Members GeorgePepper Posted July 13, 2021 Members Report Posted July 13, 2021 I recently purchased a Singer 31-47 in need of some care. While cleaning and servicing it, I have noticed that the thread tensioner does not appear to have a tensioner release pin (32574); I don't mean the pin is missing, I mean there appears to be no where to put one. I have uploaded a parts image to help. If I remove the tensioner assembly (44118) by releasing the spring regulator set screw (448AL), then disassemble the tensioner by removing the regulator thumb nut (1560C), the inner screw stud (50327C) on which the tensioner discs (2102) sit can be unscrewed from the grooved outer body (7336) freeing the spring (43946). Inspecting the stud (50327C), there is no central hole up which the release pin (32574) would pass. On pictures of tensioners from other models, I see the stud has a through hole along its axis through which passes the release pin. When you operate the presser bar lifter to free the items under the foot, as there is no release pin (and no possibility of having one with this tensioner), the thread tensioner cannot release the tension on the thread. Is this normal? Have you seen tensioner assemblies like this one? I would like to keep the machine as standard as possible, but I would also like to use it, and this may be a problem. Thanks in advance. Quote
CowboyBob Posted July 13, 2021 Report Posted July 13, 2021 On some older Singers there's a tension release on the side,not in the middle,if you look in the hole after you take the tension out can you see the release lever back there? part # 20314 is the old style. Quote Bob Kovar Toledo Industrial Sewing Machine Sales Ltd. 3631 Marine Rd Toledo,Ohio 43609 1-866-362-7397
Members GeorgePepper Posted July 13, 2021 Author Members Report Posted July 13, 2021 Thank you Bob for your quick reply. I took another look and I don't think it's this old style of release. I can see how this works if you have a cutout in either the body of the machine or the grooved outer body (7336 in my image which looks equivalent to 20061 in your image), in order for the prong on part 20314 to pass, but neither is present on this machine. Quote
Members GeorgePepper Posted July 13, 2021 Author Members Report Posted July 13, 2021 I am fast coming to the conclusion that this was a Friday afternoon assembly model. It appears to me as if the stud has not been drilled with a through hole. I just don't see how this tensioner has ever worked, and perhaps this is one reason why this machine was put to the back of some room to gather dust. Each the operator must have tried to release the fabric and pull some slack thread, it must have snagged in the tensioner. On this web site https://theprojectlady.com/singer-31-15/ the lady restores a 31-15 which has the same tensioner setup; towards the end of the blog, there are pictures of the tensioner and pin in-situ and removed. I am now wondering if the stud has had some hardening treatment. If not, I can have a go at drilling a through hole and fitting a release pin. Does anyone have an idea of the rough diameter of the pin? I am guessing at ~1/16" or maybe 3/32". Quote
CowboyBob Posted July 13, 2021 Report Posted July 13, 2021 This tension post is an old style someone put in it,it's hardened & will never drill,a new complete tension unit is around $8.00 + postage. Quote Bob Kovar Toledo Industrial Sewing Machine Sales Ltd. 3631 Marine Rd Toledo,Ohio 43609 1-866-362-7397
Members GeorgePepper Posted July 13, 2021 Author Members Report Posted July 13, 2021 OK, thanks Bob, that saves me trying and blunting a bit. Quote
CowboyBob Posted July 13, 2021 Report Posted July 13, 2021 50 minutes ago, GeorgePepper said: OK, thanks Bob, that saves me trying and blunting a bit. Your Welcome. It might help you sometimes if you fill out some of your profile so people know where you live.They can recommend a supplier to order from. Quote Bob Kovar Toledo Industrial Sewing Machine Sales Ltd. 3631 Marine Rd Toledo,Ohio 43609 1-866-362-7397
Moderator Wizcrafts Posted July 13, 2021 Moderator Report Posted July 13, 2021 2 hours ago, CowboyBob said: Your Welcome. It might help you sometimes if you fill out some of your profile so people know where you live.They can recommend a supplier to order from. The member's IP address suggests that he is in France. But, he could be using a VPN to mask his true location. Quote Posted IMHO, by Wiz My current crop of sewing machines: Cowboy CB4500, Singer 107w3, Singer 139w109, Singer 168G101, Singer 29k71, Singer 31-15, Singer 111w103, Singer 211G156, Adler 30-7 on power stand, Techsew 2700, Fortuna power skiver and a Pfaff 4 thread 2 needle serger.
Members GeorgePepper Posted July 13, 2021 Author Members Report Posted July 13, 2021 Well spotted Wiz, I am actually in Paris, France; no intentions to hide my location, just laziness in filling out the profile. My thanks to everyone for their help. Regards, G Quote
CowboyBob Posted July 13, 2021 Report Posted July 13, 2021 1 hour ago, GeorgePepper said: Well spotted Wiz, I am actually in Paris, France; no intentions to hide my location, just laziness in filling out the profile. My thanks to everyone for their help. Regards, G College Sewing in the UK should have a complete tension for you. Quote Bob Kovar Toledo Industrial Sewing Machine Sales Ltd. 3631 Marine Rd Toledo,Ohio 43609 1-866-362-7397
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