Franklin Treadle
 

I purchased this originally for the cabinet and was surprised to see a treadle machine inside. It has an instruction book, attachments, 2 bobbins, etc. Looking online I have discovered that of course it was sold by Sears Roebuck, but also that it was made by the Domestic Sewing Machine Co and is a copy of a Singer #27. This would date it somewhere between 1911 and 1923. The serial number is 247418 which told me nothing.

HELP - the machine won't stay up!!! I must be missing something :eek:.

It looks like the lift cable is broken or not connected to the top of the cabinet lid.

Welcome! I love the flying pig.
Looks like Glenn has you covered. Gorgeous cabinet and the Scarab is one of my favorite decal patterns-actually I think it is my favorite of all the ones out there, at least until you start getting into the MOP machines. Free's Peacock pattern is right in there too. The original manual is a really happy bonus as well.
It would be a shame to break that set up and I hope you decide to keep it as a sewing machine, it's well worth the effort to repair it and put it back to work.
Take a look at the stickies on cleaning these old machines, it's worth the time to watch the videos too.
If you've never sewn on a treadle before, it's surprisingly easy and it's fun!
Rodney

Thanks for replying. I do want to make it work. I would really like to try sewing on a treadle. What is the "lift cable" and how does it work?

the 2nd pic shows what looks like the end of the cable.

the 3rd show the roller and hole where it comes up.

to the left it show a groove cut in the top, this counties to the lid. at the end of the groove, should be a screw/ pin the cable hooks to.

what happens is the lid pulls the machine up as you open the cabinet .

I would use a good nylon or ?? a string you trust. install that in place of the cable .

Do this with no machine in the cabinet. open and close. adjust the string ( or buy small cable) length until it works just perfect.

then measure the string for length. start calling place that may like hobbies stores, clubs that deal with hang gliding , home built aircraft, maybe a bicycle shop ( great place for cable stuff ) that caters to custom bikes. even an electrical supplier / repair guy.

your looking for someone that has some type of hi pressure crimper

Beautiful machine and cabinet. I hope you get it working and that you really enjoy using it. (I haven't treadled once in my entire life. At least, not knowingly.)

I have one of those too. The lift mechanism uses a chain, not a cable. Here's a pic of mine and if you look close you can see that it's a chain.
http://www.quiltingboard.com/attachm...d=496938&stc=1
Considering the weight of the machine, close to 30 pounds and then add the section it sits in and you're lifting over 40 pounds. I doubt that a nylon or cord would hold or even work. You might could fabricate an actual braided cable for it, but I wouldn't use anything less.

Joe

Joe and everyone else. Thanks for the tips. Joe - I can't see how the chain is attached to the lid. I assume that is your cat's tail where it attaches?? Tried to put in a similey face but page not cooperating. I can't wait to fix this.

That’s a cat’s tail???.....Oh whew!!....I thought it was a really big caterpillar. :eek:

CD in Oklahoma

This looks most like my New Queen (White VS). If you notice, your machine tips back and Joe's machine tips forward. (ok - I'm assuming that because his fold is in the front and yours is in the back like mine)

I have other forward tipping machines that also use a chain, but my New Queen uses a cable. I'll take pictures for you. BTW - I think I have another White cabinet in the shed with the same hardware, if you are missing something other than the cable.

It does look like yours simply came loose from the wood top cover. You'll have to look to see if the pin is there, or if that is what fell out. There is a small hole drilled in the edge of the back side and that is where the pin goes.

This shows the location of where it attaches to the top cover, and how it feed through the pulley.

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c3...ps31d094e7.jpg

And how mine attaches to the tray - yours is not identical, but the mechanics are the same.

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c3...ps47248161.jpg

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c3...ps623d1bd3.jpg

I normally have to "help" mine as that back flap doesn't like to fold back quite like it should, not a big deal and may just need cleaning.

This is the back edge - see the little screw head that is in between the railing? that is the back end of the pin that holds the cable. I have not taken one out, so don't know what it's like.

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c3...ps5ef0351c.jpg

Cathy - Thanks so much. I can see now that Joe's tips forward. Yes, this machine tips back. It has a cable of some sort that is attached to the black tray and runs through a spool thing on the back of the top and yes, there are curves for it along the back and lid but I can't see how it would attach to the lid. I think on the far end of the lid in the cut out there looks like it might have had something. There are holes perpendicular in the curve but nothing there. Would love to see a picture particularly where the cable ends in the lid.

hehe - I think you posted while I was editing my post LOL!!

if you want more pictures, let me know. This one is sitting in my bedroom so it's easy to get to.

Cathy - you were evidently posting when I was replying. Thanks for the pictures!!! Yes, there is no pin.

one of the drawbacks to the back tipping machines, they need to be firmly attached on the front edge, or they fall backwards on their hinges when tipped. A forward tipping machine won't do this. However you normally only do that once . . .

Boy - The light has dawned. I can see the hole on the side of the lid. I had seen the one inside the cut out but couldn't figure out how you would get a pin in there. Well, duh, now I understand! Thank you so very much. I assume I should be able to use something to make a pin? Now I have to worry about firmly attaching the machine in the front? Oh, great. Still need to clean it up before installing it back in the cabinet. Someone used clothes line for the belt. Do you know if this works?

If you see that round button (or knob) on the front of your machine by the pillar - look underneath that that should be the latching/attaching point to secure the front end. Some have hooks with springs to hold them closed (so make sure the spring is strong) and some have a knob that screws into a bolt, so just a larger wood screw that goes into the wood of the cabinet . . .

And check your cabinet to make sure what ever type of catch you have - the cabinet isn't broken at that point either.

egads,

Yes that's a cat tail. Not sure which cat though.

My machine is buried but I'll dig it out and take some pics of the chain's attachment points.

Joe

Joe, thanks but I have now figured out what the problem is. Thank you, but don't trouble getting more pictures. I just need to figure out what I can use for a pin. Also would like to know if anyone has used a clothesline for the pulley? You guys are great and a huge help!!

this listing has a pin - to show you what they look like.

I went to the shed, and though I have four tops that take pins, none of them have a pin there.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Eldridge-Ant...item3a9a3130cd

Thanks again everyone. I GOT IT! It stays up. I saw the silver screw on the front and will make sure it is tight. What a hassle. I just hope that I can now get the pulley right and see if she sews. Everything seems to work easily. I did oil it per the instructions. Wasn't sure how to do the outside an keep the medallions. If I get it working will send pictures.

Cathy just saw your post. I just put a screw in for now. Will look at the web site. Yes, I can believe that none of them have pins. I bet it is one of the first things to fall out.