Singer 31k48

[buzzboi]

So, I have just picked up a singer 31k48 and I am desperately searching for information...

Apparently the motor is cactus, so I am looking at the servo motors on eBay (also looking at a servo for a 132k6)... But the concept of making it a portable hand crank machine is somewhat appealing, is that as simple as a box/base for it to operate in and a handle on the wheel?

I would love any information I can get my hands on, as well as any ideas on needles, sizes and where to get them, and any parts resources. So far I have found the parts manual, but that's it. Information on these machines seems to be very scarce!

If anyone can recommend a mechanic who can work on these old machines anywhere near Adelaide, South Australia, I would be extremely appreciative!

Thanks.

[Bert51]

There is a little information around for these old machine, but I cannot help you with a mechanic, as I do most of the work on my machines.

ISMACS International lists this machine as, " Wheel feed. Roller presser. Max stitch length 8 to the inch. Clearance under roller presser 5/16". Shuttle #19292. For leather work. Speed 2000. " It list the needle as 16x6

Singer made other machines in 31 class with roller feed, like 31K 17 & 18 and 31K45, so I think the manuals would be similar.

Bert.

[buzzboi]

Thanks for that Bert, I had found that listing, but hadn't actually sifted out the needle info there... I found a post from a few years ago where someone said that leather needles for these were hard to find, I will have a hunt with that size you found and see what comes up.

The machine was obviously left behind at a country property (close to the Barossa actually) and the people who have bought the place don't want/need it... I picked it up for next to nothing, so I don't mind spending some money making sure it's working properly, but it seems fairly clean and turns over smoothly by hand... Hopefully it works and does what we need it to, because it's a whole lot less intimidating than the K6!

[dikman]

Sounds like a good "buy". It shouldn't be too hard to work on one of these (unless you're a complete mechanical numpty) and I would think any manuals covering models from the 31 series in general should help. As for the needles, if you can't (easily) find the correct size then just find the closest common modern needles and adjust the needle bar to use them.

[Bert51]

I have a couple 31 class machines and I use 135x16 and 135x17, it's not had to adjust the needle bar if they do not fit perfectly.

I may have the instructions here some where if you need them.

Bert.

[buzzboi]

It's not that I'm a COMPLETE mechanical numpty, there are parts missing... Lol... More that I'm aware of my limitations, both in ability and time available! I'd love to be able to take it to someone who can give it a good going over and make sure it's all ok... I should be able to maintain from there. But I'm already getting in trouble for having so many machines sitting in that same boat... When I've got time! Lol.

This instructions for that modification would be great Bert, I've found a few places with 16x6 needles, but they do seem a bit limited, so if we can open that up... Do you have a source for bobbins for these machines? I haven't really had chance to look closely, but it looks like they could almost be normal domestic ones?

Cheers for your help guys.

[Bert51]

I will go looking for them shortly.

Bobbins for the 31 class machines a said to be CB bobbin, but you will need to check the spindle on your bobbin winder as I have several with different center sizes.

My 31K47 bobbin number id 2996, but when I ordered I received CB bobbins which just spin on the shaft, it is only .5 of a mm, but I think they are useless. All the sellers I have purchased bobbins off do not know what I and talking about when I ask the size of the hole in the center.

Bert.

[dikman]

I bought bobbins for some of my machines from Elizabeth Sewing Machines on Richmond Rd, Adelaide. They specialise in industrial machines and generally have a good range of needles and bobbins. If you take in what you've got if they haven't got it/can't get it they might be able to match it up with what they do have. I've found them to be very helpful.

[Bert51]

Although this is for a 31-15, it covers most adjustments on a 31 Class machine.

Bert.

Singer 31-15 Service Info from Military manuals.pdf

[buzzboi]

Thanks for that Bert, I will print that and have a read... Hope it soaks in by osmosis while I'm working on other stuff! Lol...

Thanks Dikman, I didn't even think of them, but then I didn't know they'd moved out of the city either!!! Lol... Last time I went in there they were still on Sturt St... Do you know if they have a mechanic there now? Last I heard he'd passed away...

I found a Gumtree ad for Les Hockenhull, sewing machine mechanic... Does anyone know if he's any good? I'm going to give him a call when we get everything sorted I think, get him to look at both machines...