Originally Posted by purplefiend
Originally Posted by miriam
A while ago I posted about Singer 401G and 411G. I have not modified the machines to accept a leather belt. I'm wondering if you know anything about putting them on a treadle. The sewing machine shop guy wants to modify the balance wheel - he says it needs a heavy old one - they don't just fit on.
http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-43881-1202.htm#3520792
and
http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-130994-6.htm
I have a Bernina that may be a good candidate for a treadle. It is a 530 with a broken cord acceptor part.
What did you do to adapt?
The Singer 401G and 411G, both need to have the correct hand wheel in order to treadle successfully. The electric machine doesn't have the belt groove in the hand wheel. If I recall correctly they also don't have a motor.
Bob Arbuckle, our repair guy in Noblesville, Indiana, says to change out the hand wheel. The hand wheel on my 401G and the treadle hand wheels I've seen do not interchange. The hand wheel on the German 401 and 411g is a big larger than the American. There is room to do the groove thing. I got a belt to go through the channels but it shreds as it turns. The belt slips and slides pretty bad too. I am wondering about the hand wheel being HEAVY enough to treadle easily. Some people call them a balance wheel. I'm thinking it is because they were heavy and did something to make the machine move better. I've seen some filed out on a lathe and a hole in the machine enlarged - I'm holding out for more information. It would work with the motor still in but I'm thinking it would be more drag - frankly I don't really care if the motor is missing. If I want electric I have that on a different machine.