Shed Tinkerer

Question Bob.....could it be that for the 31K47 I need to look for S33 (inner foot) and S34 (outer foot)?? I found this on a UK site and they look like what is on my machine now. https://www.college-sewing.co.uk/S34X3_8-OUTSIDE-PIPING-FOOT-SINGER-31K-USE-WITH-INNER-FOOT-S33 Cheers, Jerome

Thanks Constabulary....but I do have the main part for the bobbin winder...I am just missing the tensioning set up on the remote part. Those piping feet are very cheap indeed.....but would they fit my machine?? I have a walking foot (Singer 31K47)....so was thinking I might need 2 feet as a set...not just the one in that eBay link?

I have no idea what the stem is but I have this: (see attached photo) I guess I can make up something with some washers and spare tensioning spring from the machine....great idea...why didn't I think of that?? How would I thread it though?? Through the tensioning disk...loop it behind the spring and then down through the little loop at the bottom and onto the bobbin?

Hi there all you experts, I would love to do some upholstery work on my '78 Ford F250. Start off with some easier things like dashpads and sunvisors and eventually make a new cover for my benchseat....but first...a very steep learning curve. :-) I've been looking for a while online for a nice bargain and finally got my hands on a Singer 31K47. It might not be the absolute prefect machine, slightly bigger stitch would've been perfect, but I think it's a great entry level practice machine and if I really get the hang of things I can always buy that bigger, better machine. The speed of the machine is a little intimidating at the moment still...only just getting the hang of the slipping clutch. I'm thinking about installing a bolt under the footpedal so I can't press it in too far. This machine does not have a reverse....so my question is....what do I do to secure the stitch? 1) Manually roll the wheel back a couple of stitches and go over it again? 2) Lift presser foot and move fabric a couple of stitches back and go over it again? 3) Condens stitches by flicking the stitch length knob up at the beginning at end of a seam? Eventually I'd like to use piping....so I need set of piping feet. I live in Australia and haven't been able to find one here yet that is a usuable size (max 1/8" is a bit small). It has been suggested to me to get a normal feet set, cut off the right toe and use it as a left toe zipper foot. Will this do the job just as well or should I keep on the look out for a proper set of piping feet? Anybody have any - know where to get them?? The bobbin winder is missing the tensioning device. Should I invest in a new bobbin winder or can I just hold the thread between my fingers for a bit of tension for now. I'm sure there will be plenty more questions to come....thank you for your help and patience!!

Thanks for that tnawrot2...I didn't think it looked right...won't bother checking the machine out then. :-)

***Warning: Total newbie - could ask emberrassingly stupid questions*** I'm restoring a 1978 Ford F250 and want to have a go at doing some of the upholstery myself. So I need a walking foot machine that can handle reasonably thick thread. The thing is I've been keeping an eye on ebay and gumtree (australian version of Craigs list I think) and saw this add: http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/upwey/other-home-garden/industrial-walking-foot-leather-sewing-machine-/1029538705 And was wondering if the experts here would mind sharing a comment or two on this. I can't quite work out the model number to do some proper research on machine specs. I have noticed that it doesn't have the usual foot....but a wheel looking thing? Is this normal or something that should be replaced? Thanks for helping me with this steep learning curve people! Jerome

Thanks people....I will keep looking then. I really appreciate your help in educating me about sewing machines....this forum is SO interesting and helpfull!! Cheers Shed Tinkerer

*Warning: Newbie Alert* This might be an incredibly daft question but I just can't seem to find the answer on google or forums. The thing is....I'm looking to buy my first machine to do car upholstery (marine grade vinyl, thick canvas pickup truck covers, maybe leather later on). So I've decided that a walking foot sewing machine with reverse and (maybe) variable stitch length is the way forward. I want to buy a quality machine that will last me for ages. It's just a hobby for me so don't want to break the bank....not in a hurry either....I'll keep my eyes on eBay and other sites till a good bargain pops up. I've spotted a Singer 212G140 with a low starting bid which is a walking foot machine as far as I can tell....but it is a twin needle machine with about 6-7 mm (1/4") gap between the needles. Can I just use it as a straight stitcher with one needle and pop a second one in when needed (would be rare for me I guess) or am I suggesting ridiculous things and just look for a completly different machine. Thanks for the feedback people...I'm loving the steep learning curve!! Cheers Shed Tinkerer

Thanks Trox....I'm starting to get my head around the whole compressed air story now. The service provided by Efka sounds rather impressive!

Thanks Eric....that explains things a lot better....very usefull info! Cheers!!

Hi all, I was wondering if anyone can give me some help. I'm looking into bying my first machine and am looking at second hand walking foot sewing machines. I want to use it for upholstery (marine grade vinyl) and thick canvas for ute/pickup covers. I've come across this Pfaff 1445 with Efka variocontrol. Now I have searched this forum and quite a few other sites and think the Pfaff will do teh work I want to do just fine....BUT.....for the life of me I can't really find any info on the Efka motor. Everyone always talks about clutch vs servo motor but never a mention about the above mentioned air compressor motor. As a newbie I don't want a fast machine...so I was thinking about a second hand machine set up for leather as this will stitch much slower. The Pfaff I've seen says it's computer programmed. I've attached a pic of the control unit....am I right thinking I can control the speed of the machine with this or am I just looking at something way to complicated for a beginner? Thanks for your feed back on anything about this set up. Cheers!