Singer 31-15 Industrial Sewing Machine
This is my 1939 Singer 31-15 drop feed industrial sewing machine.
…and this is the 31-15 when I first got it home. The treadle table went to a friend to house a Singer 31-20 that she wanted to treadle. She refinished the treadle irons and replaced the delaminated wood top. Note: The 31-15 and 31-20 look the same, but the 31-20 uses a slightly larger bobbin case and bobbin.
Powered Table
I found a powered table for a Dearborn 9SS1 Blind Stitch (I still have that machine), and set about to refinish the metal parts and with a lot of help from my Dad, modify the table top for the 31-15 head.
Drip Pan
Since the drip pan went with the original table, I made one that would work with the aftermarket knee lift. I went with a two piece pan since that was a lot easier to fabricate. The series 31 does not have an oil pump, so you don’t need an actual oil reservoir like you do on a high speed industrial sewing machine.
Brushless Servo Motor
The clutch motor that came with the table ran counter clockwise, so I replaced it with a Vevor 3/4HP brushless servo motor. This machine does not need .75HP, but I like to think ahead. I just happened to have a Maytag Q 2-11124-2 3516B belt on hand and it works.
Specifications
| Brand | Singer |
| Model | 31-15 |
| Manufactured By | Singer |
| Made In | U.S.A. |
| Years Produced | 1910 – 1958 as best as I can tell |
| Hook Type | Oscillating |
| Bobbin | Class 15 |
| Bobbin Case | Part # 62740 |
| Needle System | 16×231 |
| Foot Type | High Shank |
| Construction | All Metal |
| Construction Drivetrain | All Metal |
