Rebuilding/repurposing an industrial treadle base and top
 

NO, I AM NOT making it into a table......

I have a Singer 13 "Medium". It is just like a Singer 12 but about 25% bigger.
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I was lucky enough to be able to by the bonnet lid that went with this machine.
(it is way wider than the standard Singer top)
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What I was missing is the "tailor" style treadle unit. Cathy (Mizkaki) to the rescue!!!
Cathy had a tailors treadle base and top that was in need of a new home and restoration,
This is a picture of one similar to what this unit looked like originally
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The Tailors top is the one that has a left side lifting extension AND a back extension that lifts and slides to the left to make a large work surface.
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The only 2 negatives is that this table was made in 1889 (10 years after the 12) and it was originally made for a Singer 31 (with a knee lift no less).

The 10 year difference is no big deal (yet) but Meant that time base and top MAY get replaced someday with a more correct unit. Because of that I am trying to make sure that it can be "restored" to a 31 treadle is need be.

The main differences are:

1. Hole for 31 is HUGE, Hole for 13 is smaller (actually helps)
2. The belt holes for the 31 are way further apart than on the 13
3. The machine hinges are completely different (13 uses flat rectangular hinge screwed to the machine, the 31 uses the round two holes to the top with a peg to the machine)

The veneer of the treadle top was damaged and lifting badly so I am removing it.

I have purchased a supply of oak veneer, but may have to buy something different to be able to match the coffin lid. I am working with a local woodworking supply place to get the best option on that.

The process of removing the veneer was interesting to say the least.

First I lifted off all I could without affecting the material underneath.
Second I needed to use a utility knife blade to get under the stubborn bits.

Once removed a quick sanding of the edges and these are ready for the new skin (when it arrives)

The construction of the core of these tables is cool. They used soft cheap wood in the middle with hardwood edging that when combined with the veneer makes it look solid hardwood
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boy, Steve, you are going to have a great machine w/table when you are finished. Don't have too many woodworkers around here, so no way to do that with a machine that I have. The one I got from you is going to go into a base someone made that fits the irons. no foot feet or the wheel attach. just a table. then I plan on putting it out on display in my new room when it gets done. Amy

My great grandfather's 31 is in that table. I don't think I ever knew the back flipped up too. Hummmmm

It always amazes me when I see the great inventiveness of the early sewing machine makers. That fold down top is fantastic. I sure could use something like that when I'm quilting a big quilt. Very cool.

Very cool ... keep us posted.

So interesting. Never have seen anything like that table. Love it and love your beautiful Singer.

so, regarding main difference #1.

The hole that the Singer 31 went into has an unusual shape. The material is 3/4 of an inch thick total. The upper half is rectangular with rounded corners. The lower half is rectangular with 45 deg angled corners and is 1/8" narrower than the top half. like so..

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I want to do as little "damage" as possible to the treadle and I have delusions about being able to return it back to a 31 if the need be. I could just finish it and then make a 13 "insert" but i want it to look as close to original for the shows, so "semi-permanent" insert it is.

first I patterned the top and bottom shapes (top is on top in pic)
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Then I pulled out my Singer 13 base pattern (shown here in the approximate final location)
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I am making the "plug" out of pine. no reason to use hardwood here.
I did find a board with the heartwood in it.
Here you see the plug with the Singer 13 hole marked (actually it is cut in this pic)


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Here is the plug with the Singer 13 hole.
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Here is the plug with it's first test fit.
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now I need to carve the top and bottom profiles into it.
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Here you see the top and bottom profiles traced to the wood. You can also just make out the center-line that will divide the two profiles

Top
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Bottom
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I will work on carving that tonight.

here are a couple of "layout" shots showing the top in extended mode

Topside
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bottom side (veneer still to be removed)
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closeup of the veneer/underlayment
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Those are 2 beautiful machines especially the Singer "13". Love that machine.

Wow, amazing work Steve

Hey Steve, not sure if I am doing something wrong, but your attachments will not open up for me. I get an invalid attachment error message. and I am like a little kid. "I wanna see. I wanna see".

You do such beautiful work. I know you just gave your wife of many years a ring, but do you think she will mind if a 63 yo chubby little 'ol lady moves in next door to you! I could soak up your knowledge! Of course I would have to quit my job, move from Wisconsin, say good bye to all my family and friends, pack up all my sewing machines ... hmmmm maybe I will just keep admiring your work from afar... =)


Again you do beautiful work
Karen

(Sorry, there was an issue on my PC... resolved now)

Here are a couple of "layout" shots showing the top in extended mode


Topside
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bottom side (veneer still to be removed)
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closeup of the veneer/underlayment
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Hard to believe but the insert worked! I spend the better part of Saturday evening doing the chiseling but it slipped in pretty easy.

Top view:
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Bottom:
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and to show one of the main advantages of the Industrial version... check out this drive wheel's diameter. (16 1/2")
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I am always amazed at your "skill set" Steve.

That's some really nice work Steve.
Rodney

Nice work Steve.
Skip

Steve,
Could you post a picture of the support for the left leaf?
Mine is missing, and I would like to fabricate something.
Also any pictures of the completed project?

The back half of my shop should be getting cleared out as I type (by those who messed it up!)

If it is I will take a picture of the supports.

It is not done yet because I am still practicing with the veneering process

Seconded. My MOP 12 is also missing its left leaf!

Fantastic looking machine that 13. How hard are the needles to find?

They grow on trees, NOT 13x1.... sigh...

Sorry, the Industrial treadle is packed away still...

My actual 13 treadle has no extensions

Here is the 1879 Singer 12 with a side extension (pretty primitive but definitely original)
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by comparison here is my 1892 VS2 Cabinet
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Steve, thanks for the pictures. An ISMACS drawing of the industrial table looks like there
is a curved metal support that goes under the drawer and hooks on the cast iron end frame
to hold up the leaf.
I found a bracket like your VS2 cabinet picture, but my drawer does not have any side frame to mount to.
I think I can make up something, your pics give me some ideas.
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What a gorgeous machine!!!

Nice work! Great job in trying to preserve the cabinet, using it now, while it is still useable for the original machine! Cool!

Jeanette