not picking up bobbin thread

[jnewburry]

Hi all,

Well I picked up a Singer 31-15 on Sunday got it all cleaned up and tried to sew with it. Well the problem is that it doesn't pick up bobbin thread did maybe twice in 5 inches. I apologize if this has already been addressed, but I couldn't find the answer. Also at one time I found a website that had part of a riggers manual or something that had info on 31-15 in it on timing and such. Just not that familiar with these machines and not sure about the timing and pressures, a lot more adjustment than my wife's home model

[jeeperaz]

If not a timing issue then quite likely you are using the wrong needle or an improperly installed needle... but needle/shuttle timing is my guess.

As far as the manual online, I believe you are talking about this one: http://www.tpub.com/...s/14218_183.htm which is where most of the info below comes from.

There are two distinct timing operations for the 31 series machine. One operation times the needle with the shuttle; the other times the feed dog with the needle.

Timing the Needle with the Shuttle.

Insert the needle in the needle bar as far as it will go. Next compare the needle stroke to the shuttle stroke. To do this, remove the throat plate. Turn the balance wheel toward you until the point of the shuttle on its forward stroke reaches the center of the needle while the needle is on the upstroke.At this time, the needle bar should have risen 1/10 inch and the point of the shuttle should be 1/16 inch above the eye of the needle. If the needle eye is not in this position, loosen the needle bar connecting stud screw and move the needle bar up or down as needed; and then tighten the screw.

Timing the Feed Dog with the Needle:

If the feed mechanism is properly timed, the feed dog should be on its down stroke and level with the throat plate when the point of the needle reaches the material. To adjust the feed timing, first lower the stitch regulator to the lowest position so the machine forms its longest stitch. Turn the balance wheel until the feed dog is on its down stroke and is flush with the throat plate. Move to the rear of the machine and take off the arm side cover. Turn the balance wheel away from you until the feed eccentric collar setscrew is visible (see attached image). Hold the collar with your left thumb.Loosen the screw and rotate the balance wheel away from you until the needle, on its down stroke, reaches the material. Tighten the setscrew.Rotate the balance wheel to check the timing. Recheck the timing of the shuttle point with the needle. When you time the feeding mechanism, you may throw the needle out of time with the shuttle.