Quiltingboard Forums - Is there asbestos in old singer machines

As far as I know there's nothing in the mechanical or main body of the machine, but in a some cases there have been found small bits of asbestos insulation in the pedals. The ones I have seen have been a bit odd squares of a dry stiff felt like material. This is what I have assumed were asbestos, but I know they had different materials to choose from back then too. Asbestos has an advantage for heat insulation, and it can be removed and modern replacements can be found. Some recommend simply to leave it alone, don't mess with it and it will not do any harm. Be careful not to get any dust into your lungs if you have to handle it, as I'm sure you know well, that's where it does harm. Industrial models have different motor setups but I guess they are as likely to turn up with asbestos bits and washers as the domestic models. It's when you serve motors and electrical parts you are likely to come across any.