old singers

[jnewburry]

Hi all just wondering if any old singers were suited for beginners wanting to learn to make boots (what models recommended, which to avoid) Obviously there will be limitations with these machines but sewing shafts and things seem possible. Several i have seen in area were a 99k, a 31-15, AF767223. Just wondered if i might be able to get started on the cheap.

Thanks,

jim

[Luke Hatley]

dont look for cheap.....Look for a good machine that will not let you down.

imagin getting the stiches almost done and the cheap machine starts skipping stiches.

I was told"CHEAP THINGS DONT COME GOOD

GOOD THINGS DONT COME CHEAP"

[King's X]

If you live in Indiana, there is a guy on ebay selling a Singer long arm patch machine that works with a starting bid of $100 and a buy it now option of $200. Stickler, you have to pick it up.

Good luck.

[steveh]

I believe some custom boot makers do use the 31-15 with a roller wheel to do the decreative stitching on the tops and toes. Parts are available and if you can find a tight one it will serve you well.

[cgleather]

Watch some of the 29 model singers. If the arm is solid cast (the area where the bobbin sits) and is not in good working order avoid it due to wear points that can not be repaired. You could be getting a fixer uper that cant be fixed. There were 29 models made with this part of the arm that can be replaced though. Check with some of the folks on this site that deal in machines prior to buying a used one, if that is the route that you want to take. Some you just can't get parts for.

[CowboyBob]

The 31-15 might be a better starter machine then a 29 since the 29's are top feed,meaning the foot pull the leather (they have teeth on them and will leave marks)

I know alot of people that use a 31-15 for leather w/a roller foot & we stock all the parts,needles& thread for them as for the 29's too.

If you have any questions about any particular machine give me a call.

Bob Kovar

[JoeS]

The 29-4s are what cgleather is referring to. I'd stay away from them unless you can test sew it yourself. Cobblers are well known for not taking care of their machines, I know, I work for one. You can get parts for the 31s and 29ks including the roller foot setup. You'll have to change out the feed dog to a single though for the roller foot. I picked up mine on craigslist for around $100 each but I had to go get them and clean them up, but I learned a lot about them doing that. I also learned a lot on this sewing machine forum http://needlebar.org/bb2/index.php

Free to join and ask questions in the industrial machine section. I learned about 31-15s and the roller foot thing from an awesome boot/shoe making forum here.

http://www.thehcc.org/cgi-bin/discus/show.cgi?tpc=4&post=9355

good luck

[Cobra Steve]

The 29-4s are what cgleather is referring to. I'd stay away from them unless you can test sew it yourself. Cobblers are well known for not taking care of their machines, I know, I work for one. You can get parts for the 31s and 29ks including the roller foot setup. You'll have to change out the feed dog to a single though for the roller foot. I picked up mine on craigslist for around $100 each but I had to go get them and clean them up, but I learned a lot about them doing that. I also learned a lot on this sewing machine forum http://needlebar.org/bb2/index.php

Free to join and ask questions in the industrial machine section. I learned about 31-15s and the roller foot thing from an awesome boot/shoe making forum here.

http://www.thehcc.or...tpc=4&post=9355

good luck

Hi jnewburry, a roller foot machine, new or used is your best bet for boot tops. They are easier to learn on and less money, unless you can down right steal one. Steve

[Daggrim]

I was in your spot a year ago, a beginner, and bought a 29k. I spent many frustrating hours trying to get it to sew reliably, but finally gave up, and sold it for much less than I overpaid for it. I had help with it from a cobbler who owned one, but even he never really got it working reliably. This is just my experience, but it's an example of what can happen. The 29k's don't often have glowing reports, even from the people who may own one, and can make it work. My advice is to stick with a machine that gets unconditionally good reports from users.

Doug

[Art]

The GC 128-B machines that are made by Highlead are a nice little boot top machine that won't break the bank. They are generally provided with a roller foot, servo motor and a speed reducer. By the time you get all that on a 31-15 the costs are getting real close. They are also sold as a 5550B.

http://www.leathermachineco.com/catalog.php?item=28

Art