CustomDoug

Thanks everyone, I have one of these machines coming and I know a manual won't be necessary just to run it but besides just liking to a reference around, the seller couldn't confirm more than that it turns over nicely.. so the manual that Busted posted has shuttle timing info, etc. in case it's necessary. Thanks again!

I need a manual for the Singer 45k25, it's not in the list I have here http://parts.singerco.com/IPinstManuals/ , anyone know of an online source that someone may have posted?

Actually I think it may be Singer copying or using a Wheeler & Wilson's design from the mid to late 1800's. Maybe Juki borrowed it too, I don't know. This is what wiki suggests about the term - "Wilson also invented the four-motion feed mechanism; this is still seen on every machine today. This had a forward, down, back, and up motion, which drew the cloth through in an even and smooth motion." . But obviously it's not seen on every machine today unless wiki's just describing a normal drop feed system... but that's wiki for ya. Never the less, the singer manual does make a distinction between normal compound feed and a "four-motion feed mechanism" - on certain machine sub-classes that were produced from 1911 on. See the manual and compare the 153w101 to the 153w103.

I'm going to do as much of my cloth items as I can with my 31-15. The other single needle cylinder arm machine on my short list is a machine that is compound feed, has alternating presser feet, and a "four-motion under feed mechanism" (that's a new one on me ).

No, it's probably me that's misunderstanding. In my previous post I was quoting the manufacturer's description and list of items they think it's made to sew. These are things I'd be wanting to use it for too. It's a list I hadn't found until after I'd posted this thread, despite my searching. I'm weighing that info along with the videos I've seen of it in action and also what you are telling me too. Wiz you've certainly helped me understand that the walking foot version is superior but the gist of my original question was basically - will this feed system (compound needle) allow me to do what I need to while using #138 thread.

For sewing medium to medium heavy weight fabrics, leather, canvas, vinyl, synthetics and various laminated and coated materials Designed for stitching tubular and curved work Suitable for sewing such products as caps, cushions, boots, shoes, auto, boat and furniture upholstery, boat covers, sails, awnings, tents, light tarpaulins, camping equipment, luggage, travelware accessories, wearing apparel, coats, etc. High lift Vertical axis rotary hook Cylindar arm Safety clutch prevents the hook from being damaged Compound feed assures even feeding of several plies or slippery material This compound needle feed machine I've learned, is going to be a little more than just a light duty garment class machine as it can take a size #22 needle, which would actually get me to a #207 thread if I'm not mistaken. So this one might work for my light weight stuff after all. The walking foot would be best but I've seen videos of this compound needle feed in action on upholstery leather and it seems sufficient enough. Believe me that I've seen that page of the Cowboy 227R many times, and I'd be all over it if I could. I'll be getting another one of his servo motors though, for which ever used machine I end up with. This is just one to add to my list of considerations for my flat bed replacement.

Do most needle feed machines also include a feed dog that moves the material along? Or is that considered another feed class? I ask because I'm considering swapping out my Consew 206rb flat bed walking foot machine for a cylinder arm version or close to it. I've found a machine that's described as "needle feed" but also has a moving feed dog (drop feed I guess). Would that system be way inferior to the walking foot for general leather work requiring #138 thread? Things like bags, vests, wallets, jackets, chaps, belts, etc. How would this system handle upholstery both leather, vinyl, cloth, etc. ?

Never have, but there is a 51W local to me that I've been meaning to go see... I'll probably check it out before getting anything else.

I'm dabbling in doing wallets with inlays and the 31-15 w/roller seems like a good enough choice for that. The 31-15 that I just sold didn't seem to mind #92 thread being run through it, but like you said though - thin soft leather.

The 31-15 wouldn't be my primary machine for leather work, I already have a walking foot machine for that (consew 206RB) and for upholstery. I also plan on adding a heavier machine soon too for thicker veg tanned leather items. I'd be using the 31-15 mostly for cotton linings of bags, backpacks and yes even tailoring and alterations too (mostly my personal clothing). Then there's the ability of the 31-15 to do that stitch scroll work with a roller foot that I like so much. Not to mention that it'll do button holes in thin leather vests with the correct high shank button hole attachment (shoot I just mentioned it).

yea, I haven't bought it yet... will probably just go with another 31-15. Part of the idea was that if the 206k was up to the 31-15's abilities, I'd gain zig-zag, etc. But that would have just been icing on the cake.

Hi Wizcrafts, I knew this was a home sewing machine but I'd also read that it was based on an industrial machine from the 30's or so. Was only hoping to accomplish the same things on it as I would on a 31-15 (nothing very thick). Had I known it was a low shank machine I wouldn't have asked to compare it to a 31-15. Again, I could not find a manual on-line. As for my comment on the 3.5" pulley, I was comparing it to my consew206rb which seems to have about a 3" pulley and I didn't think the 31-15 pulley was bigger than 3.5" (can't verify because I just sold the one I had). Anyway I asked about this machine because I know it will be good for sewing my cotton liners but was hoping a true (high shank) roller foot would allow a little more versatility. BTW, these 206K's have large motors (bigger than the typical home "can" motors) on the back of them from the factory. Anyway - thanks as always for the great info.

How would a Singer 206K compare to a 31-15? This is a machine that is not in the manuals list that I have saved. It has a 3.5" wheel which I believe would make it relatively slow and powerful. I'm pretty sure it would be fine for sewing cottons, etc. but I'm wondering if a roller foot could be add and a single feed dog for scrolling stitch designs in thin leathers like on a 31-15.

TwinOaks, that confused me a little, can you elaborate? You said hold the thread for several stitches but the back stitching is usually only 2 stitches. Are you saying it's necessary to keep holding the thread even after you've started sewing the main line of stitching forward. I've just been starting my seem a couple of stitched ahead of where it should start, backstitch two from there, then handwheel into the two holes that I made, then get the motor running. After the seem is sewn I go back and snip the threads as close to the leather as possible, on each side. Is that the way most here are doing it?

I think it must have been her I talked to when ordering some garment horsehide a while back. I like Springfield Leather too.

~ Yes, still for sale.

That ebay leather cording looks like it's not been sewn together, could it be just glued together or something?

Yes, I already did that before posting this thread. I just don't like that as my only option. So If folks were reporting positively about this company, it would be a consideration - that's why I asked.

ebay? are they on ebay? if so, I'd at least have some protection by them and paypal. Been down that road a few times and have always come out on top. Make no mistake, I wouldn't be expecting warranty coverage or service from this place - I understand that the prices don't reflect that kind of thing. Also I doubt I'd have to ship anything further than LA though, according to their policies page anyway. But sewing machines, especially used ones are just a small part of their trading company's business apparently. Heavy equipment seems to be a bigger deal for them. Anyway, the fact that nobody here's used them before speaks volumes. Thanks ya'll.

hmm, interesting. Not necessarily a deal breaker 'cause I did expect that the machine wouldn't have been gone over. I thought, unless there was a lot of negative experiences posted here that I'd give 'em a call and get a feel for their shipping methods and general trustworthiness. They have 4 of the same models I'm wanting, so I'd have to get someone on the phone to discuss which one would be the best choice (less missing parts, etc). Still, just considering my options though. Thanks for your comments.

I was wondering if anyone here has bought a used machine on-line from "USA-Dealer" (.net) or "SewingMachine" (.net) ? Both websites have the same phone numbers, I guess they're one in the same. Just wandering about you're experiences with them and shipping details... as in how well were machine head's packed, etc?

yea I think that oak barrel thing is a great idea, let us know if you try it. Also, if anyone is around north Texas, I have an Al Stohlman style stitching pony in our classifieds.

very good, logical even.. thanks my friend.

I pick this up a couple weeks ago for $2 !!, not a pony but still was just too cool to pass up. I figured if nothing else I'll use the awesome vintage bolt and wing nut thing on the Douglas Tools bench mounted one that I want to get.

Hey Paul, where are you located?