iowafarmgirl

I recently purchased a Singer 31 class.... and Thanks to Cowboy Bob, he was able to properly identify the machine for me, a 31-19. I downloaded the Parts List and the Instruction manual for it, replaced a few missing / broken parts, rewired it, cleaned up the table and base, gave the machine a good scrubbing and added some fresh oil in all the right spots. Problem is, Im afraid that while replacing some parts and removing others in order to clean it, I may have altered something.... It seems the fabric (or in my case a thin piece of lambskin) doesn't feed properly. The fabric stays stationary. The feed dogs are moving up and down. The walking foot is "walking". Im thinking there is something minor Im not seeing or some small adjustment I need to make. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you for the information.

Mr Kovar... thank you for responding to my post. Your information is greatly appreciated and helpful. If you don't mind me asking, what about the machine brings you the conclusion that it is a 31-19? Please don't take offense to my question, in no way am I questioning your experience or expertise in industrial sewers. Im just curious about what sets this machine apart from, let's say, a 31-15 or a 31-17? Do you have any information on belt size and bobbin type? Thank you.

Hello. Im new to Leatherworker.net and somewhat new to the sewing leather trade. Im posting here because I just picked up what I hope to be my next leather sewing machine (which was a "barn find"). The brass plate with the model # is gone. The problem is, without properly identifying it, Im afraid I will not be able to order proper parts such as needle, bobbin, belt, manual..... Ive been doing quite of a bit of internet searching and phone calls and this is what I've been able to find: Its a Singer. Class 31. Built beginning 09/1916. It's an industrial sewer. It has a walking foot. But that's about it. What I was hoping to find out, from the good and knowledgable people here, is: Which model 31? 31-15, 31-17, 31-18.... Belt size? What needle size does it take or more importantly what needle size can I use on this machine for sewing hair-on-hide leather? What size thread and bobbin type work best for this machine? I know that once I find out exactly which model 31 it is, I can find the manual for it and the answers to these questions. Ideally, I'd like to use this machine for sewing leather / hair-on-hide handbags, clutches and small accessories. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.