The Upholstery Forum

I'd like to know what you think about changing out plastic gears in domestic machines to handle heavier materials. I bought a singer 534 at a yard sale for 10$, and both the feed and carriage gears were stripped out fatigued nylon. I have a tool and die machine shop close by, would it be a bad idea to have a set made up from say bronze or mild steel?

@Excellion, My personal opinion is you will have spent good money to have a machine that still won't do the job for you. A domestic machine in perfect condition will still not have the ability to handle multiple layers of upholstery material, the heavy thread you want to use, or the compound feed needed. You will be doing yourself a favor if you start watching the classified adds for a used upholstery machine.

Most of us here can tell you we have "been there, done that."

John

I wouldn’t bother, the next weak link in the drive line will be the next part to pile up.

I am along the same lines as these guys. If you want to stick with a domestic for just a couple of layers go find an old machine at a salvage that has steel gears and external motor belt driven. You should spend $10.00 -$20.00

I agree with the other guys responses. Its not worth the headache.