Originally Posted by
costumegirl
Rodney - I agree - I have noticed that on CL and other similar sites many of the sellers have separated the machine and treadle base to sell them. Guess they feel that, due to trendy repurposing, it is more profitable. There are lots of bottomless treadle machine heads for sale which are in great condition but for me, who doesn't have the resources to build or put together a base, it's not practical. "Pickings" are getting leaner and more difficult. I also am a bit of a purist when it comes to obtaining collectibles and I would prefer/want the correct/matching base for the machine - LOL -this means that I usually spend more than I should.
Building a simple base for just the head is pretty easy if you have the tools. That's all you need if you are just displaying them. My goal is to have all my machines in sewing condition. Supplying power to the old treadle heads while keeping things like the bobbin winder working can be a challenge. A lot of machines don't have any way to mount a hand crank or motor without drilling holes and a lot of them also have bobbin winders designed to be driven by the treadle belt. That, or they turn clockwise like the old White Rotaries so reproduction handcranks won't work with them. These issues can lead to some pretty creative solutions.
I don't have room for more treadle bases or electric cabinets though there are one or two I would make room for. Mostly I either have to buy machines that are already portable or figure out a decent base and power source for the heads I buy. Not buying more isn't a good option. I like messing with them too much.
Rodney