A Relapse of SMAD - A saga
#21
Thanks for the great story! I might have to venture into the industrial world. Miriam I love the idea of using it for free motion quilting. I have been wanting a long arm but can't do the price....sigh...but this might be a reasonable alternative, lol. Is it impolite to ask What this machine cost? I have not even a remote clue and I am not close enough to be competing, lol! I know machine costs differ by location but? Or maybe Someone on this thread can tell me what would be a normal cost for these models?
your machine btw is gorgeous! I feel my smad kicking in! Lol.
your machine btw is gorgeous! I feel my smad kicking in! Lol.
#22
In a factory wanting consistency & quality control? - nope not weird just prudent and not very versatile. I'm wondering if there is a way to change that setting. The arm is certainly long enough to do quite a bit. Mine takes long shank attachments. I found a real old long shank buttonholer in my junk today. I'm thinking it might go on there - wouldn't that be a hoot?
I guess the length of the hole in the feed dog slots will make a difference too.
Holy cow, if you try that buttonholer lean WAYYY back!
I have a 31-20 that Steve gifted me in the garage, but I don't think I can be of much help to any of the questions. I think the hook/bobbin assembly is different on my machine and I've not even spent more than 10 mins with it. Life has sort of gotten in the way and I've had a full plate the last few months. But, if need be I can try to see if it has the same issues or at least take a few pics to work off of, if it will help.
However, if you're crazy busy, don't worry about it. I'm thinking of ordering the hook and the carrier anyway, for the price of it, it's good insurance.
Thanks for the great story! I might have to venture into the industrial world. Miriam I love the idea of using it for free motion quilting. I have been wanting a long arm but can't do the price....sigh...but this might be a reasonable alternative, lol. Is it impolite to ask What this machine cost? I have not even a remote clue and I am not close enough to be competing, lol! I know machine costs differ by location but? Or maybe Someone on this thread can tell me what would be a normal cost for these models?
your machine btw is gorgeous! I feel my smad kicking in! Lol.
your machine btw is gorgeous! I feel my smad kicking in! Lol.
This machine cost me under $100 because it wouldn't stitch and was seized when I got there. The asking price had been $100, then I traded her a belt for some amount off.
That said, I put probably close to 4 hours into it cleaning, adjusting, etc, and it's not completely finished. I still want to see what I can do about looking at the motor and servicing it, but it's a different motor than I'm used to, so I have to do some reading.
I will order about $70 worth of parts for it, some because I'd like to change them, some because they should be changed and some are no longer carried by my supplier, so I want to have them here in case they're needed down the road- shuttle carrier, hook and needlebar.
So what would this machine be worth in 2 weeks when I have the parts and have finished the work? I'm not sure at this point.
I have seen a couple of people put these machines onto a short arm frame. Make sure it's a beefy frame and carriage though, they weigh in over 60lbs as a guess, and then you have to figure out what to use for a motor. To put that in perspective, my LA machine is 41lbs on the carriage and the carriage is aluminum and extremely streamlined. The other thing about that is that you would find yourself pushing and pulling 60+ lbs, plus the carriage and the motor around to do your quilting designs. The carriage would have to be very well built to help absorb some of that wear and tear on your joints and muscles, but it can be done.
He is lovely isn't he? I can't seem to stop touching him whenever I go into the room for something.
#23
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Outer Space
Posts: 9,319
I've contemplated turning my 31-20 into a longarm set up but I'd have to have a plate fabricated to put a motor onto the machine. I recently sold my frame, which would have been able to handle the weight because of the need of the extra bedroom for the last 3 months and possibly in the future.
I don't know how hard it would be to figure out some kind of mounting plate or bracket for a motor, but I've not really had the mind power or energy to go much further with it.
I have guests coming today and it's dark and stormy, but I'll try to check the clearance space and hook assembly tomorrow.
I don't know how hard it would be to figure out some kind of mounting plate or bracket for a motor, but I've not really had the mind power or energy to go much further with it.
I have guests coming today and it's dark and stormy, but I'll try to check the clearance space and hook assembly tomorrow.
#24
The 31-15 has a motor boss, I would have thought the 31-20 would too.
Oh! I guess you meant a bracket! Duh! Sorry, I'm slow today.
I wonder what sort of motor is/was available to put on there. That would be a determining factor, but I bet it wouldn't be hard.
Take your time. This machine sat for 30 years like this, it can manage a few more days.
Oh! I guess you meant a bracket! Duh! Sorry, I'm slow today.
I wonder what sort of motor is/was available to put on there. That would be a determining factor, but I bet it wouldn't be hard.
Take your time. This machine sat for 30 years like this, it can manage a few more days.
#25
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Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Somewhere
Posts: 15,506
The 31-15 has a motor boss, I would have thought the 31-20 would too.
Oh! I guess you meant a bracket! Duh! Sorry, I'm slow today.
I wonder what sort of motor is/was available to put on there. That would be a determining factor, but I bet it wouldn't be hard.
Take your time. This machine sat for 30 years like this, it can manage a few more days.
Oh! I guess you meant a bracket! Duh! Sorry, I'm slow today.
I wonder what sort of motor is/was available to put on there. That would be a determining factor, but I bet it wouldn't be hard.
Take your time. This machine sat for 30 years like this, it can manage a few more days.
#27
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Outer Space
Posts: 9,319
Yes, I'd think any new or vintage, working motor in that range would do a nice job. Of course, finding a darning foot that would allow good movement would be very important. I think there are some Juki feet that are supposed to work on these machines and if I remember right, there's a Juki hopping foot and walking foot that I had researched before I had to put this on the back burner.
#29
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Outer Space
Posts: 9,319
#30
Yes, I'd think any new or vintage, working motor in that range would do a nice job. Of course, finding a darning foot that would allow good movement would be very important. I think there are some Juki feet that are supposed to work on these machines and if I remember right, there's a Juki hopping foot and walking foot that I had researched before I had to put this on the back burner.
Now if you wanted this one - ruler friendly - http://www.ebay.com/itm/RULER-FOOT-F...-/321111496062 - I got nothin
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