Modifying A Singer Class 7 For Thicker Stuff!

[mrjk]

Hey all!

Here's the question: Does anyone know how to modify a singer 7-34 machine so you can sew thicker goods? I want mega clearance and I am willing to do some work to get it. Ideally I want 1 1/4" clear for sewing but I suspect someone will call me crazy. I will settle for 1" if I have to.

I will be sewing through leather and felt (mostly felt) so I know the machine has the capability in terms of power....

I dont want to start chopping up my machine before I speak with some more seasoned experts! Anyone gone down this path before and wants to throw some knowledge my way?

I have metalworking capabilities if that helps make this a more realistic endeavor.

Thanks!

[CowboyBob]

Years ago we used to modify alot of these 7Class Singers,we would take all the parts off the needle bar end,put the head in a band saw & cut off approx 3/8" off the lower part of it(so the feet & needle can clear).Then braze in part of the slot(at the bottom) in the lifter handle bracket so it can lift up more & we could get 1" real easy,THEN you have to find a longer needle to be able to sew the thickness.We used to use the 1000H,which I've heard is getting hard to find & is not available in a leather point.There's also a 1001 that is long you might be able to find.

I just checked & found some 1001D(Diamond point)in a size 280 & some 100H in a size 230

the 1000H measures 33/8" long & the 1001 is 31/2".

Let me know if you have any questions.

Bob

[mrjk]

Hey Bob.

Thanks for the reply. i think I understand what I would have to do to the cast iron body (3/8" material removed for needlebar/presserfoot clearance). I can do that no problem. Lifter handle bracket no problem, I will make a new one with a shorter slot. very good so far!

I make the clearance but I don't modify the stroke of the needlebar? do I change the location where the needlebar clamp (connecting link with the two set screws) holds the needlebar? In essence, choke up on the needlebar?

If I understand this correctly:

the stroke length will remain the same but the needlebar will be set higher so the stroke has been raised higher

Because the needle stroke is higher, it will not reach low enough on the down stroke to catch the lower thread unless the needle is longer than a standard needle. (my needles are appx 2 3/4")

Here is my question:

If I use a longer needle wont I bring the needle tip back down to where it originally was? will I still have clearance for thicker material with the longer needle hanging down?

Any further clarification you have would be most appreciated!!!

Also, where did you source those needles you mentioned? I dont know where to get them.

Thanks!

[CowboyBob]

The reason you'll need a longer needle is because it will hit the foot(@BDC) on anything over 1/2,maybe 5/8" thick.You will have to adjust the needlebar when you get it back together anyways.The way to time it is have the eye of the needle approx 1/8" below the point of the hook when it passes.

I checked & found some needles,the 1001D#280 & have some 1000H#230 too.

Bob

[Anne Bonnys Locker]

Yes Mate you are crazy but give it a go. I love it when people do this sort of modification to machines.

Bob, thanks for sharing that knowledge. Out here we mostly have mechanics who want to keep the workings of machines as a "black art". Spoke to a guy yesterday who was quoted $1200 to replace a needle bar in a 132k6!

Hey all!

Here's the question: Does anyone know how to modify a singer 7-34 machine so you can sew thicker goods? I want mega clearance and I am willing to do some work to get it. Ideally I want 1 1/4" clear for sewing but I suspect someone will call me crazy. I will settle for 1" if I have to.

I will be sewing through leather and felt (mostly felt) so I know the machine has the capability in terms of power....

I dont want to start chopping up my machine before I speak with some more seasoned experts! Anyone gone down this path before and wants to throw some knowledge my way?

I have metalworking capabilities if that helps make this a more realistic endeavor.

Thanks!

[CowboyBob]

Wow,a 132 K6 isn't even worth $1,200.There's a fellow in town here that advertises $19.95 in home service call to clean,oli & adjust.I have never heard of anyone paying that little,9 out of 10 times he tells people he has to take it back to the shop & call w/a est..Then they call here & ask if it's worth $125.00 to replace the worn out bearings in their machine.So I tell them I've never seen the bearing wearout in a home machine ^ they say that's what he's told them.So when they say no I don't want it fixed he takes it back & charges them $50.00 & the machine still doesn't sew?!?!

So I guess there's con artist everywwhere.

Bob

[Ken Nelson]

Wow,a 132 K6 isn't even worth $1,200.There's a fellow in town here that advertises $19.95 in home service call to clean,oli & adjust.I have never heard of anyone paying that little,9 out of 10 times he tells people he has to take it back to the shop & call w/a est..Then they call here & ask if it's worth $125.00 to replace the worn out bearings in their machine.So I tell them I've never seen the bearing wearout in a home machine ^ they say that's what he's told them.So when they say no I don't want it fixed he takes it back & charges them $50.00 & the machine still doesn't sew?!?!

So I guess there's con artist everywwhere.

Bob

What are the capabilities of a 7-33 Singer? Is it possible to get them to sw 5/8" without a major modification? Thanks Ken

[CowboyBob]

Ken,

That's the max it should handle w/o any major work.

Bob

Edited July 24, 2011 by sewmun

[mrjk]

Years ago we used to modify alot of these 7Class Singers,we would take all the parts off the needle bar end,put the head in a band saw & cut off approx 3/8" off the lower part of it(so the feet & needle can clear).Then braze in part of the slot(at the bottom) in the lifter handle bracket so it can lift up more & we could get 1" real easy,THEN you have to find a longer needle to be able to sew the thickness.We used to use the 1000H,which I've heard is getting hard to find & is not available in a leather point.There's also a 1001 that is long you might be able to find.

I just checked & found some 1001D(Diamond point)in a size 280 & some 100H in a size 230

the 1000H measures 33/8" long & the 1001 is 31/2".

Let me know if you have any questions.

Bob

Hey Bob,

I would like to purchase those needles you have found. how do you want to go about it?

jeff

Yes Mate you are crazy but give it a go. I love it when people do this sort of modification to machines.

Bob, thanks for sharing that knowledge. Out here we mostly have mechanics who want to keep the workings of machines as a "black art". Spoke to a guy yesterday who was quoted $1200 to replace a needle bar in a 132k6!

I will take some pics of the modification process and post them. We'll see what we get!

Jeff

[Anne Bonnys Locker]

We get regular inquiries from people with old black Singer machines - 15, 66, 99, 201 etc - usually because the guy who services them is putting up the price. If the machine sews and they regularly do a clean and oil then I tell them not to ever get it serviced . If it does have problems then I usually diagnose and fix over the phone. The value of the machine does not justify what some charge for "service".

Wow,a 132 K6 isn't even worth $1,200.There's a fellow in town here that advertises $19.95 in home service call to clean,oli & adjust.I have never heard of anyone paying that little,9 out of 10 times he tells people he has to take it back to the shop & call w/a est..Then they call here & ask if it's worth $125.00 to replace the worn out bearings in their machine.So I tell them I've never seen the bearing wearout in a home machine ^ they say that's what he's told them.So when they say no I don't want it fixed he takes it back & charges them $50.00 & the machine still doesn't sew?!?!

So I guess there's con artist everywwhere.

Bob