Originally Posted by Aurora

Billy,

A year or so ago I purchased a beautiful Red Eye (1914) to convert to a handcrank. I also have a Red Eye ( 1910) that belonged to my husband's grandmother (shows a great deal of wear and dirt buildup) as it was stored in my MIL's basement for years. The cabinet is is pretty good condition, but the bobbin plate is missing.

Anyway, the Red Eye for the conversion is almost perfect except that there was not place to attach the handcrank. I pulled the Red Eye from the treadle cabinet (it has the screw location for the motor mount). I have attached the handcrank conversion and will now proceed with a thorough cleaning.

I have placed the almost perfect Red Eye into the treadle cabinet and installed a new belt (the old one was broken and in one of the drawers). I have apparently installed the belt incorrectly because I am unable to raise the head far enough backwards to raise the front wood panel to lower the head into the cabinet. I will get a new belt because I probably cut too much off the belt I installed. But the belt kept jumping off the big wheel -- any tips on how to overcome this issue.

Also a bobbin is stuck on the bobbin winder, but I am thinking a good Kerosene soak will loosen it for removal. I have your instructions printed out for referral when I get back to the cleaning part. I just am not sure about the belt problem. Any guidance will be appreciated.