Singer 31k15 overview, and Adjusting an Old Sewing Machine. Disregard 3.51 to 5.31 see Description
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- čas přidán 24. 04. 2014
- Note: My description of the tension release pin is incorrect, it only moves when the foot lift is raised...therefore please disregard what I say about the pin moving with each stitch....I am sorry about this confusion, I tried to remove that section of the video, but I am unable to....Regards Harry, May 2020.
An overview of my Singer 31K15 treadle middle weight sewing machine that I use for sewing upholstery leather.
In this film I also run through three of the most common issues to fix an old sewing machine. - Jak na to + styl
Very well done my friend.Just picked up a 31-15 and this will help tremendously. Keep up the good work!
I bet there was plenty of swearing when the were trying to get their prototypes of these machines to work all those years ago in the Singer factory.
They are marvelous pieces of engineering and so well made.
Cracking video btw
Excellent video - all the main bugbears I encountered when I first got my 20u. I eventually got it sorted, but this video is so clear and reminded me about all the little details I had forgotten like the pin behind the tension unit. Also I never had to adjust the feed dogs, but your instructions are so good I've bookmarked this for future reference. Thankyou so much.
Thanks Trudy
Thank you for sharing! I just got my grandfathers old 31-15, he was a tailor before WWII.
Thats great Jeff there are manuals online still.
Thank you for sharing this video I really love Singer old sewing machines 💝
What a pleasant, helpful person to listen to.
I have a Singer 31-32, sewing perfectly, but your information is precious, THANK YOU!
Hello can you please tell me what is the maximum stitch Lenght in mm, as I'm about to buy one, but on inspection I have noticed that the machine doesn't go more than 2-3mms for maximum stitch, do you think theres a problem with it
Thank you for this video! I just received a Singer 31-15, that is going to need a lot of cleaning and adjusting I am sure. I know I have to replace all of the cords, and I do love the idea of getting the treadle Wheel for it. looking forward to more of your videos very informative.
+Lynn Gray Thanks Lynn
Excellent information! I've recently been given one of these old machines by a mate of mine who's had it stored under his house for many years. It wasn't working but with a small bottle of kerosene and some 'elbow grease' it's now going with the 1/4 hp motor. Your information on the hook/needle timing and the feed dog timing was most helpful. Lou has promised me the treadle stand once his house sale goes through; he bought it to use as a flower pot stand by using a different wooden top !!! Thanks again.
+Allan Wells Thats great ....good to get her going again.
You are right about sucking up tons of information from everywhere before jumping into restoration of these old beauties. I am doing it right now, very good video. Thanks.
BarbedStar Thanks
It’s lovely and what a beautiful sound it makes.
High again Harry ,Brilliant illustration on the timing really usefull infomation,That has been the most usefull illustration and easy`est on the internet to understand so far,A massive thank you for that( BRILLIANT).
Seing it visually like that rather than trying to read it from written info makes it so easy for viewers to get on and sort their machine out,a big thumbs up to you mate.
wow dude Thats great pleased its helpful. Thanks
thank you Sir...I am doing the same thing to the same machine and you answered a few of my questions especially converting to treadle...I started on these machines at 13 yrs old 50 years ago, haha...God bless...doug (central canada)
DOUG HUNTER Thanks Doug
One of my mates restored a machine just like that and was getting very frustrated near the end because the instruction manual was so detailed he kept forgetting all he had read when he went to the machine to do the work. So, he called me and asked me to read the instructions to him while he worked. It was a great idea because he was able to see exactly what I was reading and could make adjustments in sequence without interruption. One read-through and the machine was running like a wee mouse chewing paper. My Grandmother had a machine like that too, a Singer, black, with a flower motif along the body. I loved the sound of it.
Best Wishes, Brendan.
+baconsoda Hi Brendan - I like the sound of them as well, though I have now replaced that machine with a modern one, I have kept my old bootmakers patcher machine which does get used from time to time!
Thanks for the info...I will try to look them up. I tried to order a replacement thread tensioner from my local supplier but was told that they were unavailable for the machine I was looking for.
great tutorial lesson regarding singer sewing machine. thanks Chico Nieto of Canada.
Thank you so much. My machine was off by a few millimeters and really giving me a fit at times. Fixed the needle timing
Thanks that's great.
thanks harry for video on 31k15 it help me to a lots, john
Harry this video is very helpful!!👍 Thank you!
Thank you Harry! Great video. I have my screwdrivers ready and I am going to go at it!
Good luck
Your videos are great... I'm really enjoying them
Great - thatks for letting me know.
Thanks for your reply Harry.
Harry I will be using this for future reference! This is one of the best maintenance videos out there.
Well done, bravo!
Thanks Dave
Harry Rogers I wonder if work on thick leather ?? and it will work on leather with 10+ thread ?? what size of needle for leather on 31k15 Please let me know if worth i saw ad 31k 15 asking for !00.00 good deal ???
John Graham John - this will handle upholstery leather but is not made for thick leather, many are ex wartime and are worn from making too many parachutes...Nm10 would be a bit on the thick side for this in my opinion.
Thank you so much for making this video! I have a 31-15 that makes a stitch or two and then begins shredding the top thread. Thanks to this video, I figured out the timing is alright. But the cam that is supposed to hit the tension release bar never hits it during the sewing cycle. I imagine I will need to replace it. Glad to know, and I appreciate the knowledge being put out there.
Also, might anyone know a good source of fresh tension release levers?
Thats great....and just a thought but is the tension release pin (thebit that looks like a nail) very worn and you can just replace that....its comes with the tension unit and that generic part is fairly reasonable......but perhaps it is the cam itself....I think on mine the cam was worn as replacing the pin did not 100% sort it. .
+Amanda : college sewing machines UK...on the Web does them.....circa £10 I think.
It looks like the cam isn't touching the lever at all...if the tension release lever doesn't fix it I will try replacing the whole tension unit. If the cam itself is worn, would I have to replace the cam do you think? Thanks!
Amanda : Hi Amanda I don't know sorry.....I never got mine totally right and then went and bought a new machine....I learnt a lot but in the end cut my losses....sorry that's not very helpful to say!
Great vid Harry. Informative as usual.
Thanks Merv....I am not certain what you will make of next weeks film!
Excellent tutorial about timing...thank you
Great video, thank you so much for sharing! Great information!
Foarte bine explicat....Multumesc!
Nice video Harry, maybe I'll get round to buying an old Singer one day. All my leatherwork so far has been hand stitched. Congratulations with your 100th video by the way.
Thanks Eduard...I never expected to get to 100 films! I have a few more to produce yet! i think the hand stitching takes a lot of beating - there is so much time needed to set up machines for a specific task, though they do have their uses.
Loved your video, Mr. Rogers. I am an advanced treadler; I can stop and start my treadle without hands. My Singer 15 is a real workhorse, but yours is my dream machine. Unfortunately they are hard to find in the States.
Hi if it helps, the 331k is very similar..just a relatively newer version of the 31k.....might be 331w?? in the US?
Harry Rogers thanks. I’ll look into it.
I`ve noticed on mine the pin just comes up to the flip lever arm
Just wanted to say thanks for the video, it helped me get my mothers machine running perfect! Now she can hem all my pants... haha
Thats great George and well done sorting out an old machine.
Thank you... very very helpful.Your a Champion...
+peter iuliano Thanks great to help.
I just bought 31-48 model, it has a roll feed mechanism but else it looks the same. My machine does not release upper line tension at any point of the cycle and as far as I can see it shouldn't do so. In my machine cam you are refering just don't reach that lever that presses the pin, lever works only when presser foot lever is up. A bit strange difference?
At 7.40 screw is for my understanding needle bar height adjustment screw, not timing. Of course lower adjusted needle stays longer under the hook. At 3.50 spring is not tension spring but a take up spring, which position (timing)is adjustable by rotating tension unit. I presume you have it right.
I noticed roll presser foot must be set close to the needle or else machine skip stiches, especially with thin fabrics. Thicker materials and leather are not so critical. I had doubts for needle timing, but it is correct, same as yours machine.
Thank you very much for your videos. Your needle timing part is best shot video I have seen, you really can see what is needed.
The “timing” marks that you don’t have are not for timing per se, the marks are indicating the needle bar height. Needle bar height is very important, but strictly speaking timing is the engagement of the hook with the needle scarf. Hook timing is effected be adjusting the hook position.
Hi thanks for the great video,
My 31k15 has some sideways play in the drive shaft and the shuttle also rattles (seems loose) do you know how to tighten of fix these problems ? I've looked for some kind of service manual on the net but can't find anything.
CheersSam
OH HOW I LOVE THOSE MACHINES :)
Hello I`m quite interested in what size of needle these use . I`ve got a 135 -50 unfluted round shank needle in it does work , But that style is for my Post foot machine , It sure goes thru Leather very nice 1/4 " Buck skin .
Thanks, have never seen some of these points mentioned before. Oh dear, have just realised my feed dogs are near the middle when the needle is at highest point, and finish going back when its halfway down again. I have undone the grub screw on the cam in the back, but how do I get the feed dogs to move back while the needle is up at its highest, you didn't actually say?
I got my machine from my Dad, a 31-19, works perfect
Nice machine Mario, and great to have that connection with your dad.
I recall grandmother having one vey similar
Great video Harry....what size thread do you use for the needle and bobbin? Same size on both?
Hello Roger
Thank you for the great videos. I have recently found you on youtube and love your videos. You and I have loves for the same crafts and leather work is a big one for me. I am just getting started in using sewing machines in my leather work and have a lot to learn about them. My biggest problem first is figuring out what would be a good for what I make. I go a lot of garment weight leather ( making clothing) and also some heavier weight leather such as 5 to 7 ounce vegi tan leather. I know I am probably going to need two different machines but I only have room and budget for one at this time. Do you have any recommendation of what might be a good machine to start with?
Your video have inspired and shown me some tricks to up the quality of my work and for that I thank you. Keep up the great videos.
I'm not sure how to put the foot and needle part back together
I just bought a 31-15 that looks just like this. And my hook is not catching the thread. After watching this I am going to go fiddle the time for awhile!!!
I know this video is old but a word of advice before yoh buy a new tention unit or upper thread tentioner as i call it , adjust the bobbin tention to the thread size your useing , i restore vintage machines and believe me when i tell you 90% of the time its the bobbin tention thats out causing the problem the other issues i find are bad needles as in bent , worn and some times just in wrong and last , most people dont run the thread threw the needle in the proper direction . Just a tip before you run out and buy parts you dont need .
has any one used a singer 44-20 i just bought one to restore and cant find to much on it good or bad
If you haven’t already, I *highly* recommend getting a proper roller foot and single row feed dog & plate. College Sewing sell them, and you can find them on aliexpress.
Thank you ...great advice...I no longer have that machine ...but hopefully your comment will help others here...thanks again. Harry
Hi I have a Singer 31k in perfect working order and thinking of selling how much is it worth?
Расскажите пожалуйста в следующем видео о настройке машинки с челноком в виде пули ( колеблющийся) . Мой singer пропускает стежки, челнок и его держатель не родные. С вращающимся челноком более надежны, с настройкой проблем не возникло.
Thank you for that video. Is the screw for this adjustment in the same position on 201k? or where would I find it on the 201? And I do get an uneven stitch line, how do I fix that? And if I let go of the fabric it will turn to the left, how do I fix that? Thank you for your help.
Hi Tobias..not certain if your sewing foot is on straight? Manuals are on the ISMACS website.
Thank you! Very informative. Do you have any tips about how one would fit the machine head of this model with a hand crank?
Joanna Hall some people just bolt on a piece of metal bar with a knob on it..works fine.
I have the 31-20 someone hasn't used in a long time. Everything was ok then I noticed that the bobbin holder in the bottom had moved out of place so I unscrewed everything to get it out. But I can get it back into place. It doesn't quite fit and I don't know what to do
Does it need a thorough clean, is there a metal chip that needs filing off?
Excellent video, thank you for taking the time to post it. Can you tell me where to find the replacement tensioner. Thanks.
In the UK College Sewing sell them....i think they may post abroad...its a fairly generic part for several machines - hope that helps.
Thank you for sharing this info, I am a sewing machine fan, even if I don´t need it and looks interesting I will buy it just to see what it is, I have about 35 machines, are you know if there is a machine in the 31 15 style with back stitches?, I mean the design the look of the machine not exacly 31 but with its contour.
Thank you
LUIS OSWALDO Barajas Hello - I would like more sewing machines, but I do not have the space! I have not seen the machine you mention. All the best from Harry
Obrigado amigo pela legenda em portugues.
Como si tira folga no eixo dá agulha da máquina de costura cinje 31k15 industial
Great thanks
Eu não entendi porque você trocou a roda do pedal por uma menor você pode me explicar por favor.
How did you make the tether for your fly wheel? Was it leather sewn together or some other kind of material? I mean the cord that runs from the machine and goes over your flywheel so you can use the treadle foot. Thank you, Randy
Hi Randy, one can buy leather cord in 5/16 and 3/8 for sewing machine belts...held together at each end with a staple. The cord itself is full thickness leather. Rgds Harry
great video, thanks a lot. i was just checking on my 31k15 where to put a motor (there are quite a lot of videos about motorizing old sewing machines, but on my 31k15 there is no hole or any other cavity to fix a motor). i've never done this before. do you have any recommendation about the power of the motor? i'd highly appreciate your advice. thank you.
Hi I think these were either treadle driven or took a big electric under table motor. You could fit a table with servo motor, I have done this in a later video...converting a desk and fitting a motor....you will find it in the leather playlist about 3 months ago...so around Aug / Sept time.
Hi i have the Singer 31-15 well ty for this video and i fond i haveing trundle with the teacher im thinking i am missing a plastic that that hits the bar that then hits that little pin on the back side of the teacher. That is what I can see from your video if so can you tell me what that part is am a part number? Thanks
The little pin should only move when you use the presser foot lifting lever...please see the description to the video above - thanks very much.
Hi Harry thank you for your nice videos.
Harry can you tell us the old machine that you used it for parts what model is it ????
Sorry I cannot remember
Hi Harry any ideas where I can get Singer 311k5 sewing machine thread tensioner from thanks Peter
I suspect they are fairly generic to Singer industrial machines...try College Sewing Machines UK...if not on their website I suggest you phone them.
Very nice video...very nice machine! Looks like a Centennial year Singer from the blue ring around the badge. When you are treadling, do you have your feet at a diagonal from each other, right foot in the upper right-hand corner and the ball of the left foot in the lower left-hand corner?? That's usually the best way to set your feet for a nice even treadling motion and greater control. Don't put a motor on it...it's perfect as it is. ;-)
Thanks I will try that ...very helpful.
Hello MR Harry-I just got 31k48 it will need service but also has a roller feet and different dog will that be any good for sawing leatherwith servo motor?
Yes Jan...in a couple of my more recent videos I use a 331k...just like a 31k with roller foot, and it's great.....take a look at my shoe upper sewing video, or decorative knife sheath video as examples.
I realize that this video is quite old but I’m hoping you could help me please. I was cleaning and oiling my singer 3115 that I used for Quilting and I was out of time so I was just going to put the bobbin case back in to keep it safe. Apparently I somehow didn’t have it in securely and when I ran the machine to distribute oil the bobbin case shifted and now I can’t get it out please help!
In spite of having a head injury from a car accident that I am going to be starting therapy for I took my doctors recommendation to try to do some things that were routine which for me working on sewing machine which led to my above question. After concentrating in a quiet dark room I was able to recall how to fix the problem and discovered that one of the screws that should’ve been tight was loose and head back to itself out therefore allowing the bobbin case to spin when it should not have and get it self jammed. Thank you anyway I’m sure I may have questions and need help in the near future especially while I’m trying to get my brain and thinking back to normal.
Hi Harry. What type of needles are you using? Also i picked up a used machine without a motor or belts. What sort of belts fits this machine that could be used with a servo etc? Your instruction manual looks way more detailed than the one i found. Do you have a link? Many thanks. p.s i enjoyed your shoe making book
Hi Robert I probably got the manual off of the ISMACS website or from the College Sewing Machines UK site...sorry I can't remember the type of needles but College Sewing Machines UK should be able to help. The leather point needles often have a digit different.
My machine is a 31k47 and has a walking foot. I suppose that is what the '47' indicates.
Hello, Thanks for the video. I just got one that is in very bad shape. I am planing in servicing it or perhaps restoring it? I was wondering if you could share a link to download the service instructions?
ThankS!
On the ISMACS website. Rgds Harry
How do you make sure the upper tension is correct. Mine seems tight. And do you put the thread thru the eye of one of the thread spool pins when the sp
Oil is on the stand?
Spool
Thanks for this video. Does the feed dog adjustment also allow to set the range, as well as the relation? I have one I picked up. It sews perfectly, but does not adjust out to the full stitch length. Thanks for your input. Very well layed out videos.
Hi thanks...I don't have this machine now, just the 331k...but you can download the manual from ISMACS...May be some oil on the adjuster if there is one to make sure it running it's full travel?
@@harryrogers I'll have to take a look. I'm thinking the eccentric on the collar is not set to its full range. You sold your 31-15?
I have a singer 306k that runs as soon as you plug it in to power without even touching it. It is a knee controlled machine. It was sewing perfectly then just wouldn't stop. Do you have an idea what the problem could be?
+Sally Stewart Hi Sally is the knee linkage out of adjustment......on one of my machines the knee linkage simply worked a standard Singer black bakelite foot controller that was screwed inside the case, and it had shifted....probably worth checking.
I am having a bit of trouble with my vintage singer skipping stitches. How can I fix this? Thank you so very much.
+betty bare Betty - it could be several things, but assuming you have the correct needles, it could be that your timing is slightly off, your machine hook is blunt or damaged, or the tension needs resetting. First I would replace your needle with a new one, and double check its threaded up correctly...if you are lucky that may fix it.
Great video Harry, I first saw your video on making your own leather sewing pony, which led to the Singer patcher machine. I have just bought one from the widow of an old saddler, it's a 29K58. it all moves freely but looks very sad from being stored in the garage for a good while. You said that the service manual was available on the net. I'd like to access one, could you send me the link please. I'd like to try and restore it. After retiring I became interested in doing leather craft. Doing it all by hand at present!
Keep up the good work on the videos. I love that you are multi-talented, I'm looking forward to learning much from your channel. Thanks.
Hi Anthony - thanks for your comments, you will find manuals on ISMACS I will send the 29k one below in case it gets cut off by the tube.
29k manual here....www.bootmaker.com/29K62.pdf
Harry Rogers Thanks for your very quick response, I will download the manual right away.
Thank you for your video Harry. It helps a lot for the same machine I just Received, it's beautiful. Can you tell me the needle type and where I can purchase them?
Hello I got some off EBay...just searched for 31k needles. I no longer have that machine. Best wishes Harry
Great stuff i just bought a 31k15 and not sure what needle to use on it. Like, what size and thread can i use for doing leather. I think it takes a #16 class. also i just purchased a new servo motor to replace the clutch motor. Any advise will be greatly appreciated.
+jerry gunner Hi Jerry I no longer have that machine, but the manual is available free on line. If You cannot find it drop me an email through my website.
Thanks harry! I really enjoy your clips.
Have you solved the thread tensioner problems with your Singer? I've done a few bluffer repairs on sewing machines but I could never get the Singers' tensioners to co-operate. (This is purely an academic question - I've no intention of trying another sewing machine repair, they're just too complicated now.)
To a large extent yes, but I think this one may be just a bit too worn!
Harry Rogers I just discovered your vids this morning while I was looking for something else. I'm very impressed with your range of know how! I'm looking forward to seeing a lot more of your creative adventures. (The next time I'll watch all the way through before I ask any questions.)
Hello Harry! I’ve just got a Singer 31k15 and I want to take your advice and purchase a new tension unit, could you advise me where to purchase one in the U.K. (love all your videos, you explain things in a way I can follow and understand) thank you so much!
I would ask College Sewing Machines...I do not have any affiliation to them.
@@harryrogers Thank you so much Harry!👍
Thank you Harry great info.
Could you let me know where you can get the instruction manual from a trusted site,as some sites have been known to take monthly prescriptions out for a pdf file they send.
Hi ISMACS website is a good place for manuals.
@@harryrogers wow fast reply , yes I am familiar with this site,Many years back,
but do I have to down load there adobe reader. or another reader to get the file as I already have my own adobe readers,
@@piecetoyou8285 Hi I don't think so, but I have not used it for ages...Good luck.
Hello Harry'
Did you ever put a servo motor on this machine? I have a singer 31-15 treadle but I'm thinking about motorizing it.
Denny R Hi not on this one, but servos are great....Well worth considering.
Thanks for reply. I will need replace the tension unit. Did you find instructions on the Internet. ?
Also did you find it hard to learn to treadle and do you still treadle nowadays?
Denny R ISMACS website for manual I think if not Google. Treadle is lovely.
Hi Harry, great video. Lots of helpful information here. I just acquired a 31K15. The tensioner is needing replacement, so I've ordered one. But my question is how much should the pin in the tensioner move. I notice there is a gap between the pin and the cam follower, how much should that gap be ? I notice that there is no way of adjusting the gap. I also notice on my machine that where the pin contacts the follower there is a depression on the follower. I should probably also get a new follower but I haven't been able to locate one.
Hi - you can usually unscrew the slotted screw in the tensioner to adjust the length of the pin, and you might be able to get the follower from College Sewing in the UK take a look at their website. Also look for a Singer Adjusters manual...I thing the American admirality put a few on line as they were used for making sails and parachutes . so a bit of googling - sorry I do not have the links.
Harry Rogers Thanks Harry
Hi,I have known people have cut the end of the pop rivets and use that for a tension unit pin that you discuss on you vid,
But what I wanted to ask you is my 132k6 and 45k1 don`t have that mechanism where the cam hits the tension pin`but when I lift the pressure foot to lift my work out there is a piece of metal that hits the tension pin and opens the discs to release the tension on the thread,Why does your machine need to have this function `where others do not.
Is this more common on the older machines or the newer ones`
Nice explanation on the timing`
+wow dude Hi - I don't know - perhaps someone here does
thanks for the video, very helpful. The question I have, when the cam comes down to release the tension on thread. On my machine a 31-15 this is not happening. There is no pin in the middle of the tensioner it is off to the side? I Looked on line and they show a tension release lever spring? But I'm not sure what holds this spring on, there is nothing there? any thoughts?
Kim Olberding Hello Kim - its difficult without seeing the machine, but it does seem odd that there is not a pin - is the machine working ok...I assume not - you can buy the tension assembly fairly cheaply from the likes of college sewing machines in the UK....circa £8 or so I believe. I am sorry I cannot really advise further as I am not a proper machine mechanic and I no longer have my 31K, but good luck.
Harry Rogers The machine works fine. The stitching is not tight on the bottom side of the material.
Kim Olberding Have you done a bobbin drop test to check the bobbin tension?
Harry Rogers no, what is the procedure for that? I have a new bobbin in the machine.
Kim Olberding czcams.com/video/TaH9yB7XUBk/video.html
hi Harry! thank you very much for your post. I am looking for Singer 31k15 old sewing machines that are no longer being used. Please let me know if you have any
Hi I think Ebay is a good place to look....but buyer beware!
Harry Rogers Thank you for your reply. Dont you have any that you are no longer using
Hello, can you please share what is the maximum stitch Lenght in mm if possible, thank you
I have not tried but on the web it says 5 per inch on one site....sorry but I do not want to change my settings...perhaps check ISMACS website.
@@harryrogers thanks, I've checked there already, was just asking if you have tried stitch Lenght variations
Hi Harry I'm looking at a 31k what is the difference between 31k-15 and a 31k and can I use it for leather with a roller foot and this machine I'm looking at is missing the head cover any idea where I can find one.
And the one I'm looking at is grey hear is the model number EC791712
www.college-sewing.co.uk/store/Singer-31_331K-Sewing-Machine-Parts and ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/home.html
I have sent a couple of links may go to spam...a look around the ISMACS website will answer your model number and College Sewing Machines UK may be able to help with parts...otherwise Ebay
Don Delgado There's very little difference between the 2. Basically, the differences are the machine of that subtype being set up for a specific task. Singer made the most common variants as standard catalog machines, the others would be available as "standard" special variants, and non standard special variants. Essentially, a manufacturer could get just about anything he wanted for just about any job he needed doing, so much so that any "comprehensive Singer model list" is bound to be horridly incomplete. You can adapt just about any machine to use a roller foot. The head cover of any 31 class machine will fit. The number you provided is the serial number, not the model number. the fact that the machine is grey (excluding a home paint-job) means one of two things, either the machine is of late production or was factory refurbished. Do keep in mind however that the class 31 were made as garment machines and while strong, they have definite limits. Don't trash our heritage by asking too much of it.
Hi Harry. What is the model number of the Shirtmaker's machine that you discarded?
I think it was a 95k...was 7 years ago!
@@harryrogers Thanks Harry - I suspected it was - just been gifted one myself. Thanks for your videos - I love them :)
@@richardtester2859 Thanks very much Richard.
Hi Harry, great job with your videos! very helpful to all of us newbies trying to figure things out with our machines.
I have a question regarding my 31-15 (no "K") made in the USA. My machine is breaking the thread all the time, based on your video the lever that is supposed to push out the pin on the center of the upper tension to release the tension on the thread, the lever is not touching the pin at all during the stitching cycle, therefore the thread is to tight and it breaks.
I have ordered the upper tension unit in hopes that that is the issue following your advise, besides that is there any other adjustments I can make to correct that?
Sincerely,
Jose.
Thanks...often the pins wear and in effect become too short....it sounds like you are on the right track.
@@harryrogers Hi Harry, an update to my troubles with my 31-15, I replaced the whole upper tension unit on the machine but unfortunately it did not help at all, the issue remains the same as the problem is that the even with the new upper tension part, the pin still not being pushed to release the tension, the Needle Crank lever (part 43997) that is supposed to press on the Tension Release Lever during the stitching cycle, that in time presses the pin to release the tension.
Is there any other adjustments so the Needle crank pushes the tension release???
Thanks in advance for your attention
@@Jose-yq1lk Hi Jose...sorry I am not a mechanic, but I wonder if the linking arm loses its spread with age....is it worth trying to make a longer pin with an old thick needle to see what that does? Sorry grasping at straws as I do not know. Rgds Harry
Hi! Thanks for an informative video. I was looking for how to adjust the tension for sewing on denim. My machine sends the needle through in time, but skips about 5 stitches in a row before catching again. I, of course, cannot do anything with that! This is very thick denim, and I am using heavy denim thread, I am asking you, because you seem to know your machine better than anyone else on youtube. I have an old '51 Singer Model 66. It shouldn't be much different from yours, so if you could demonstrate (or at least talk about) how to adjust the bobbin tension to go along with the upper thread tension, that would help so much! I have looked and looked for videos on how to do this, and none really answer my question correctly. I hope you can help! I know others would appreciate it too. Thanks!
Kathleen R Hi Kathleen, your Singer 66 should be able to handle denim. Here is some advice that might help: Skipped stitches are symptomatic of several things, but a bent needle may be the culprit. When the stitches randomly start skipping, change your needle. If the stitches return to normal, then the problem was a bent needle. It can be caused by such things as tugging too hard on the fabric or the needle hitting a pin. Relax your hold on the fabric, and allow the feed dogs to pull it through.Make sure your machine is threaded correctly. Keep the pressure foot up every time you pull the thread through the machine.Another cause may be that the needle and thread are mismatched. Be sure to use the correct needle and thread for the job. Different weights of fabric need different size needles. Sometimes just changing the needle size will solve the problem.
i do have a couple of old machines and i cant get my feed dog to move back n forth no matter what ive tried
+valerie inglis Perhaps a loose cam? or is a belt broken?
I'm looking at purchasing this machine at an upcoming auction. Any idea how much they are worth? Thanks.
Gail Veitch It really depends on condition, but you should not have to pay much as there are quite a few of them around.
Bom séria se o vídeo tivesse legendado em portugues também.
I need how do clean my old machine ,..
suhaib meeran wash it in kerosene, polish it with sewing machine oil. That's about it.
I see you make belts. I will go to your site and order a belt. I am sick and tired of these cheap junky belts in the states.
eu tenho uma dessa
Harry, You might want to double-check the manual about the “cam” inside of the head striking the tension release pin. I don’t think that that linkage is supposed to touch the tension release lever at all. Maybe the linkage piece is reversed or something else is out of adjustment.
Also, tell us more about your treadle stand. It appears to me to be one of the Singer “Convertible” industrial stands with a special 2-piece pitman rod that is unique. The coupling nut allowed quick change between foot-power and electrical-power operation. I know of three different samples of these convertible stands, with your straight-leg stand being one of the least encountered, at least here in the USA or online. I have one, and yours is only the second one that I’ve found. Do you have any information on the stand, like perhaps a model number?
CD in Oklahoma, USA
To expand more on the tension unit operation, additional views of the video makes me think that the needle bar linkage is not reversed. So, I would check for a bent tension release lever. The levers can get bent easily if the knee lift lever stop is not set properly to not allow over-travel of the lift. If your release lever is original to your 1951 machine, I believe that the lever thickness may have become produced thinner over time from the earlier machines, making them even more susceptible to bending. I have had this problem with a newer Japanese-made 20U33 that has a very thin lever. I bent it with the knee lift, and once I discovered what had happened, I was able to simply bend it back into shape with my fingers while it was still attached to the machine. They are extremely light-weight in the new machines. I haven’t ever compared the levers in my two 31-15 machines, a 1939 that I treadle with a knee lift, and a 1951 Centennial that I have set up as a hand crank (with a steering wheel spinner knob) and no knee lift. I wouldn’t be surprised to find a thinner release lever in the newer model.
CD in Oklahoma USA
I am also wondering about this striking the tension release pin issue. I just opened up a 31k15 from 1912 and it doesn't look like that was the case, although granted for the moment the tension assembly is frozen with the pin inside. I haven't seen that sort of thing on any other machine that I have. Although, I do recall reading some 1920's publicity material about a tension release feature. Hmmmm a mystery to look into.
Ben Coleman I no longer have this machine so I cannot really help any further. Best Regards Harry
Good info. Much appreciated.
Ah. I should have finished watching this vid before I asked this previous question. Sorry!
Hello. Great videos! Thank you for sharing. so so much information i keep watching them over and over again :D at 4:31 when you are talking about the tension, I'm missing the part you call a "cam leaver" i can't see the full shape, do you happen to know the full name for this leaver or a part number?
Hi please note that you should disregard the middle part of this video...timeframe in title...Thanks.
Здравствуйте!Хорошо объясняете.У Вас хорошие машины швейные.Чем Вы занимаетесь?Что шьете?.Спасибо.С уважением.
+Василий Деревянкин Спасибо