Problems with 31-15

[TroyWest]

I don't use it often but it sews fine when I do. I was sewing with it today, ran out of bobbin, replaced the bobbin, and the bobbin case will not snap back in. If I take the bobbin out of the bobbin case it snaps right in. When I put the bobbin back in the bobbin case it will not snap back in the machine. I've had this problem before but always managed to get it snapped back in. Not today...not yet.

It's the same bobbins i've had for years, I've cleaned the case. I can't see anything that's holding it out enough to keep it from snapping in. Any suggestions?

[SteveBrambley]

I don't use it often but it sews fine when I do. I was sewing with it today, ran out of bobbin, replaced the bobbin, and the bobbin case will not snap back in. If I take the bobbin out of the bobbin case it snaps right in. When I put the bobbin back in the bobbin case it will not snap back in the machine. I've had this problem before but always managed to get it snapped back in. Not today...not yet.

It's the same bobbins i've had for years, I've cleaned the case. I can't see anything that's holding it out enough to keep it from snapping in. Any suggestions?

Check to see if there's any thread from the bobbin getting trapped between the small tube in the case and the pin on the shuttle.

Steve

[steveh]

Sometimes the bobbin case does not align correctly with the shuttle race, I gently move the flywheel back and forth, while holding the bobbin case till it pops into place.

[Hennessy]

I don't use it often but it sews fine when I do. I was sewing with it today, ran out of bobbin, replaced the bobbin, and the bobbin case will not snap back in. If I take the bobbin out of the bobbin case it snaps right in. When I put the bobbin back in the bobbin case it will not snap back in the machine. I've had this problem before but always managed to get it snapped back in. Not today...not yet.

It's the same bobbins i've had for years, I've cleaned the case. I can't see anything that's holding it out enough to keep it from snapping in. Any suggestions?

if you have a fishin boat, get some rope and turn that antique into an anchor. pete

[TroyWest]

After I made this post, I went back and it popped right in. I had already done the things both Steves suggested, but I appreciate your comments.

Pete, you can't just sink an old friend. There's still lifein there. It sews perfect, once you get the bobbin in.

[tonyc1]

I forgot I have a 31-15 so I went and had a look in the workshop and I still have it. It worked the last time I used it about 10 years ago but I'd just like to know if parts are still available should I ever need any.

Tony.

[TroyWest]

I have never needed parts for mine. Don King recommended that I get one years ago. He was always buying machines and I knew I could always get parts from him. Carl Chappel, a well known boot maker from Texas, who teaches bootmaking, also liked them for sewing boot tops. I would contact Carl if I needed some parts.

[oldtimer]

I have never needed parts for mine. Don King recommended that I get one years ago. He was always buying machines and I knew I could always get parts from him. Carl Chappel, a well known boot maker from Texas, who teaches bootmaking, also liked them for sewing boot tops. I would contact Carl if I needed some parts.

If violence doesn´t work, use more violence! If that doesn´t work, try vaseline !

[SteveBrambley]

if you have a fishin boat, get some rope and turn that antique into an anchor. pete

Now, now, I think you'll find that an awful lot of 'modern' machines are mechanically identical to the 'old' machines, they just have a fancy updated shape. In fact, I find that the old ones have a far better build quality than many modern machines and are generally more reliable and will last for years (if looked after).

Steve

[HarryB]

I have a 31-15 made in 1934. My mother used it for years as a taylor and I've used it for over 40 years sewing lighter leathers, canvas, etc. Still works great and, the personal value aside, it is still a great machine.

[torrbuidhe]

Here's another thumbs up for the old iron

[jeeperaz]

I forgot I have a 31-15 so I went and had a look in the workshop and I still have it. It worked the last time I used it about 10 years ago but I'd just like to know if parts are still available should I ever need any.

Tony.

Parts are still available. It remains a very popular machine in the shoe & bootmaking world.

[Randyc]

I have never needed parts for mine. Don King recommended that I get one years ago. He was always buying machines and I knew I could always get parts from him. Carl Chappel, a well known boot maker from Texas, who teaches bootmaking, also liked them for sewing boot tops. I would contact Carl if I needed some parts.

I have a 31-15 I purchased for doing boot tops. I also use it for lighter weight leather projects. I studied boot making under Carl Chappell and used a few 31-15's in his bootshop. I learned to control the speed of the machine from Carl. He buys, refurbishes and sells industrial stitchers, line finishers and you name it related to bootmaking

He's also a great source of parts. My 31-15 was made in 1918. Singer manufactored a bizzillion of these. Parts are stil plentyfull.

Randy

Carl's website

www.trailtowncustomleather.com

[tonyc1]

I just checked with that serial # site and mine was made in 1912.

Tony.