cabbagepatchkid

I would buy it and then I would buy Dave McCullam's book and DVD (I already have both and I highly recommend this for anyone who wants to fix their own FW). Here is the link:

http://www.featherweight221.com/fwrx/index.html

His book is written so the average Joe can understand but it's so very detailed in it's contents. I also have the DVD and it's also great to be able to watch him as he is explaining what he is doing.

JaneK

Hello all,

I am still in the process of creating my Frankenmachine. Two questions. First if my 15-88 is a treadle machine can I convert it to a handcrank? If so, where do I get the handcrank and is there a tutorial or website I can go to to find out how to do this? I don't have room for multiple treadles Second - my 201-2 has a problem with the tension...I've got it all assembled correctly according to the manual, but the whole assembly falls out of the machine when I try to sew. Is there a part that holds the tension assembly into the machine arm that I'm missing or is it just totally gone off?
Thanks,
Jane

vintagemotif

If you post a picture that may help us understand what is falling out or off the machine.
Yes a handcrank can be added as long as it has a spoked wheel and mount (for a motor), that is what Nancy stated she has done. Some folks have modified the solid wheels, but that looks like too much work for my liking.
Billy should have a HC and he should be able to tell you how to add it.

JaneK

JaneK

Hello, Here are photos of the 15-88 treadle machine head that i want to convert to a handcrank. It seems to have a spoked hand wheel , and is the spot on the back, the hole, a spot to attach the crank?
Jane

QuiltnCowgirl

[quote=vintagemotif][quote=QuiltnCowgirl][quote=kwendt]Thank you! I knew that I had some of it learned, but more to go...

josiegirl

I purchased this from a thrift store yesterday. Found it under a table waaaay in the back. They said it was "as is" and wanted $50. I said the handle on the case was broken and would be hard to carry would they take $30. It came home with me. Plugged it in and when I figured out how to use the foot pedal, it WORKED! Don't know how to thread it and don't know what the attachment is for so maybe you can help.

JaneK

The other pressing issue at my house is the tension assembly for my 201-2. The whole thing falls completely out of the machine when attempting to sew, it's not anchored at all. Am I missing a piece to hold it on the machine arm? It isn't right either,it sticks when re-assembling and thread is totally stuck in it when attempting to thread the tensioner is too tight and erratic when trying to select a tension. Do I need a new one? See photos
Thanks Jane

chris_quilts

I just won a FW off Ebay. Forgooten I had bid on it and firgured I was outbid anyway. Waiting on DH to wake up so I can use the debit card. WOOHOO!!!! Yesterday, saw one in a store for $320 and will pay approx $135 for this. Dilemma: Do I tell DH about the Necchi that I want to buy also? HE WILL flip his lid and think I've lost it completely. What to do? Waht to do??? Happy about the bid.
Edit: I have lost it when it comes to vintage machines. Have my mom on the lookout for a FW also.

redpurselady

I would if it is in good cosmetic condition (not a rust bucket). If the motor runs, but the foot doesn't move, the bobbin winder knob on the wheel might be set to wind the bobbin. If the motor is shot, you can probably find an original replacement or even a new motor (which I have done). I replaced it myself on one of my FWs and it now runs so fast, sometimes the thread spool will come flying off. I don't think there is much else that can "break" on a FW.