John, That really is a pretty machine and in wonderful shape. I saw your post somewhere else and fell in love with it. Very unique.
Treadle belts. After trying to punch through a treadle belt with an awl and doing a better job of running it through my finger, I started using a 1/16" drill bit in my cordless drill. It is quicker, easier, more accurate, and safer for me.
~G~