats Paul!

Universal parts or aftermarket feet are available for the Pfaff.  But, I like the OEM feet so well, worth every penny for me. 

I have a Juki, relatively new that I like very well.  I also have Consew and ohers, all good.  But, what I like to do with my Pfaff is original auto trim work, it really gives me good support in getting that type of trim put together right.  BTw, I just go in trruck seats from an International (big rig) and the largest diesel Ford makes today.  I noted these customers were as proud of their stuff as my expensive furniture customers are.  That is good, I enjoy everything that I do.  I also enjoy suffing my retirement stocking too!

Paul, if you didn't get a manual, I was able to get one off the internet.

Doyle

[MinUph]

Doyle.
  Thanks. I downloaded the manual and service manual.