Picked Up A Singer 31-20

[jp1911]

Now that I am starting to get better after my work injury, it's time to get back to working with leather and making things for friends to make there life easier. During my down time I have been hit up by friends and people I know about making them gear some out of leather and others out of none leather (Cordura and Kydex). With looking at what they want I will need a sewing machine. Looking around and pricing new and used machines I was tring to figure out how to get one. I saw this 31-20 for a cheap price, I dismissed it figuring something was wrong with it. After seeing for a couple of days I started researching it to find if parts are available. I made a appointment to go see it.

I met with the owner he had it set up in his house. He sat down when I was there and ran a few stiches. It sounded and sews great. So I sat down and checked the machine over everything was tight no excessive wear no cracks and nothing broken. I ran a couple of stiches and love it. So I confermed the price with him and paid him the $200 he wanted for the machine (head, table, motor).

Being new to Industrial sewing machines, I'm not sure what feet I should have on hand for sewing. And if there is anything extra I should have or replace before starting. I did just pick up a new tensioner assembly, bobbins, needles, and a new belt. I am currently deep cleaning the machine and oiling it. Once i have it back together i will check the timing and setting the tension.

[leecopp]

Hey JP,

I can't offer any help but I wanted to drop a comment. I have a 31-15 which is generally similar and a flexible easy to use machine. Looks like you have an early motor drive rig with a separate clutch. My singer 21W came with a similar rig with an Old Wheeler & Wilson multi-speed clutch with a patent date of 1892. It still works.

You may be able to change out the motor drive pulley to something smaller if you need to run a little slower.

Seems like the 31-20 has a walking foot of some sort, but I am not sure which variation.

Good luck, keep her sewing.

Lee

[Darren Brosowski]

The 31-20 is almost identical to the 31-15 except that it takes a larger bobbin case and bobbin - both still available

It is probably the second best flat bed singer after the 42-5

[jp1911]

Thanks Lee, I am putting a smaller pulley on the motor to slow it down. I pulled the clutch and cleaned the years of dirt off of it and replaced the the leather rope inside. Its been a great machine!

Hello Darren, that was one of the reasons I jumped on it there are still plunty of parts available. For me the bigger bobbin is great! I haven't used a 42-5 but this thing has met or exceeded my expectations.

[leecopp]

Hey JP, found a picture of my 2 part motor setup at: http://tinyurl.com/nbe9fhl (original path way too long). That machine was worked hard (and was a bit out of wack when I got it). Sounds like it will be a solid performer.

Off-topic: Some day I will sit down and compare the bobbin assembly of the Class 15 / 16 with the 31? The bobbins are pretty much the same, but the 31-15 bobbin case has a shorter alignment finger .. are there other differences?

Hey Darren, Thanks for the info on 31-20 . Can it carry larger bobbin thread than the 31-15?

My 31-15 seems happy with V69 thread top and bottom , or even V138 on the top for decorative stitching. Of course I am running on an industrial foot treadle .. much slower than a motor driven machine.

I would like to chat with you off-line about the 42-5. I have a nice example setup on a treadle and could use some hints on making better use of it. I have some pics of mine at https://sites.google.com/site/oldironmachines/home/singer-42-5 (email on the bottom of web page). I am tickled at the similarities to some of the old Class 16 machines (16-35 for instance)

Happy Day to all.

Lee