suzelle

She runs now!!

Darren, Thanks so much for the response, I do appreciate it! Got her running yesterday after spending most of the day playing and used only a couple of the parts purchased. At least I had everything on hand. Lots of things needed to be unstuck. The little pin in the tension knob was almost glued in. I had removed that, cleaned it all nice and shiny, put that back together and re-installed it. Then I was getting good upper tension. The bobbin that kept popping out wasn't helped I'm sure by the thread wrapped around the end of the bobbin post. Also, the bobbin finger wasn't being held in by the little piece that is supposed to hold it in place. I replaced that little part from another shuttle race, then had to do a little fancy bending of the top of that part in a vice grip to get it to do a better job of stopping the finger. That worked! I sanded down lots of rough edges wherever I found them, if I thought that it might snag thread anywhere. A thread tree or commercial thread stand was added, looks like it never had one installed. Bobbin winder was adjusted to work. My needle stash included boxes of various sized needles I'd inherited when I bought a Bernina 217 a couple years ago. Those needles worked just fine in this machine. Most of the newer clone parts that I purchased did not work so well. So, that is why I made the decision to just fix the old original parts if I could. They all fit better. As much as I would have liked to have the brand new parts, why replace the old ones if they are made better and if you can get them to work somehow? The needle plate I purchased really needed replacing! I believe the replacement I bought is a real Singer part. It does not say SIMANCO on it, but it does have a Singer part number on it and the metal feels like the older machined SINGER parts.It fit perfect, just like the original needle plate, and it looks like the previous owner of the machine had already replaced the feed dog, so that is new and didn't need replacement by me. Didn't have to fuss much with timing, got lucky there! I replaced stripped screws wherever I had replacement screws on parts. So happy! This is one smooth running machine. I decided to keep the motor in. Upon closer inspection, not as scary as it first looked. Yay! But I do have a couple motors laying around that I could use to swap the old one if need be. I agree on servo motor recommendation though, I had one of those and loved it, but unfortunately it gave up the ghost early! Since the Singer 31-15 head lifts out of the machine so easily, I'd really like to get a treadle base too, that way I can work it the old fashioned way when I feel like it. This is going to be a really fun machine. Incredible how many layers I could get through it without skipping a stitch. I did of course switch needles as I went with thicker layers of materials. It even sewed through the bill of a baseball cap. Although I don't plan to use it much for work as heavy as that, at least not on a regular basis. If I could have the things I really wanted added to this machine, I'd go for longer stitches, as I like to use a long stitch when making aircraft covers or boat covers. Keeps the needle penetrations down to a minimum, so less chance of water getting inside the canopy covers. Also, I'd like a jumb size bobbin, or at least as big as the 31-20. Haven't seen one yet, but if it's close to jumbo size, I'd be happier. Oh, and reverse!!! I can use the "0" setting effectively for locking in stitches. But sometimes I just like a back tack! Okay, there! Maybe Santa will bring me a 31-20!!! LOL! No, no more machines! Thanks for reading!

Poor Machine!

She's a damsel in distress and her parts are all a mess! LOL! Meet the new COWGIRL! Our new Singer 31-15. Manufactured in 1937, I think! She moved in with us last week and I'm so happy she's here!!! But she doesn't do a darned thing around the place to earn her keep! She's got issues, but we are going to get her all fixed up and she'll be singing again very soon!! I'm hoping you experts that have gone before can help me out once the new parts arrive. This is a list of what is wrong: I cleaned her up already, and filled up a trashcan with dirt soaked rags. Boy was she every a dirty girl! Cowgirl decal added after her bath! : ) I'm not planning on painting her, I like her just the way she is, a little broken in! She has lots of character. 1- Needs complete race and new hook 2- Needs new needle plate - the one installed is pretty beat 3- New tension know coming, just incase! Not sure if the one I have is good or not yet. 4- New Bobbin already purchased, but it will not stay in, keeps popping out. 5- Will probably need to have the motor all reconditioned and rewired. It looks very cute with the sewing machine, but it doesn't look too safe with some exposed wire, and it's pretty crusty cording. Thanks ahead!!! Parts should all be here this week some time. I'm about out of sewing machine oil too! Gotta get some of that. Okay, that is about it for now and thanks for taki'n a peek!

jfhspike, Thanks so much for sharing your experience here!!! Thanks to all who answered the questions too! My new sewing machine is a 1937 (?) Singer 31-15, and I have to get her up and running. So wish me luck! This is my first post here, I just joined and am excited to be part of this group! Have a great day! -Suze