Lew Schiller

What's the common wisdom regarding 31-15's?

I've acquired what appears to be a nice example, motorized 1952 vintage.

Restore as is using the original SIMANCO 1/4 hp clutch motor or retrofit a Servo motor (+- $120)?
Seek out a treadle base? That would be cool - but disembodied industrial treadle bases seem to fetch quite a price. I have a nice domestic treadle base on hand if that would work.

Mom3

Welllll............. mine has the original clutch motor. I'm thinking of retrofitting it to an 'on-board' motor and setting it up in a quilting frame for long-arm quilting. I've seen photos it this having been done....... so I'm thinking about it. Obviously it's a heavy machine so the carriage will have to be really 'smooth' rolling in order for it to handle the weight on a frame. If that plan doesn't work out the alternative would be to turn the machine 90 degrees left (foot forward as it were) and set it into a table a la the Tiara or HQ Sweet Sixteen.

Not the answer you were looking for but that's my plan (someday).

Lew Schiller

All input is valuable to me at this point!

Thanks :-)

Lew
Who grew up in Bay View before it was trendy

jlhmnj

I've owned a couple of 31-15's modified with the clutch motor. The motors never seemed to work due to poor storage but the heads were fine. I've heard the clutch motors are very fast and are difficult to go slowly with but can't say from actual use. Servo would be ideal if cost is not unreasonable. I also believe but am not certain that standard domestic Singer irons will not work due to large size of head and the industrial irons are needed for treadling, which are uncommon even in NJ. I see lots of 31-15's with clutch motors go begging around here, no one seems to want them. I suppose the practicality of the 31-15 would depend on how you plan on using it.

Good Luck
Jon

Lew Schiller

Indeed - practical application is everything.
I recently replaced the clutch motor on my Artisan 797AB walking foot machine with a servo motor. World of difference.
I'm not a seasoned pro by any stretch. Watching me try to use the clutch motor was like watching a 15 year old learning to drive a manual transmission car. Not pretty.
The servo motor is like a great big little sewing machine motor. Totally controllable.
Cost was just $120 including UPS for the motor.
I have a feeling that's what I'll do. If I keep it I'll have a good machine - if I sell it I'll get the price of the motor back and then some.

Mom3

Lew

What make/model servo did you purchase?

Lew Schiller

Family Sew - don't have the model # right at hand.
Came complete with the switch and all.
Call Bob Kovar at Toledo Industrial Sewing Machines - he's a terrific guy. He'll take the time to discuss your needs and offer the right motor.
You'll find the phone number here but the site isn't very detailed about individual products.

jlhmnj

Sounds great and enjoy. Lots of bang for the buck.

Lew Schiller

Especially since the machine was only $50!

amyjo

My husband put a different pulley on my big Brother industrial machine and it goes a lot slower than the 3000 stitches it ran with when I bought it. It came with a table and the complete machine for $200. Hasn't been used lately as it is in my other house and not here til I get my new addition on the house so I can have that one and my Juki serger that I bought with a table on auction with everything for $25. Machine is in this house but the table is out in the bus where I have some of my machines and stuff stored til the addition is on. hope it is big enough at 12 x 26 ft. Maybe should make it 14 x 26. Be a lean to type additon with steel roof and siding. got a huge 4 window window for $10 and a smaller reg house window at another auction for $10. Have several sheets of paneling to use for walls after insulation is on--plywood painted for the other walls with shelving in front of. Wilo hang some type of colorful shower curtains on front if I can't get doors on them.