Originally Posted by BoJangles

I love my treadles! I now have 5 of them, the oldest is a 1898, hand crank/treadle. They all sew perfectly. If you have the shuttle bobbin, just put the bobbin in, hold it still with your finger, pull the thread through the long grove and back up in the middle. Put your bobbin back in the shuttle and pull the thread up like you would any other machine with your needle thread. There are several sites that have the old machine instruction manuals for free on the internet. If you get a manual printed out, that would help you immensely. I have printed out an instruction manual for all my machines -- that is the way I learned the threading, etc..

Now, when it comes to treadling -- that is a different issue! You will only become a good treadler with lots of practice! I still struggle a little with that one!

Nancy

Originally Posted by Lostn51

There are two ways for this you can take boiled linseed oil and soak them in it or you can just repaint them like I am doing a set right now. The legs were japanned from the factory and it was a real durable finish but if you repaint them use either an automotive finish or an epoxy paint. The epoxy you can get in a can at your local hardware store.

Billy

Originally Posted by BoJangles

I love my treadles! I now have 5 of them, the oldest is a 1898, hand crank/treadle. They all sew perfectly. If you have the shuttle bobbin, just put the bobbin in, hold it still with your finger, pull the thread through the long grove and back up in the middle. Put your bobbin back in the shuttle and pull the thread up like you would any other machine with your needle thread. There are several sites that have the old machine instruction manuals for free on the internet. If you get a manual printed out, that would help you immensely. I have printed out an instruction manual for all my machines -- that is the way I learned the threading, etc..

Originally Posted by BoJangles

Howard here is my Model 127 1913 Sphinx treadle.

Billy, Miz Johnny, as far as I can tell, the only difference in these two machines is where the bobbin winder is located. Correct?

Nancy

Originally Posted by BZ quilting

Unfortunately neither of mine is a singer and I doubt I can find manuals for them. they are both very old

Originally Posted by greaterexp

Would anyone have the specific sites for free manuals? I have a Singer 66 treadle. Though I figured out how to thread it and replace the belt, I'd like to have the manual to refer to for basic maintenance. Thanks in advance?

Originally Posted by sueisallaboutquilts

Duh, I figured it out!

Originally Posted by Miz Johnny

Looks like it has a motor boss and would make a fine hand crank. I'm with Billy; I don't much care for a machine with a tail.

Originally Posted by greaterexp

Would anyone have the specific sites for free manuals? I have a Singer 66 treadle. Though I figured out how to thread it and replace the belt, I'd like to have the manual to refer to for basic maintenance. Thanks in advance?