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Originally Posted by juliasb
(Post 8537742)
More modern looking treadles that also have less weight are still made.
Janome 712T treadle machine It's about $350 online, less than the cost of a battery for solar. |
the downside to the Janome is that is does not come with a table. It does not say if it is compatible with a Singer treadle table, but I'd expect that it probably is.
I have several mechanical machines that are treadle convertible, including my current main piecing industrial machine. |
Inventions happen when you step away from the crowd. I'm sure it's possible. Is there a market for this?
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I donated a number of my old hand crank capable machines to a charity that refurbishes them and sends them to remote locations for people to generate income from sewing. Hand cranks work everywhere, are very easy to set up, and need no infrastructure. I believe solar panels and their associated batteries would be a real issue in remote communities without electrical infrastructure.
I definitely have used a sewing machine on only batteries powered by solar panels when we boondock in our RV. Any sewing machine just sips power, so they have a very low draw. However my RV is set up with big, expensive batteries and expensive panels, charge converters, and monitors. Not the same as a remote location. |
Originally Posted by petthefabric
(Post 8537822)
Inventions happen when you step away from the crowd. I'm sure it's possible. Is there a market for this?
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I'm a little confused. Do you mean solar panels that go on your roof and sends energy to your electrical box? or a sewing machine that has solar panels on the machine itself?
I have solar panels on my roof and have not had an electric bill in years. You do still have to pay the electric company for the use of their wires...about $12 a month. |
Originally Posted by pennyhal2
(Post 8538311)
I have solar panels on my roof and have not had an electric bill in years. You do still have to pay the electric company for the use of their wires...about $12 a month. OP refers to missionary work, so likely there is no utility or existing wire at the location(s) in question. |
Solar powered anything is only as reliable as when the sun is shining. And then there's the issue of the electricity produced being able to sustain appliances and machines, Not to mention the high cost And life of the batteries. Treadle machines would be best.
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