SUCCESS!!!! I am treading Mizz Zilla!
#11
Member
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 68
I acquired an old treadle years ago. The belt was broken, so I bought a new one and installed it. I tried it out, but quickly gave up. The belt slips, which I assume means that it is not tight enough. Any tips on this? Also, I thought it was hard to get a smooth treadle motion going. Suggestions?
#13
I acquired an old treadle years ago. The belt was broken, so I bought a new one and installed it. I tried it out, but quickly gave up. The belt slips, which I assume means that it is not tight enough. Any tips on this? Also, I thought it was hard to get a smooth treadle motion going. Suggestions?
Treadling takes practice....but really not a lot. One can get the hang of it pretty quickly. Place one foot on the platform ahead of the other...as if in a stepping motion. Use your hand on the balance wheel to ensure it turns in the right direction (most commonly towards you) as you begin to see saw your feet. Use your feet independently....one to push down the area closest to you and the other foot to push down away from you. I hope this makes sense. There are many on this forum who I am sure can explain it much better. Really only a few times is all it takes.
Last edited by Cogito; 04-12-2014 at 06:46 AM.
#15
Super Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Round Rock,Texas
Posts: 6,135
I acquired an old treadle years ago. The belt was broken, so I bought a new one and installed it. I tried it out, but quickly gave up. The belt slips, which I assume means that it is not tight enough. Any tips on this? Also, I thought it was hard to get a smooth treadle motion going. Suggestions?
You need to shorten the belt, just a 1/4" at a time. I use a pair of needle nose pliers to cut the belt, squeeze the belt with the pliers to make it flatter so it won't roll when you try to put the hole in it. I use a small nail to put a new hole in the belt, use a small block of wood to pound the nail into the belt; so you don't damage your cabinet. I use two clothespins to hold the belt so it doesn't slip into under the cabinet, reinstall the belt staple.
Sharon
#16
Member
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 68
Lindadee,
You need to shorten the belt, just a 1/4" at a time. I use a pair of needle nose pliers to cut the belt, squeeze the belt with the pliers to make it flatter so it won't roll when you try to put the hole in it. I use a small nail to put a new hole in the belt, use a small block of wood to pound the nail into the belt; so you don't damage your cabinet. I use two clothespins to hold the belt so it doesn't slip into under the cabinet, reinstall the belt staple.
Sharon
You need to shorten the belt, just a 1/4" at a time. I use a pair of needle nose pliers to cut the belt, squeeze the belt with the pliers to make it flatter so it won't roll when you try to put the hole in it. I use a small nail to put a new hole in the belt, use a small block of wood to pound the nail into the belt; so you don't damage your cabinet. I use two clothespins to hold the belt so it doesn't slip into under the cabinet, reinstall the belt staple.
Sharon
Linda
#17
Lindadee, this thread is a great lesson in not giving up. First....good for you, getting the belt on is sometimes the most challenging part for a beginner! If your belt is slipping, maybe your machine needs a bit of oil. Can you hand turn it with ease! If not, then be sure and oil every oiling spot and "hand run" it till you get a smooth motion, then put the belt back in place and try again.
Treadling takes practice....but really not a lot. One can get the hang of it pretty quickly. Place one foot on the platform ahead of the other...as if in a stepping motion. Use your hand on the balance wheel to ensure it turns in the right direction (most commonly towards you) as you begin to see saw your feet. Use your feet independently....one to push down the area closest to you and the other foot to push down away from you. I hope this makes sense. There are many on this forum who I am sure can explain it much better. Really only a few times is all it takes.
Treadling takes practice....but really not a lot. One can get the hang of it pretty quickly. Place one foot on the platform ahead of the other...as if in a stepping motion. Use your hand on the balance wheel to ensure it turns in the right direction (most commonly towards you) as you begin to see saw your feet. Use your feet independently....one to push down the area closest to you and the other foot to push down away from you. I hope this makes sense. There are many on this forum who I am sure can explain it much better. Really only a few times is all it takes.
Treadling is fun once you get the hang of it, and you burn calories too .
Jp
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
san-sing
For Vintage & Antique Machine Enthusiasts
3
04-22-2017 02:23 PM