Members cityclip Posted November 19, 2008 Members Report Posted November 19, 2008 Hi, This my first post here. I'm learning to make shoes. I've been doing a considerable amount of research into sewing machines. As a beginner, I'd like a nice slow machine with a lot of control and good torque. I'm under the impression that the best combo for me is a 31-15 with a servo motor. Trouble is, the servo motors I'm finding all have a V belt type of wheel. The 31-15 uses a leather belt if I'm not mistaken. Is there some kind of conversion that I can do on either device? How do I tackle this compatibility problem? Thanks. Aaron Quote
Ambassador Luke Hatley Posted November 20, 2008 Ambassador Report Posted November 20, 2008 I have a V BELT ON MY 31-15. IT IS APP 3/8" WIDE, YOU WILL HAVE TO GO TO A SEWING MACHINE STORE TO FIND THAT WIDTH, I DID. Quote Luke
Members JerryZ Posted November 20, 2008 Members Report Posted November 20, 2008 Hi Aaron. I'm going to add my 2 cents worth, although biased as it may be. Why don't you just stop wasting your valuable time and order a new Artisan model A-100-2 LTHR stitcher for $895.00. or a Large rotating hook machine, an Artisan 5550- Big H for $1020.00? Either machine will come with an Artisan electronic DC Servo Motor, a speed reducer (SR-2), automatic lubrication, a roller presser foot, and even a LIFETIME WARRANTY. Both stitchers have a reverse mechanism for back tacking and reverse stitching. Your new Artisan machine will sew better than any 31-15 or 31-20 ever did on its best day and will be quiet and trouble free. You will not be getting a 50 to 80 year old hunk of iron in who knows what condition. That's what I would do. Jerry Artisan 888 838 1408 Quote
Members greg gomersall Posted November 20, 2008 Members Report Posted November 20, 2008 PLEASE DO NOT TURN THIS SITE INTO AN INFORMERCIAL> Greg Hi Aaron.I'm going to add my 2 cents worth, although biased as it may be. Why don't you just stop wasting your valuable time and order a new Artisan model A-100-2 LTHR stitcher for $895.00. or a Large rotating hook machine, an Artisan 5550- Big H for $1020.00? Either machine will come with an Artisan electronic DC Servo Motor, a speed reducer (SR-2), automatic lubrication, a roller presser foot, and even a LIFETIME WARRANTY. Both stitchers have a reverse mechanism for back tacking and reverse stitching. Your new Artisan machine will sew better than any 31-15 or 31-20 ever did on its best day and will be quiet and trouble free. You will not be getting a 50 to 80 year old hunk of iron in who knows what condition. That's what I would do. Jerry Artisan 888 838 1408 Quote
Contributing Member rdb Posted November 20, 2008 Contributing Member Report Posted November 20, 2008 I've been looking for a servo for my 30-15 also...palming the flywheel is not my cup of tea. I got mine for $75, with two home machines thrown in. I did see a consew servo on ebay for $119...that's the best price I've seen new, but, I sure would feel better getting used for $50, if there be such an animal Artisan's servo was about $225, I think. I can't afford another new leather machine yet like the artisans mentioned. I have the 3000, but need a machine I don't have to keep readjusting for smaller projects. For the time being my 30-15 should work. Luke's vbelt suggestion makes me happy, now I'll keep looking for the cheap servo. I also have a Adler 30-1, which works okay, but I am still waiting for a part from Adler...that reminds me, I should call them. MY leather jacket will be the one I experiment putting patches on...lol New machines are wonderful, but there's nothing wrong with old machines. They fill the niches, and have survived the test of time. Do I want the Ferrari?...Of course. But the old mini pickup gets me around for now. Quote Web page Facebook
Members JerryZ Posted November 20, 2008 Members Report Posted November 20, 2008 Greg My purpose was not to try to do as you suggested, but to try to help people without a lot of experience. I do not want people to get ripped off either. I thought that was the whole purpose of this site. To exchange information between people with common needs, ideas and to help others. Jerry Quote
Contributing Member rdb Posted November 20, 2008 Contributing Member Report Posted November 20, 2008 I'm always glad to see the Artisan guys. I wish more suppliers came on the board. Jerry, maybe you could help cityclip and me with our question about round flywheel to vbelt conversions. Also do you have any returned servos that you have refurbished or some similar type deal we could use to hook these 30-15s up. Quote Web page Facebook
Members steveh Posted November 20, 2008 Members Report Posted November 20, 2008 I use a servo motor on singer 31-15, it works great and gives me lots of control.I use a V belt as well, I get mine from napa auto parts.These old singers maybe old, but they where built in America in an era where quality was the best. steve Quote
Moderator Art Posted November 20, 2008 Moderator Report Posted November 20, 2008 Hi Guys, I don't know where you gre getting your motors from, but the 500 watt motors go for about $160, you might find some cheaper, and they will defiantly be more expensive if they have the needle positioner. I have found that these motors are generally commodity items and if the price is cheaper, then the motor seems to be cheaper also. I have found most of the belts I need at NAPA, for something exotic you need to call Gates Rubber and find out who distributes for them in your area; these places most often have any type or size of pully you need -- just take the old one along so they can see what you really need. I don't mind if the vendors occasionally come on board with a suggestion, actually, I wish more did it. There are a few of us here that won't let them blow smoke up anyone's kilt (or skirt), and I won't let anyone abuse this forum with advertising. The Singer 31 class is a good machine as are some of the other older iron, however in my experience, a new machine will lay down a better stitch, top and bottom, than an older one. The new machines are tighter and the technology is more advanced especially in the areas of precision and metallurgy. Nonetheless, an old machine in fine shape and at a good price may be the ticket for the financially challenged. If it is your first sewing machine, try if you possibly can to get a new one from a real dealer or distributor, someone you can pester with questions while you are learning. Art Quote For heaven's sakes pilgrim, make yourself a strop!
Members cityclip Posted November 20, 2008 Author Members Report Posted November 20, 2008 Sorry, it's still not clear to me. Is there some kind of different fly wheel that I can buy for the 31-15 that can take a V belt? Quote
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