Piratepegleg

I've been a long time lurker of this site but it's been awhile since I've been back around. Just wondering what you all thought of a machine I'm thinking of purchasing. It's a techsew T1563 which I know is a clone/same as Juki lu563 which is why I really want it. I already several industrial machines including a 206rb1, 111w153, 111w155, consew 225, 31-15, and a few other. I guess i have an addiction but I keep finding them at super cheap deals and can't say now. So back to the main machine the techsew T1563, it's missing the reverse lever, it broke. It's missing the cover over the needle bar and the bobbin cover. It's also missing the knee lift linkage. the safety clutch they say is broken, I'm not sure if it's just disengaged or broken. They said it was one of their upholstery machines they used frequently at the shop the guy works at and when the clutch stopped engaging they used a different machine and robbed a few parts off it over time. My question for you all I'm getting it for $80 for just the head. Being that I already have several upholstery machines I'm just wanting this for my collection/addiction and I do plan on getting it up and running. Am I wasting my time? Is that too much with missing parts? I got my 111w155 for $50 head only, and my consew 225 for $60 with table/motor because it wasn't working. I'm not looking to make any money off the machine but I don't want to be into it over my head so I couldn't at least get my money invested in it after repairs back out if I need to sell it.

Sorry I just noticed I posted this in the wrong spot and I'm having a hell of a time trying to figure out how to attach photos with out uploading them to another server. It's been years since I've been on a forum.

So this is my first post. I recently joined the site after becoming infatuated with Sewing Machine's. It started with a 1938 Kenmore home sewing machine I acquired for free on craigslist. The lady did not think it worked I oiled it and figured out how to string it and it's sewed like the day it was built. That instantly got me hooked. I am in the prosthetic industry so I have used 31-15 before and currently use a 211w at work. Luckily one of my coworkers collects antiques Sewing Machine's and guided me in the right direction on what to purchase first. So I was on my way to pick up a Chandler last night when the lady sold it out from under neath me. Luckily I recently met a fellow who kept an eye out on craigslist for me and referred me to a 31-15 that someone had stored in their warehouse and hadn't been used in decades. So when I got there there was to Sewing Machine's that look identical as far as the heads the other one ended up being a 16–188 which I had never heard of. I ended up scoring both of them for $240 with tables and motors. The tables have definitely seen better days one motor is way out of date but one table looks to be in original singer sewing table with singer motor. I'm going through the process of cleaning them up and oil in them all together right now but I am also listenin i'm going through the process of cleaning them up and oil in them all together right now but I am also Learning about the 31-15 and how to work on it myself. This site has brought be lots of beneficial information about stuff I had no idea about. I have no idea where to start with the 16-188 because it's a walking foot but I'm more focused on getting the 31-15 up and running so I can get more seat time sewing. I plan to use it for light leather, like wallets and seeing my dads patches from his motorcycle trips that he takes. I'm also interested in upholstery and doing some light vinyl work on my boat that I have. I would also like to learn to do a little bit of tailoring being that that's originally what that machine was for if I am correct. I will try to post some pictures of my machines I acquired once I figure out how to do it from my phone. Thanks again and advance for all the help and advice especially from Wiz, he seems to be the most helpful on this site.

Also interested in 31-19 and 31-20...haha actually interested a lot of a sewing machines I just know the 31-15 is easier/cheaper to find.

Looking to buy my first leather sewing machine. Looking for a singer 31-15. Prefer entire setup but will also take head only. I'm in Austin Texas and am willing to drive within reason for the right deal.