Willcox and Gibbs Foot Pedal
 

I am just about done restoring my Willcox and Gibbs, and now am up to rewiring the foot pedal. The question I have is whether the foot pedal does variable speed or is ultimately an on/off switch for the motor. My initial testing is that it's simply on/off. Am I correct or is it variable speed.

Thanks for the help

Dan,
It is a variable speed controller.
Cathy

Dan,

I've got to rewire my W&G footpedal also. Can you take photos of your process?

Yep, the one for my FR that is shaped like a foot, is a rheostat as well. (Variable)

mine also- but I have had it rewired with a regular foot pedal. Mine just felt too fragile.

OK, it is variable. My internal works are ceramic, and I had to grid it down to re-solder a wire to it (it was sheered off), got it working but not sure if it is up to variable stitching. Set up a light bulb to test but so far can only get on/off. Will continue to persevere...thanks.

I think the problem is, after trouble shooting, that who ever tried to rewire the foot pedal installed the rheostats backwards...just my luck, I'll try reversing them. FYI

Dan, I would love to see a couple of pictures. Perhaps we can compare how it is wired compared to mine.

Also did you clean the contacts and the underside of the arm that contact them? (Eraser works well)