Refurbishing A Singer 31-20

[LeatherLegion]

I just got my hands today on a Singer 31-20 that works just fine but it's not in the best shape aesthetically speaking. It looks like it was repainted at one point in time over the original paint and now it start flaking off. There are also few spots where the paint is missing completely . I am interested in repainting the machine but want to remove the old paint first Anybody has any experience with this?..is sandblasting a good idea? am I better of using a ,paint remover? Any suggestions would be appreciated. Soon as I have a chance I will post some picture of it. Thank you !

Edited August 18, 2013 by LeatherLegion

[gordond]

Hi

I have done a few ...just started my Singer 97 today.

prefer not to sandblast due to getting sand in the workings, unless you are going to completely dismantle it.

and again one never knows what the casting is like..seen some build [lead and other fillers] on some machine casts.

process:

- check what screws are jammed solid and dose these with a creeping oil like Kroil.

- check next day to see what has loosened and take apart...so-on.[another long story]

- as parts come off ..take photos and label parts[ bags or tags]

- once got as many parts off as I see as necessary to be able to repaint...degrease.

- paint remover and or heat gun...repeat as required [some removers work better if you wrap over the coated item with saran wrap and leave overnight]...there are a few different types of paint removers [slow to fast]

- pack oil holes[wax or foil] ,tape working parts [slight oil to stop rusting] or generally seal them off.

- sand or die grind

- rust stop prime

- high build prime..sand..prime

- top coat ,sand ,topcoat,...so-on

- decals or highlighting.

- clear coat sealer.

Edited August 18, 2013 by gordond

[CowboyBob]

WE've painted 1000's of machines over the yrs & we found out paint remover will not remove Singers paint off the machine,the best thing to do is just sand it,we use a belt sand on the bed & lightly hand sand the rest to smooth it up put on a couple coats of primer sand lightly again & paint.Don't forget after you sand to was the machine down good with someting like alcohol or wax remover of some kind because of all the oils so the primer adher properly.

[gordond]

depends on the paint remover..using a phenolic based one today ..

.worked real fast on the large balance wheel, but only moderately over the rest of the machine.

But it took a lot off [down to bare steel in most parts , so not too much to sand back.

photos of the balance wheel.....

before

after

]

[LeatherLegion]

Thanks guys !I will try the phenolic based paint remover first and see what comes off. I just placed an order for a roller foot kit (large and small roller along with the plate and feed dogs) as I am gonna be using the machine for light leather work like wallets interiors and such...I don't think I am gonna be using anything heavier then a #69 thread on 5-6oz soft leather at the most. Would a small motor set in the back of the machine work for these jobs? I want to have this machine set-up like a portable one, as I am restrained when it comes to space and also not gonna be using it on a daily basis . I would like to be able to put it away when not in use.

Thanks again !