I've got one I just purchased a few weeks ago in a state of 1 large lump of metal and a dozen marked baggies full of parts with WD40 in them to soak.

I am getting a kick out of the restoration part (so far - let's see how happy I am when I put said pieces back into said lump of metal!), but I'm doing it because I WANT to sew on it!!

So jump in, restore and use it. If you really hate the treadle part see if you can motorize it.

Thank you for all of the good advice! I'll post a photo when it arrives. Sounds like it might be fun to fix up and eventually teach the kids how to use. Maybe it would be safer than electric for a beginner.

Could well be safer. My wife once managed - I don't know how and she doesn't remember - to stitch through her thumb on her machine. Stopping to think about it, I don't know that I've sat down to it since - that really freaked me out. The treadle just seems much friendlier that way.

With one exception, I won't have a machine that I can't use. The one exception is a treadle that I CAN use and choose not to because I'm afraid of ruining the decals, and since it's from 1876-1880, I figure she's earned a rest! ;)

Clean it up and use it! The spousal unit and I are spending today working on a Davis treadle that we brought home yesterday...it's going to be so pretty when it's done, AND functional! :) The folks in the Vintage Machine Shop tell me there's not a better machine for binding...can't wait to be able to test that theory! :)
Looking forward to seeing photos!!

Use it you'll love it!

I would definitely try it!

Pat

Use it!!!! I use all of my vintage ladies and gents. I rotate through my treadles, but I have my favorites that get used almost daily. Two of my 100 year old gals have been used to make baby quilts from start to finish.

Excellent idea to teach the kids that you can recycle and use vintage items. I would love to see the projects that they make with your machine. Just post pictures in quilts made using vintage machines thread here on QB.

Someone on the Vintage Sewing Machine Shop thread can help you if you need assistance.

Have fun treadling!

I suggest you clean it up and use it. Check out Treadleon.com or other sites about cleaning and restoring old treadles without destroying the lovely gold decals. Warning- treadle rescue is addictive! I'm about to pick up a lovely White treadle in a 7 drawer cabinet this evening. The photo looks nice, so I hope it is as lovely in person. It will be nice to have one to use, since all my others need serious cleaning that I haven't gotten to. Treadles aren't fast, but they are relaxing once you get the rhythm down. Have fun!

Last month I finally got my first treadle up and running and have been using it almost daily. I would definatly get it out and use it. But be careful, as it is very addictive.

There is lots of help here and on Treadleon.com. So don't be afraid you can't break them.

When I got mine together, I was thrilled!! My grandaughter fell in love with it immediately, and she (at 11 years old) was able to get 6 stitches out of it with her short little legs!! It is just so soothing to sit there and feel the rhythm of the machine turning away as I pump my feet.