Singer 31-15 vs. 31-20

[bruce johnson]

Does anybody know the differences between a Singer 31-15 and the 31-20?

[Art]

Hi Bruce,

They are pretty similar. The throat plate is a little different on the 20, nothing special as I recall, just a good drop feed machine.

Art

Does anybody know the differences between a Singer 31-15 and the 31-20?

[bruce johnson]

Thanks Art,

I found it yesterday in an antique store. The on-line parts list combines the 15 and the 20 in the same book, so I figured there can't be much difference, I just wasn't seeing it. You find a lot of the 66s, featherweights, and stuff around in the antique stores. I play with them, but have never jumped. I hadn't run across a 31 before. This 31-20 is as tight as they come and cosmetically new. There is no freeplay anywhere, looks like minimal or no use. I got the head, bobbin winder, knee lift and brackets for a song - no table or motor. It looks to be the standard cutout, so a table shouldn't be hard to come up with. Threaded and handrolled it and it stitches tight, so I am feeling good. Should make a nice light to light/medium machine. Once in a while a blind sow will find an acorn....

[DCKNIVES]

Congrats on the score Bruce.I had the same luck in buying a 31-15.One of my co-workers bought it at a flea market and sold it to me for $50 and I got a table and new motor with it.I have a couple of parts to make then I'll be up and running.Dave

[JerryZ]

The only basic differences between a Singer 31-15 and a 31-20 is that the -20 has a larger bobbin and holds more thread.

Both are fine machines when adjusted properly and for the correct tailoring and light weight leather stitching applications.

[bruce johnson]

Thanks Jerry,

That is pretty much what I found too. Seems like the bootmakers are high on the 31 for doing decorative stitching, especially fitted with a roller foot. They also mention chiseling a needle and setting the feed short and using it to cut inlays and overlays. I really didn't need another machine, but am getting an appreciation for the oldies as time goes on. Set up for light stuff, I can probably justify getting this one up and going.

[Randyc]

Hey Bruce

They sure don't build them like that anymore. I spent a couple weeks on a 31-15 at boot school and learned to control the speed by slipping the clutch with my hand while I stitch. It's also easy to work on and there are a zillion spare parts available. I also put a roller foot on mine and may break down one day and fit it with a servo motor. My 31-15 has worked fine with just general maintainance.

Good luck with your machine

Randy

[Art]

Hi Bruce and Randy,

The machine to look out for for boot and shoe work (making not repairing) is the Singer 51. It is a post bed machine and if you find one that they don't know what they have, you can get them for reasonable prices. The ones I have seen have 3250 motors on them and go like a scalded bunny so you have to check them for wear. Artisan also has one that looks like a 51 (controls are a little different); that post is a darned handy thing, even better than a cylinder bed. They also make a 618 class machine with post and roller presser, I think it is a 4618 and a upclass of the 51, needle feed/roller presser. If anyone sees one of those on the block, let me know.

Art

Hey Bruce

They sure don't build them like that anymore. I spent a couple weeks on a 31-15 at boot school and learned to control the speed by slipping the clutch with my hand while I stitch. It's also easy to work on and there are a zillion spare parts available. I also put a roller foot on mine and may break down one day and fit it with a servo motor. My 31-15 has worked fine with just general maintainance.

Good luck with your machine

Randy

[bruce johnson]

Art,

Actually on my wish list is a postbed. I am looking at one to sew turned seams inside bags. That is on down the road though. Thanks for the numbers,