Lena

[Maddalena]

Hello, I have the opportunity to acquire a FREE Singer 331k04 industrial machine.   I sew purses and need a machine that can handle materials such as  vinyl.  It has a clutch motor and runs very smoothly, but I have a few questions.  Thank you in advance for any advice you can offer.

1. Is there a user's manual I can buy or download?  The machine does not have one.

2.  Do I need a servo motor to slow it down?

3.  Is it a good machine to sew vinyl?

4.  I think it will need a motor belt since it "bounces" while the motor is running, so where can I buy a replacement belt for it , and other parts that may need replaced.

Thanks ,

Maddalena

[Wizcrafts]

10 hours ago, Maddalena said:

1. Is there a user's manual I can buy or download?  The machine does not have one.

You can read or download a user's manual here.

 

10 hours ago, Maddalena said:

Do I need a servo motor to slow it down?

If you are able to learn to "feather the clutch," you can keep the clutch motor. Otherwise, buy a servo motor with a dial speed limiter like this one.

10 hours ago, Maddalena said:

Is it a good machine to sew vinyl?

No! This is a tailoring machine, with bottom feed only and a flat foot, meant to sew cloth. Some members use them to sew light weight chap leather or other projects using soft leather. It isn't designed to use heavy thread and you'll have to help the foot over changes in layers.

I use and recommend a walking foot machine for sewing vinyl and canvas, as well as denim and upholstery leather.

10 hours ago, Maddalena said:

I think it will need a motor belt since it "bounces" while the motor is running, so where can I buy a replacement belt for it , and other parts that may need replaced.

The belt may be loose due to the motor being purposely adjusted to let it slip. Try tightening the belt by lowering the motor position via the threaded rod on the front. If you have a nearby hardware store, ask them if the stock "Type 3L" v-belts. Bring in the old belt as a reference for a same size replacement.

You can find replacement parts, needles, bobbins, thread, oil and different presser feet and bolt-on guides and accessories from most industrial sewing machine dealers, or on Ebay.