Should I Buy A Singer 7-31

[1911 Operator]

I don't have a machine currently, I mainly sew by hand, But I have an opportunity to buy a Singer Class 7-31. I looked around online for price considerations, and tried to find some info here, but there isn't much about this machine. The person is asking $1000.00 and I have test used the machine, I'm pretty happy with what it can do so far.

Is $1K a good price for it?

(includes table and motor and extra Hook, newer Bobbin Winder, and a couple pounds of thread.)

[amuckart]

You can probably get a better leather machine for the money. 7-31s are better for heavy fabric sewing than leather and the flat bed will limit you.

Set your budget then contact the vendors who advertise on here and tell them what you've got to spend and what you want to make and you'll come out with something better.

[Anne Bonnys Locker]

Have to agree with Al. It is a wonderful bit of iron and as a collector I am really happy that I now have a 7-5 but I would not pay $1000 for one and I would not buy it at all for leatherwork as there are much better machines for the money.

[CowboyBob]

Both the previous posters are correct,the 7-class Singers are great machines for certain types of sewing but leather isn't one of them ,they have very large feet that limit how close to hardware you can get,bottom feed only will leave awful looking teeth marks & being a flat bed.

We used tio sell them years ago & found out they aren't the best machine for leather.

You need a cylinder arm machine that a table can be added for flat sewing & then it needs to have a walking foot needlefeed so you won't have teeth marks on the bottom.

Consider your sewing machine as the most important tool you need in leather working & choosing the wrong one will really spoil all the fun you can have in the hobby.

Bob

[1911 Operator]

Well, gentlemen, your advice is appreciated, disappointing, but appreciated.

Bob, I have contemplated calling you several times, but not done it yet because I felt I wouldn't be able to get much for the $1000.00 or so I can afford to spend. Considering I'm California, and the prices of the machine that I would like to have and my budget. Do I have any options? Should I just hold out until I have more money?

Thank you again for your help. I will resist the temptation to buy this machine, and talk to Bob instead.

[CowboyBob]

I'm @ the Sheridan show & won't be back in the shop until the 24th.What do you want to sew? And or how thick & thread size?

Bob

[tackmantoo]

Well, gentlemen, your advice is appreciated, disappointing, but appreciated.

Bob, I have contemplated calling you several times, but not done it yet because I felt I wouldn't be able to get much for the $1000.00 or so I can afford to spend. Considering I'm California, and the prices of the machine that I would like to have and my budget. Do I have any options? Should I just hold out until I have more money?

Thank you again for your help. I will resist the temptation to buy this machine, and talk to Bob instead.

Hi: I agree with Bob entirely with his suggestion of the cylinder arm with the board for the flat bed conversion and I'm not trying to cut him out of a possible sale but, I suggest you watch the trade magazines such as The leather crafters Journal, Shop Talk and your local craigs list under sewing. I'm in the Seattle area and I check Craigs list every day and there are all kinds of machines available.. Also,you can check Ferdco"s swap board website-there"s everything on it. The last thing and I think Bob said this too-don't even bother looking at a machine if it isn't a walking foot. Good luck.. Tackman

[CowboyBob]

If you do find a used machine keep us posted with the make & model # & we'll let you know if it'll work for you.

You may want to check out leasing options,we've been doing quite a few of them lately.

Bob

[1911 Operator]

Bob, everyone,

Thanks for the advice. I will post again, when I find another machine.

Jeff