Gray fox

Here is the underside of a Free #5 treadle from about 1913. It appears that the mechanism of Joe's 'long bobbin rotary' electrified Free is the same, or nearly the same as this this machine. Possibly the term first applied to this mechanism, rotoscillo (spelling?) was hard to explain, or for people to remember. Maybe Joe can repost his photo here for comparison.

Dianne in Colorado

Gray fox

This Aviator, most likely manufactured by Free, has a very different, and much simpler appearing mechanism.

Dianne in Colorado

Gray fox

Needlebar and other sources indicate a connection between the Hexagon and the Singer 128. Standard made the Hexagon, but apparently it was only sold in the UK. Standard was bought out by Osann, and then by Singer. But without accurate dates for the Hexagon, it's hard to say who copied who. The Hexagon appears quite different because of its armour-plated appearance. (I attempt to learn about my machines, but there are many other, more knowledgeable experts who can chime in, please!)

Dianne in Colorado

Gray fox

For comparison.....

Dianne in Colorado

Rodney

Very cool. I know some of the machines Steve collects have very interesting undersides. The 128 and Hexagon are almost identical underneath. I'll have to look at one of my 27s and see if they're the same.
A lot of ways to accomplish the same basic task.
Rodney

J Miller

Diane,

Yes the Free #5 and my Free Long Bobbin Rotary, actually a Free Model CE uses the same design shuttle drive mechanism. Looks complicated, but it's the smoothest VS machine I have.

It was CD who posted the pic. Sadly my machine is still languishing in the storage locker in IL.


Joe

HelenAnn

I think that posting the underbelly of our machines is a great Idea. There are so many really interesting set ups on the underbelly. The needle bar housing is also amazing. I really like trying to put them back together. Then again I used to like doing puzzles.

Macybaby

That Avatar is made by Free - using the New Royal design, so a very different machine.

Singer was making the 28/128 long before Standard made the hexagon. However after Singer bought Osann, the rebranded what was left of the "hexagon" parts and sold them as the 128-8.





And it's very possible they incorporated some design features into future 128's, would have to find a picture of an older one to see how different they are.

Sort of like what Singer did when they bought out Wheeler Wilson and sold the W9 for a short period of time until all the parts were gone.

Gray fox

Yes... it was CD who posted the photo! My writing about the Free became so convoluted I shortened/edited it, and it came out all wrong.

It seems odd that Free would invent a new rename for their mechanism; they should have known it would confuse people long afterwards! The treadle I have is also remarkably smooth and runs freely.

Thank you, Cathy, for the info. on what became of the standard/osann/hexagon parts. Helen, indeed the needle bar housings tend to be unique. You are brave to disassemble them....and get them back together again. I've not had to do that, luckily.

Dianne in Colorado

SteveH

Oh, i'll play.....

This is the Stockwell Howe Family of machines. C,B,A2, A1
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