31-15 Users: Do You Use A Motor Or The Treadle? And How About Needles?

[SantaFeMarie]

No, but I think I would like to get one.

[Cascabel]

Thanks for the info. Is it a "walking foot"?

The 42-5 has a type of walking foot. It is a spring loaded secondary foot that moves with the feed dog, and snaps forward as it raises up to get another "bite" on the fabric. There are two feet that move up and down alternately. One simply moves up and down, and the other which is spring loaded moves back with the feed dog, and snaps forward when it raises up, which happens when the other foot is down. I hope I explained the operation in an understandable fashion !! Take a look at Wizcraft's informative thread at the top of the page about the type of machines to sew leather. It was originally intended to sew various types of thick materials, but works fine for leather. It will sew as much thickness as you can shove under the foot, because the upper tension does not automatically release when the foot is raised to its limit.

[leecopp]

To augment Cascabel's description, I have some photos and additional notes on my web page at:

https://sites.google.com/site/oldironmachines/home/singer-42-5

It is somewhat interesting that the 42-5 has several physical similarities to the 16-35 including the odd rounded end bed, bed mounted bobbin winder, similar faceplate tension assembly. The 16-35 is a short shanked predecessor to the Singer 31-15.

Lee in Florida