U
NITED
TAPE
EDGE
CLOSING
MACHINE
MODEL NR
UNITED MATTRESS MACHINERY COMPANY
Division of
Mathewson Corporation
86 Finnell Dr. Unit 6y Weymouth, MA. 02188
y
Telephone: 781-331-8440 or800-245-7250
E-MAIL: MATHCORP1@AOL.COM
A Complete line of bedding machinery
OPERATING AND PARTS MANUAL
Corporation 1999 All Rights Reserved
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SPECIAL OPTIONAL FEATURES
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SEWING HEAD THREAD TENSION/STITCH LENGTH
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Front Assembly Sewing Arm
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External Parts Sewing Arm
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External Parts Sewing Arm
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External Parts Sewing Arm
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Front Assembly Sewing Bed
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External Parts Sewing Bed (Binder list page 28)
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Cross Shaft in Sewing Bed
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Old Style Gear Box Assembly
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New Style Gear Box Assembly
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Machine Traverse Speed Adjustment
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Sewing Head Drive Belt Path
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NR Table Electrical Schematic
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NR Table Electrical Schematic
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NR Table Electrical Schematic
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NR Carriage Assembly Electrical Schematic
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Variable Speed Drive Brake Potentiometer Assembly
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Variable Speed Drive Component Locations/Control Side
Variable Speed Drive Carriage Internal Parts
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Variable Speed Drive Control Panel Assembly
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Variable Speed Drive Guard Group
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Variable Speed Tilt Head Assembly
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Variable Speed Drive Electrical Schematic
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Variable Speed Drive Proximity Switch Actuator
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Variable Speed Drive Proximity Switch
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Under Table Swivel Top and Side Views
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Under Table Swivel Slip Ring Assembly
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Under Table Swivel Isometric View
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This heavy duty machine is shipped to you in a
single crate, with the completely assembled table
sewing head each strapped to it. The accessories
nd packed in a separate box inside
adjusting screws provided, at the bottom of each
To assemble the carriage to the table, first
remove the roller and stud from the bracket at
upper track level. This roller normally runs
against the narrow inside (back) face of the upper
track. It must be removed to get the carriage on
the track. When the carriage has been lifted on
the track, running on its caster rollers, replace the
roller and stud, this roller adjusts the backlash in
means of the two set screws and
front of the carriage mounting brackets. After
on the table, check for proper backlash by
eaching through the back of the carriage and
turning the drive gear side to side. The gear
should only have enough play to be just barely
The machine has been tested at the factory and
no other adjustments are needed.
Attach the sewing head to the carriage, by means
of the four hex head screws provided. These are
put in from the bottom, and on two of them a
little reaching under the carriage upper tilt plate
asten the sewing head drive belt (round belt)
over the pulley and feed over idler pulley and
sewing head pulley. Then replace the drive wheel
cover and sewing head belt guard.
light bracket is fastened on the side of
the head opposite the operator's position. Two
screws for fastening the bracket will be found in
place. The wire to plug in the work light should
be fastened in two places with
plugging it into the lower outlet on the carriage.
PLEASE READ THIS MANUAL THOROUGHLY BEFORE OPERATING THE MACHINE
This construction manual and parts catalog
contains all the necessary information on
installation, operation, care and maintenance
of the United Model NR Tape Edge Closing
The design of this machine is the result of a
continuous development program to provide
you with modern production equipment to
help make better products ... faster and at
To insure the successful operation of the
machine it should be kept well lubricated and
(The top outlet is for the main power wire
coming down from the swivel.) Both these plugs
(connectors) are of the twist
short twist to lock them in place.
Next, fasten the (lower) thread cone platter and
the (upper) tape reel on the same side of the
carriage, away from the table. A rubber guide
loop for the main power wire is attached to the
head with the same screw used to fasten the tape
Three thread guides, consisting of a wire with a
loop at each end are fastened to the carriage and
sewing head below the tape reel. The right
(needle) thread uses two thread guides, a long
one on the carriage and a shorter one on the head;
the latter to the left to by
thread, further to the left, uses only one
(long) thread guide on the carriage. These guide
the two threads to the bracket on top of the head.
thread (on the left) passes from the
bracket down through a tube provided. Just
thread any needle to the thread and use it as a
weight to pass the thread down through the tube
to its lower tension post.
The other (needle) thread goes from the upper
tension post over various thread guides across the
top of the head and down the nose to the needle.
The sewing head comes to you fully threaded, so
please observe the various thread guides. For
further threading information, see page x of this
ALL ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS
SHOULD BE MADE BY A QUALIFIED
Connect from floor under the table to eliminate
Fasten the overhead swivel (banjo) to the ceiling
from 7' to 10' above the floor level. The swivel
brought down and threaded through a rubber
loop, which is fastened to the head below the tape
reel with one of the tape reel screws. Be sure the
"ground" wire is properly connected. The swivel
wire is plugged in and twisted (locked) in place
on the upper one of the two connectors on the
It is advisable to first turn it over by hand, to be
sure everything is in order before turning on the
Be sure carriage moves freely along the rail
before starting the machine.
Press your right knee against the foam rubber
pad on the clutch control, flip the start switch to
on, and then move the clutch handle to the
Movement of the clutch handle to the
horizontal position without depressing the
clutch knee pad will result in severe damage to
the carriage drive and void the warranty.
The machine is designed to tape-sew the full
circumference of the mattress, to sew the
complete panels to the boxing.
It will also close the ends of the mattresses filled
on a filling machine with or without tape. When
finishing a seam with tape, cut it off just behind
the needle and sew it off to complete the
unbroken tape continuity around the mattress
the tape into the binder, if
necessary, cut it off on a long bias to create a
point on the tape for easier threading.
The United heavy-duty head on this machine
sews without bobbins, without interruption for
the length of the thread cones. Owing to the
special construction of the sewing head, it sews
with walking feet up very close to the end of the
arm, with the tape always under compression and
requiring a minimum of effort for the operator to
pull the boxing and the panel into sewing position
A soft 30/3 cord thread is recommended for both
Either left twist or right
twist thread can be used.
For the piping attachment, a 24/3 cord thread is
recommended for the needle only.
(The following instructions take place of and
supersede those in the green Singer booklet.)
To time and position the "United" sewing
set the machine to the desired
stitch length. Loosen the
Clamping Nut (#201524E) sufficiently to be able
Carrier from position. Set
opposite the arrow on the front of the arm. Tap
Turn the machine pulley until the letter "G" is
opposite the arrow on the front of the arm. At
the center of the needle. If it is not, adjust the
timing screw, until the point of the
the center of the needle at both the above
described position of the machine pulley.
opposite arrow and "G" opposite arrow.)
When this position is obtained, securely tighten
carrier crank clamping nut. The
will now be timed and positioned correctly.
About 7' x 10' floor space is needed for operating
the machine. A combination of the angle setting
(tilt) of the sewing head, plus the power
adjustment of the table height, permits closing
mattresses and cushions from 1" up to
or knife edge cushions and pads.
When the clutch handle, located to the left of the
starting switch, is vertical (upright), the carriage
is not in gear and will not move forward when the
power is turned on. When this same handle is
pulled to a horizontal position, the machine
carriage is in gear and will move forward when
the sewing head starts to function.
Movement of the clutch handle to
the horizontal position without depressing the
clutch knee pad will result in severe damage to
the carriage drive and void the warranty.
There is a plunger type locking device just below
the clutch handle which locks the carriage tight in
place when it is desired to use the sewing head in
a stationary position, viz: for closing cushions or
similar smaller articles.
In general operation of this equipment, to stop
the whole mechanism, both sewing head and
forward motion carriage, press the right knee
against the foam rubber pad on the knee control.
This will leave both the operator's hands free to
To start the whole mechanism forward, sewing,
remove the knee pressure slowly from the knee
For the mattress closing operation, have a fully
assembled mattress on the machine table with
both the hemmed panels temporarily fastened to
the hemmed boxing with 3" upholstery pins - six
pins per panel will do. Use the
height control to regulate for the proper sewing
height by merely pulling the cord at any point
around the table. Pull to the right to raise the
mattress; to the left to lower it. Limit switches
prevent the table from raising or lowering too far.
Before starting to sew, grasp the panel firmly
with the left hand, the boxing with the right,
two together so that the edges are in
the binder. A special lever on the sewing head
will lock the presser foot in the upper (open)
position so that the panel and boxing can be
pushed into the binder without difficulty.
To release the presser foot from the upper (raised
and locked) position, the operator needs only to
push the lever with his elbow, so that it
disengages from its lock notch and closes down
on the material to be sewn. The sewing head can
then be turned over by hand to push the needle
through the goods to be ready for sewing.
Have everything ready to sew, with the right knee
pushed up against the foam rubber knee pad, and
then turn on the power. Withdraw the knee
pressure gradually, permitting the carriage to
start forward, sewing as it goes along. To stop
the machine, apply positive pressure with the
right knee on the foam rubber pad again, which
disengages the clutch and stops the machine.
A new operator should be given a mattress to
practice on for a day. He should sew up one
panel, rip off the tape. and then do it again, until
he has the "feel" of the machine. He should
practice on the first panel until he acquires the
knack of sewing and then try the second panel,
In the beginning the operator will sew for as long
as he can hold the panel and the boxing, and then
stop the machine (with the knee control) until he
can get another firm hold. The technique of a
good tape edge closing operator is to pull upward
to get the panel and the boxing under the needle,
into the binder, but not to pull forward. When
the two hands have the panel and boxing well
into the binder and are holding it several inches
ahead of the needle, shift the hold to the right
hand and move the left hand for a new hold
at the same time being ready to move the right
hand forward to a new hold the minute the
sewing mechanism has closed the mattress (with
As some experience is gained, longer stretches of
tape will be sewn without stopping the machine.
Note that the binder and presser feet are right at
the far end of the sewing arm, flush with the
edge, which makes it easier to pull the panel and
boxing up into sewing position. As more
experience is gained, this feature will aid and
sewing for the length of the
straight seams, and facilitate sewing around the
Mattresses with Marshall (muslin pocket) type
spring units are quite soft and therefore easy to
close. Those requiring the most effort are the
ones selling under various names identifying
them as extra firm. These are particularly tight
after the half-way-around point on the second
panel when everything tightens up. At this point
it is essential for the operator to use his left
elbow to draw the panel towards the needle, to
ease the pressure at the point of sewing.
Most good operators use this elbow technique on
all mattresses, and by so doing have been able to
improve their sewing speed. A combination
crawling fingers and the elbow technique aids
sewing on the long seams, especially on
this machine with its special features to
encourage such speed sewing.
The machine is equipped with two motors. One is
in the bottom of the carriage to drive the carriage
sewing machine. The second is under the table to
raise or lower the table top. Motors are installed
according to the customer's electrical
See instructions attached to the carriage.
SPECIAL OPTIONAL FEATURES
A piping attachment is available, at an extra
price, for the United Model NR Tape Edge
Machine. It consists of a bracket for holding the
12 lb. roll of roving, guide piece to feed the
roving into the needle, and a binder for using
This attachment produces the effect of a
miniature roll edge, and adds height to the box of
the mattress. If the original machine is purchased
with this piping attachment, there is no problem
for the user to figure out the feed of the roving.
The tape goes into the binder from the binder
platen just as any other tape would, and is
hand-fed into the binder by cutting off the tape on
the bias to create a point for easier handling.
All machines are drilled in the factory for this
piping attachment, so it can be put on with the
aid of an instruction blueprint (NR-465)
furnished when sold separately for later
SPECIAL NOTE: When the piping attachment is
used, we recommend changing from a 30/3 to a
24/3 cord thread on the needle. Machines
furnished with the piping attachment as original
equipment also have a standard 7/8" tape binder
and pivot arm furnished as a separate unit.
The two binders with their pivot arms are
interchangeable so that the machine can be used
for either a piping or a plain tape.
To change over from one attachment to another,
simply remove the knurled-head pivot screw,
replace the one attachment and its arm with the
other, and the machine is ready to sew. Of
course, the different size tape (with or without
the roving) has to be fed into the binder. To do
this quickly, cut the tape on the bias with scissors
to create a long (tapered) point, which will feed
The special optional extension rack for oversize
mattresses easily slides out 18" on either side to
give extra support for King and other oversize
mattresses. Locks out of the way when working
The United under table swivel not only gives you
trouble free operation, but it eliminates all
overhead cords or swivels. Just plug in the power
inlet cord and you are ready to start operating.
The optional variable speed system controls the
speed of travel of the carriage and sewing head as
they move along the table.
There are two knobs at the operator station, one
for controlling the speed of the carriage along the
straight portion of the table and the other to set
the speed of the carriage as it travels through the
corners. Speeds for straight and corner travel are
The speeds selected depend on the skill and
experience of the operator.
The carriage should not be
subjected to shock as it enters the corners. Be
sure to set the speed so that the carriage enters
Travel speed is also controlled by means of the
stopped by exerting "inward" pressure on the
knee pad. Reducing the inward pressure on the
knee pad allows the carriage to reach the travel
speed set at the operator's station.
The variable speed electrical/ electronic
components are enclosed under a cover guard
located on the side of the carriage opposite the
operator's station. The major electronic
component under this guard is
controller. Please refer to the
manual for trouble shooting.
STANDARD CONDITION OF SALE
Corporation, United Mattress Machinery Division (the SELLER), warrants all new equipment
to be free from defects in material or workmanship for 120 days from date of installation. The obligation
under the WARRANTY is limited to the replacement or repair, at the SELLER'S factory, of parts which
shall appear to the SELLER, upon inspection, to have been so defective. This WARRANTY does not
obligate the SELLER to bear the cost of labor or transportation charges in connection with the replacement
or repair of defective parts. This WARRANTY shall not apply to any equipment which has been repaired
or altered without the SELLER'S authorization, nor shall it apply to any equipment which has been subject
to misuse, neglect or accident. With respect to any component or accessory purchased by the SELLER and
incorporated into any equipment, the WARRANTY of the manufacturer thereof shall apply and no other.
The SELLER shall in no event be liable for consequential damages or loss of prospective profits.
SELLER MAKES NO OTHER WARRANTY OF ANY KIND WHATEVER, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED;
AND ALL WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
PURPOSE WHICH EXCEED THE ABOVE
MENTIONED OBLIGATION ARE DISCLAIMED BY
SELLER AND EXCLUDED FROM THIS AGREEMENT.
Purchase Orders are accepted only when acknowledged in writing by the SELLER at
Massachusetts, by its stated officers. No other employee, agent or salesman has authority to waive or vary
and term of the order, to take oral orders or make any sales on any other terms. Any agreement made shall
be governed by the laws of Massachusetts. Purchase Orders, after acceptance, are not cancelable except
The SELLER reserves the right to make changes in design or add improvements to equipment at any time,
without incurring any obligation to install the same on equipment previously delivered.
Shipping dates are approximate and are subject to the prompt receipt of all necessary information.
The SELLER shall not be liable for delays in delivery or
in whole or in part, due to causes
beyond its reasonable control; due to acts of God, acts of the Purchaser, acts of civil or military authority,
priorities, fires, strikes, floods, epidemics, war, riot, delays in transportation or car shortages, or inability
due to causes beyond its reasonable control to obtain necessary labor, materials, components or
manufacturing facilities. In the event of any such delay, the date of delivery shall be extended for a period
equal to the time lost by reason of the delay.
STANDARD CONDITION OF SALE
Corporation, United Mattress Machinery Division (the SELLER), warrants all new parts to be
free from defects in material or workmanship for 90 days from date of shipment. The obligation under the
WARRANTY is limited to the replacement or repair, at the SELLER'S factory, of parts which shall appear
to the SELLER, upon inspection, to have been so defective. This WARRANTY does not obligate the
SELLER to bear the cost of labor or transportation charges in connection with the replacement or repair of
defective parts. This WARRANTY shall not apply to any equipment which has been repaired or altered
without the SELLER'S authorization, nor shall it apply to any equipment which has been subject to misuse,
neglect or accident. With respect to any component or accessory purchased by the SELLER and
incorporated into any equipment, the WARRANTY of the manufacturer thereof shall apply and no other.
The SELLER shall in no event be liable for consequential damages or loss of prospective profits.
SELLER MAKES NO OTHER WARRANTY OF ANY KIND WHATEVER, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED;
AND ALL WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
PURPOSE WHICH EXCEED THE ABOVE
MENTIONED OBLIGATION ARE DISCLAIMED BY
SELLER AND EXCLUDED FROM THIS AGREEMENT.
Purchase Orders are accepted only when acknowledged in writing by the SELLER at
Massachusetts, by its stated officers. No other employee, agent or salesman has authority to waive or vary
and term of the order, to take oral orders or make any sales on any other terms. Any agreement made shall
be governed by the laws of Massachusetts. Purchase Orders, after acceptance, are not cancelable except
The SELLER reserves the right to make changes in design or add improvements to equipment at any time,
without incurring any obligation to install the same on equipment previously delivered.
Shipping dates are approximate and are subject to the prompt receipt of all necessary information.
The SELLER shall not be liable for delays in delivery or
in whole or in part, due to causes
beyond its reasonable control; due to acts of God, acts of the Purchaser, acts of civil or military authority,
priorities, fires, strikes, floods, epidemics, war, riot, delays in transportation or car shortages, or inability
due to causes beyond its reasonable control to obtain necessary labor, materials, components or
manufacturing facilities. In the event of any such delay, the date of delivery shall be extended for a period
equal to the time lost by reason of the delay.
Front Assembly Sewing Arm
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External Parts Sewing Arm
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External Parts Sewing Arm
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External Parts Sewing Arm
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Front Assembly Sewing Bed
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External Parts Sewing Bed (Binder list page 28)
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Cross Shaft in Sewing Bed
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Old Style Gear Box Assembly
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New Style Gear Box Assembly
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Machine Traverse Speed Adjustment
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Sewing Head Drive Belt Path
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NR Table Electrical Schematic
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NR Table Electrical Schematic
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NR Table Electrical Schematic
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NR Carriage Assembly Electrical Schematic
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Variable Speed Drive Brake Potentiometer Assembly
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Variable Speed Drive Component Locations/Control Side
Variable Speed Drive Carriage Internal Parts
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Variable Speed Drive Control Panel Assembly
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Variable Speed Drive Guard Group
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Variable Speed Tilt Head Assembly
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Variable Speed Drive Electrical Schematic
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Variable Speed Drive Proximity Switch Actuator
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Variable Speed Drive Proximity Switch
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Under Table Swivel Top and Side Views
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Under Table Swivel Slip Ring Assembly
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Under Table Swivel Isometric View
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UNITED MATTRESS MACHINERY
FRONT ASSEMBLY SEWING ARM
PRESSER BAR LIFTING CRANK
SCREW - FOR NR-482 (U138)
PRESSER BAR BEARING RETAINER
VIBRATING PRESSER BAR HINGE STUD
HINGE PIN - LIFTING ECCENTRIC
THREAD GUIDE - NEEDLE BAR STUD
BEARING FOR NR-439 (U104)
NEEDLE BAR CONN. LINK WASHER
NEEDLE BAR CONN. LINK SCREW
UNITED MATTRESS MACHINERY
Tel: (781) 331-8440 Toll Free 1-800-24
FACE PLATE LOCK SPRING PLATE
SMALL NEEDLE - FOR PLASTICS
CK FRAME THREAD GUIDE
SAME
NEEDLE BAR OILING FELT HOLDER SCREW
NEEDLE BAR SEALING FELT HOLDER
UNITED MATTRESS MACHINERY
Tel: (781) 331-8440 Toll Free 1-800-24
UNITED MATTRESS MACHINERY
LIFTING ECCENTRIC CONNECTION
LIFTING ECCENTRIC SPACING COLLAR
LIFTING ECCENTRIC SPACING COLLAR
ARM SHAFT BEARING HOUSING
BALANCE WHEEL POSITION SCREW
UNITED MATTRESS MACHINERY
Tel: (781) 331-8440 Toll Free 1-800-24
UNITED MATTRESS MACHINERY
Tel: (781) 331-8440 Toll Free 1-800-24
UNITED MATTRESS MACHINERY
EXTERNAL PARTS SEWING ARM
UNITED MATTRESS MACHINERY
Tel: (781) 331-8440 Toll Free 1-800-24
UNITED MATTRESS MACHINERY
EXTERNAL PARTS SEWING ARM
SCREW AND NUT ( MUST BE PURCHASED AS
S3211 SCREW TYPE / 2084 BAYONET TYP
UNITED MATTRESS MACHINERY
Tel: (781) 331-8440 Toll Free 1-800-24