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-   -   EARLY Elias Howe sewing machine (https://www.quiltingboard.com/vintage-antique-machine-enthusiasts-f22/early-elias-howe-sewing-machine-t210095.html)

Caroline S 01-16-2013 04:05 PM

This has been one of the best "work in progress" threads. Can I presume that you are cutting the brass take arms manually? If so, what size blade are you using? And what kind of brass are you using?

SteveH 01-16-2013 05:27 PM

Thank you for that, it help to get "ohh's and Ahh's"...... It keeps me working when I am surrendering layers of skin to wire wheels and such....

Manually? Yep. I have tried to load my scroll saw with the jewelers blades in the past and it works but I find that I really count on the pressure feedback to control finer cuts, so for this, it is by hand.

I am using a jewelers saw and for this I am using 2/0 blades. The 20ga brass is "standard" brass sheet from my jewelers supply in Hayward(Georges Gems BTW, for those who like old shops, this place has been around forever)

The real bugger here is going to be forming the raised area... the metal is so thin and soft that it is hard to form a 360 deg depression without "wrinkles". I am looking into making a tool to do this since I have bought an additional Howe and will most likely need at least one more.

I just dropped off 25 lbs of 4130 tool steel armor off at the tempering shop!! that project is now on hold until Saturday when I get it back and start the assembly.

Yeah, playing with sewing machines tonight!!!!

Glenn 01-16-2013 05:48 PM

Steve I am amazed at the work you have done on this machine. I wish I had your talent. What a wonderful thread

jennb 01-16-2013 06:42 PM

I have completely been captivated by this restore as well. Now I know who I'm gonna call when I need to get a new slideplate made for a machine. WHY ARE THEY ALWAYS MISSING!??!!

SteveH 01-16-2013 08:33 PM

2 Attachment(s)
ok, got some painting done. (still NEED to do touch ups)

[ATTACH=CONFIG]388551[/ATTACH]

and with the arm from above in place (without the bolt )

[ATTACH=CONFIG]388554[/ATTACH]

miriam 01-16-2013 10:35 PM

WOW WOW WOW I can't wait for the next installment!

SteveH 01-16-2013 11:08 PM

6 Attachment(s)
ok, then to please the Lady Miriam (always like saying that...)

The bed painted
[ATTACH=CONFIG]388582[/ATTACH]

Upper assembly almost complete
[ATTACH=CONFIG]388583[/ATTACH]

and by flash
[ATTACH=CONFIG]388584[/ATTACH]

From the back
[ATTACH=CONFIG]388585[/ATTACH]

and by flash
[ATTACH=CONFIG]388586[/ATTACH]


And finally (for tonight), with tensioner

[ATTACH=CONFIG]388587[/ATTACH]

miriam 01-16-2013 11:14 PM

well worth the insomnia! thanks Steve!

Littlebearquiltingboard 01-17-2013 12:46 AM

Steve, I am really enjoying following your progress on this thread. It's like watching the phoenix rise from the fire to see your sewing machine brought back to glory.

miriam 01-17-2013 03:07 AM


Originally Posted by Littlebearquiltingboard (Post 5792005)
Steve, I am really enjoying following your progress on this thread. It's like watching the phoenix rise from the fire to see your sewing machine brought back to glory.

how poetic - but you are so right - I have watched blacksmiths at work and I am always in awe of what can be done with metal. It is outside my realm.


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