Regarding using something else for belts. I'm like faaaarrrrrrr away from anyone that sells belts. I ordered two leather ones and could not for the life of me get one stapled together. In trying to make a hole - the belt kept slipping and hole went in crooked and resulted in the belt splitting. Soooo I read here on the board that someone used the leg of a panty hose and I tried it. Works like a charm and cost was zero. And was much easier to put on - just stretch it as far as it would go and tie a knot.
Also I have a question. Can someone tell me the model number of a Singer electric machine - serial #AH300426. I think it was manufactured in 1947. It belongs to a friend and she needs a power cord that goes from machine to plug in. I've never seen the machine - just going by her description.