I own one of these since january 2024 and I love it. First time treadling, and first time using an industrial machine. It takes some effort to control the tredle and keep it forward but once you get the feel of the treadle it is smooth and organic. I think of the history my machine has. It is a 1929 unit so it must have worked a lot. ❤❤❤
One common issue with these old machines is the wear of line path, so sewing line has made thin grooves in metal. This leads to upper line tension problems because sewing line don't run freely and it can get even stuck and break. Fix is to check every line guide - especially line tensioner axle - and then remove all wear marks with file and polish with fine emery cloth. Lathe is best for the axle but drill and file/sand paper should work well
Love your videos! Man I wish I could sew. I’ve always been fascinated buy sewing and cobbling. Two skills I wish I had. Maybe I’ll take a course. These were manly skills at one time 🤣 My grandma had one of these. Should have taken Home Ec in high school but I’d be laughed out of school if I did in the 70s.
I just took the covers off of my Grandma’s machine that had been sitting since new in the 1970’s. I want to get an Foot for Longarming. 💜💜💜 Just subscribed.
Glad I found your video. Will check to see if you recorded the cleaning of the machine. I do have this machine. Having trouble finding the correct size of screws for the knee lifter. Can you tell me the dimensions of those two screws in that part.. Getting it oiled and hope to get him working. My is a treadle machine no motor at all and missing the tread stand. I wonder if the wooden peg had a letter head to project the machine paint. What size of needles those this machine take. Also I am a bit intimate how strong it can run. Thinking on getting finger guard protection. Is this high or lower shank?.
Hi, your best bet is to download the parts/manual books for the machine as it will give you most information you're looking for. The wood peg is just a wood peg. You won't need a finger guard as long as you pay attention. I've never seen one on a 31 series, usually it's just for open needle machines.
@@derekdoeschannel I wonder if a schematic of this machine may help. Planning to take the machine on a field trip to mom & pop hardware store to play with some srews .
@@carmencolon3520 You can try, but I doubt you'll find them there. Singer made their "own" screws and bolts. Nothing really on the machines is standard. You'll probably have to call an industrial shop and order what you need.
If you have a treadle it's most likely from 1900-1930. You should be easy to date it by seeing what the serial number of the machine is. Just search Singer Serial Number search and see when your machine was made!
Boot machines are a very specialty machine. I’m not very familiar with them actually. I know a lot is hand done, but a sole stitcher is one you will need.
Old belt is usually repairable, just make new hole for the staple. It gets a bit shorter but it should still be long enough. You can also make a belt by splicing a rope loop. If it doesn't have enough friction bees wax makes it work. Dyneema is best because it doesn't stretch or break
I own one of these since january 2024 and I love it. First time treadling, and first time using an industrial machine. It takes some effort to control the tredle and keep it forward but once you get the feel of the treadle it is smooth and organic. I think of the history my machine has. It is a 1929 unit so it must have worked a lot. ❤❤❤
Sounds like you got a gem!
I think it's the best “Jack Of All Trades” Singer…Does a little bit of everything you want.
Totally agree. If you own only one Industrial, this is the one.
One common issue with these old machines is the wear of line path, so sewing line has made thin grooves in metal. This leads to upper line tension problems because sewing line don't run freely and it can get even stuck and break.
Fix is to check every line guide - especially line tensioner axle - and then remove all wear marks with file and polish with fine emery cloth. Lathe is best for the axle but drill and file/sand paper should work well
Great advice. Thanks!
Love your videos! Man I wish I could sew. I’ve always been fascinated buy sewing and cobbling. Two skills I wish I had. Maybe I’ll take a course. These were manly skills at one time 🤣 My grandma had one of these. Should have taken Home Ec in high school but I’d be laughed out of school if I did in the 70s.
Thanks again. I'm self taught but did take home Ec in high school as it was mandatory. I made a camo apron if I remember.
Thanks
I just took the covers off of my Grandma’s machine that had been sitting since new in the 1970’s. I want to get an Foot for Longarming. 💜💜💜 Just subscribed.
Thanks! Sounds like it’s going to be a good machine!
What a beauty. What is the full inside "harp" dimension? Thanks.
Thanks, I'm not quite sure what you mean?
Супер
Thanks!
Could you regularly sew leather with this machine?
Not thick leather but garment weight you could. I’d put a roller on it if you plan to a lot.
Glad I found your video. Will check to see if you recorded the cleaning of the machine.
I do have this machine. Having trouble finding the correct size of screws for the knee lifter. Can you tell me the dimensions of those two screws in that part.. Getting it oiled and hope to get him working. My is a treadle machine no motor at all and missing the tread stand. I wonder if the wooden peg had a letter head to project the machine paint. What size of needles those this machine take. Also I am a bit intimate how strong it can run. Thinking on getting finger guard protection. Is this high or lower shank?.
Hi, your best bet is to download the parts/manual books for the machine as it will give you most information you're looking for. The wood peg is just a wood peg. You won't need a finger guard as long as you pay attention. I've never seen one on a 31 series, usually it's just for open needle machines.
@@derekdoeschannel I wonder if a schematic of this machine may help. Planning to take the machine on a field trip to mom & pop hardware store to play with some srews .
@@carmencolon3520 You can try, but I doubt you'll find them there. Singer made their "own" screws and bolts. Nothing really on the machines is standard. You'll probably have to call an industrial shop and order what you need.
I have the treadle version of this machine. What date aprox would you say it was please.
If you have a treadle it's most likely from 1900-1930. You should be easy to date it by seeing what the serial number of the machine is. Just search Singer Serial Number search and see when your machine was made!
Thank you
For a person just starting out with boot making, and needing something that works well, easy to use, and maintain, what machine would you recommend?
Boot machines are a very specialty machine. I’m not very familiar with them actually. I know a lot is hand done, but a sole stitcher is one you will need.
@@derekdoeschannel - All right, what about a good machine for making clothes, leather jackets, and jeans?
@@a-macduff I'd just two. The 31-15 like in the video and a 111w155 for leather.
This machine is just as good if not better than the equivalent newer machines of today.
@@JohnJohn-zn8ib 100% correct
Nice machine I just go one and had the same problem with the belt . Were you able to get a replacement? If you did where did you get it?
Thanks. I just replaced it with some leather belting I had. I ordered another 100 feet from a sewing shop that carries it, but I forget the name.
ok thanks I saw that belting online I'm going to try it@@derekdoeschannel
Old belt is usually repairable, just make new hole for the staple. It gets a bit shorter but it should still be long enough. You can also make a belt by splicing a rope loop. If it doesn't have enough friction bees wax makes it work. Dyneema is best because it doesn't stretch or break
I ended up finding a regular V belt that I got to fit after adjusting the motor and winder@@bekanav
Hi there...how different is the 31 K-17 from this one? I'm new to industrial machines and cant find much info on it.
Look up a 31-17. The "K" is just letting you know it was made in England. It's a leather sewing machine so it's a bit tougher than the 31-15.
@@derekdoeschannel thanks!
What needle do you use in the 31-15?
16-87 size
@@derekdoeschannel Thanks
Mind showing me how to refurb one if I purchase soon?
Maybe. It depends how bad it is to start with.