Singer 31-20`

[Anne Bonnys Locker]

There were plenty of variations of these machines and a surprising number of parts are still made.

On the go for customers right now are a 31k47 walking foot and a 31k18 roller foot/roller feed. The 31k18 was widely used in the shoe industry.

[Heika]

Would $300.00 for one of these that is in good running condition, with table, light, foot peddle and roller foot, etc. be reasonable?

Thanks!

[Wizcrafts]

Would $300.00 for one of these that is in good running condition, with table, light, foot peddle and roller foot, etc. be reasonable?

Thanks!

Yes, assuming it does sew properly, without any binding or grinding. Try it before you buy it. These are very old machines. If they have extra needles, bobbin cases and thread, so much the better. However, this is going to be a very old machine, possibly with an equally old clutch motor. If the clutch grabs, or never fully releases, it will need to be rebuilt or replaced. That will reduce the value of the machine by about $100. Wink wink, nudge nudge, sai no more!

[Heika]

Yes, assuming it does sew properly, without any binding or grinding. Try it before you buy it. These are very old machines. If they have extra needles, bobbin cases and thread, so much the better. However, this is going to be a very old machine, possibly with an equally old clutch motor. If the clutch grabs, or never fully releases, it will need to be rebuilt or replaced. That will reduce the value of the machine by about $100. Wink wink, nudge nudge, sai no more!

LOL, thank you. A local company in town that repaired shoes recently retired after over a hundred years in business. This is one of the machines they used all the time. A sewing machine shop has it now, and the guy has already refitted it with new belts, etc. He offered to allow me to test it out as much as I want. Pretty sure that I could get that price to budge by some, but.... if it is worth it, it is worth it.

Thank you, I will test it well before I pull out the cash.

[bikermutt07]

I know this is an old old thread, but after reading it I have a few questions..

1. Can you rig up a servo motor to these old machines?

2. The 31-15 seems more available right now. Will it work fine for light leather work? Bags, wallets and such.

3. Do they have reverse?

Thanks.

[Art]

When originally produced, these machines were designed for tailors.  They are not a heavy duty, or even a medium duty leather machine.  They are primarily used today to decorate boot tops.  That means they sew a 3-4 oz and sometimes a little more veg tan to a 3-4 oz calf liner.  They sew 33 to 46 thread really well and occasionally 69.  They are the heavy duty version of the standard sewing machine.  This machine would work for bags and wallets given that you keep things on the light side.  There is no reverse, you just have to do it "old school".  These puppies can run the gamut from tight like new to having clearances you can measure by sound.  For close-in and delicate leatherwork, a roller foot is a plus.  The modern day equivalent would be something like the Juki 5550.

Art 

[Wizcrafts]

I use my 31-15 to sew wallet interiors and for all cloth projects (tailoring). I usually use a walking foot machine to sew the back to the interior. My machine can handle #69 bonded nylon, because I clearanced the shuttle driver and shuttle race to do so. Otherwise, it would not clear that size of thread without a slight but noticeable binding and click sound that messed with the stitch quality and dependability.

[bikermutt07]

3 hours ago, Art said:

When originally produced, these machines were designed for tailors.  They are not a heavy duty, or even a medium duty leather machine.  They are primarily used today to decorate boot tops.  That means they sew a 3-4 oz and sometimes a little more veg tan to a 3-4 oz calf liner.  They sew 33 to 46 thread really well and occasionally 69.  They are the heavy duty version of the standard sewing machine.  This machine would work for bags and wallets given that you keep things on the light side.  There is no reverse, you just have to do it "old school".  These puppies can run the gamut from tight like new to having clearances you can measure by sound.  For close-in and delicate leatherwork, a roller foot is a plus.  The modern day equivalent would be something like the Juki 5550.

Art 

 

2 hours ago, Wizcrafts said:

I use my 31-15 to sew wallet interiors and for all cloth projects (tailoring). I usually use a walking foot machine to sew the back to the interior. My machine can handle #69 bonded nylon, because I clearanced the shuttle driver and shuttle race to do so. Otherwise, it would not clear that size of thread without a slight but noticeable binding and click sound that messed with the stitch quality and dependability.

Thanks guys. But what about adding a servo? Is it doable?

[Art]

Not a problem at all, get one from Bob (Toledo) or Gregg (Keystone). Go for more power and a reducer won't be necessary. Ask Bob or Gregg.

[Wizcrafts]

52 minutes ago, bikermutt07 said:

 

Thanks guys. But what about adding a servo? Is it doable?

I have a servo motor on my 31-15. It has a small 50mm pulley and a shorter than standard matching v-belt. If the clutch motor you now have has a pulley larger than 2 inches, you will definitely need a figure out the length of belt you will need if you swap it out for a servo motor with a 2" or smaller pulley. You should tell the dealer you are ordering the motor from the length of belt that is on the machine now, plus the diameter of the motor pulley. This will help him choose the most likely size for a new belt, which will likely be much shorter.