New guy and Singer 31-15

[CasnerMtn]

Considering a Singer 31-15 as my first sewing machine. Would appreciate your thoughts and  feedback.

Thanks

[Wizcrafts]

2 hours ago, CasnerMtn said:

Considering a Singer 31-15 as my first sewing machine. Would appreciate your thoughts and  feedback.

Thanks

Are you a tailor, or alterationist? If so, that is a good machine for straight stitching on cloth with standard cotton or polycore thread. It can also sew thin leather or vinyl seams, like thin seat covers, wallet interiors, or hems on leather pants and skirts. You may need to convert it into a roller foot machine to get even stitches in leather.

[CasnerMtn]

No, I am not a tailor or alterationist, only sewing leather. Primarily 4 -5 oz maybe a little bit heavier leather for belts, no livestock tack at this point.

 

[CasnerMtn]

trying to figure out which sewing machine to buy as my first without spending a ton of money.

 

[Wizcrafts]

7 hours ago, CasnerMtn said:

trying to figure out which sewing machine to buy as my first without spending a ton of money.

 

Avoid the bottom feed only machines, like the 31-15, and set your sights on an upholstery class walking foot machine. If there is an upholstery shop within driving distance, go there and see what they use. You'll want a compound feed (aka, triple feed) walking foot machine with a synchronized moving feed dog, needle and inside foot. The outside foot should only move up and down.

[CasnerMtn]

Thanks Wiz.  I will keep looking.

[CasnerMtn]

Bought a Consew CP206RL. Wondering if the Consew CS1000 servo can be attached to this machine. This sewing machine has a plastic pedal. 

[Wizcrafts]

1 hour ago, CasnerMtn said:

Bought a Consew CP206RL. Wondering if the Consew CS1000 servo can be attached to this machine. This sewing machine has a plastic pedal. 

No sir, not without a huge amount of custom building/modifying of an industrial k-legs table and proper cutout rectangle, with an oil pan. That is a portable dual feed walking foot machine with a self contained motor system. It is what it is.

[CasnerMtn]

Thanks Wiz. Well I have a very sturdy old wooden table I have it on. Was  thinking about cutting the rectangle into the table at least to get the machine at surface level. Can oil pans be purchased separately? 

[DonInReno]

A huge upgrade is a sailrite monster wheel - it’s a larger hand wheel and comes with a larger belt.  Even though it’s a sailrite brand it fits the other clones like yours.  Sailrite also has smooth presser feet for leather and a number of other accessories - I’d check out their webpage.

[CasnerMtn]

Bought a Consew CP206RL. Wondering if the Consew CS1000 servo can be attached to this machine. This sewing machine has a plastic pedal. 

 

Thanks Don in Reno. I will reach out to Sailrite. I  watched a video on the monster wheel on Sailrite’s website. I like your ideas. Those two items will make a big difference.

Thanks

 

[ALC]

I was given a 1912 singer 31-15 complete with table,treddle stand and motor. I havent put it all together yet but use it as a table top, hand cranked. i am using 138 thread in needle and bobbin. couldnt do that with motor i dont believe. It works awesome. for thick leather i use the stitching prongs first and the longest stitch setting falls right in the holes. Make the stitches look great and fills holes. I do wallets and small novelty projects and some knife sheaths. I am very happy with the results of this set up. hope this helps someone

[Wizcrafts]

On 10/27/2018 at 12:51 AM, DonInReno said:

A huge upgrade is a sailrite monster wheel - it’s a larger hand wheel and comes with a larger belt.  Even though it’s a sailrite brand it fits the other clones like yours.  Sailrite also has smooth presser feet for leather and a number of other accessories - I’d check out their webpage.

Actually, from what I've seen and read on the Sailrite website, the feet for leather are checkered, not smooth. They still need to grab a hold of the top layer to pull it back. Smooth feet would tend to slip on the top unless it was very grabby.

If they now offer truly smooth bottom feet, I stand corrected.

[DonInReno]

8 hours ago, Wizcrafts said:

Actually, from what I've seen and read on the Sailrite website, the feet for leather are checkered, not smooth. They still need to grab a hold of the top layer to pull it back. Smooth feet would tend to slip on the top unless it was very grabby.

If they now offer truly smooth bottom feet, I stand corrected.

Yes, you are correct!  The day I read through the Sailrite website an image stuck in my head of a smooth presser foot, but I retraced my steps and it was for an unrelated machine.  :-)

[afdfirefighter]

On 10/26/2018 at 8:23 PM, CasnerMtn said:

Bought a Consew CP206RL. Wondering if the Consew CS1000 servo can be attached to this machine. This sewing machine has a plastic pedal. 

How is this machine working for you? What is the thickest leather you have sewed so far? I am new to leather and fairly new to sewing machines but it looks like this one could meet my budget if it will sew what I need. Thanks. 

[Wizcrafts]

11 hours ago, afdfirefighter said:

How is this machine working for you? What is the thickest leather you have sewed so far? I am new to leather and fairly new to sewing machines but it looks like this one could meet my budget if it will sew what I need. Thanks. 

You can read the specifications for the Consew 206R, here.