Savvas

Thanks for the explanation CB - so essentially it sounds like the 31K47 has a similar 'kick' action to the 42-5 but just achieved by a different mechanism. Again, thanks for your help, Sam.

Hi Friends, I'm slowly renovating an old Singer 42-5 machine which has what I understand is called a 'kick' or 'jump' foot. It doesn't exactly 'walk' with 2 separate movements but the jump foot follows the feed backwards to maintain pressure. A 31K47 has come up for sale locally and appears to be in good condition. Externally it looks like there's additional 'machinery' on the back that's distinct from my 42-5. Can anyone tell me if the 31K47 has a kick/jump foot arrangement like the machine I have at the moment? Or does it have something that approaches a true walking-foot movement? Anyone have experience sewing heavy canvas with the 31K45 - any good? thanks, Sam.

Thanks Constabulary - I didn't end up buying it although the seller did agree to sell me the head by itself (no table or motor). I've decided to wait until I'm more familiar with Singer options... Sam

Thanks Cowboy - the part number is much appreciated! Sam

Thankyou for the references Bert. I've managed to down load these. No 'workshop' manual unfortunately buy=t I'm sure I'll muddle through. I've just managed to pick up a Singer industrial-style treadle base cheaply so that'll spur the 42-5 project on as it's incredibly difficult to keep lifting the thing on and off my work bench (which is crowded with projects). I'll just need to make a suitable table. Thanks for your assistance! Sam .

Thankyou Bert and Wiz - very encouraging info. I shall get cracking and put my machine in order asap. Do either of you know if it's still possible to get a needlebar for the 42-5? Or can either of you point me to a repair manual for this machine. I know that there are user and parts manuals online but I would like some guidance about removing and then replacing the needle bar - bit reluctant to just wing it! Thanks, Sam.

Hi Folks, I've been following this conversation with some interest as I too am in Australia (Adelaide) and have a 42-5 head 'under the bench'. I bought it as a bare 'head' for a few dollars to rescue it from a fellow who was cutting machines up to make tractors! Had no real idea what it was initially and knew nothing about the 'jump foot' mechanism until I started reading about it on-line. Wizcrafts explanation above makes it very clear! I too have been pining for an older walking foot or compound feed machine. However funds are limited and of course such machines tend to be far more expensive in Australia than they are in the USA. Now I've managed to get through some of the bigger overdue house maintenance jobs, my attention is turning to that large lump of iron under the bench and wondering again what it'll take to get it going again. I have a suitable steel table and a servo motor is an easy find. The machine appears to have a slightly bent needbar and I'm hoping I'll be able to take it out and tweak it straight (or maybe replace it even). I guess I'm curious to know how adequate others may have found the 42-5 for general canvas work with the occasional addition of some 'functional' leather trim (reinforcement, binding protection etc)? I've been contemplating a 132K as well but as noted, they are not cheap! I had understood them to have a proper walking-foot, but if they only have a jump foot, they maybe no real advantage over my 42-5 (apart perhaps from reverse)? There's a 31K47 available locally as well but if that too has the jump foot mechanism, maybe - again - no real advantage... I'm also very curious to know when Singer first introduced the true top-feed mechanism? Were the early cylinder-arm machines such as the Model 17-8/10 (described by ISMACS as having 'alternating pressers') top-feed or did they have a jump foot too? I have a very nice1929 15K28 'industrial' machine (I think 'artisan' is the better descriptor) and have often wondered if the closely related 15-28 - also described by ISMACS as having 'alternating pressers' - was simply a jump-foot machine? Any insights and advice much appreciated! Sam ps; and in these difficult times, may your houses not fall down around you as mine appears intent on doing!

Thanks for your thoughts Bert - useful. I've done some research and it appears that bobbins and the hook are still available. Not sure about other parts. I was puzzled by the walking foot arrangement though as this didn't appear to be a feature of other Adler 48-3 machines. I've been looking for a cylinder machine for a while and having a walking foot would be a bonus...

Hi Folks, Lurking for a bit and this may be my first post (I think - not sure as this pandemic thing is playing up with my sleep and memory!) Anyway, I need your insights please. I've been searching for an inexpensive cylinder arm machine capable of sewing a combination of light-weight leather and canvas. The machine needs to be less (preferably much less) that Au$1,000 and easy to maintain. I've come across an Adler 48 that appears to be in excellent condition. I have been reading all I can on this machine and know it's closely related to the Singer 17. The problem is that this variant has a walking foot (see pic below) but I can't find any reference to a Model 48 with this feature. Would it be the 48-4? And does anyone know if it's a true 'upper feed' walking foot or just a spring-loaded 'jump' foot as per the Singer 42-5 (I'm restoring one of these and am familiar with this mechanism). Many thanks, Sam.