Thanks the point, you don't stitch fast with a handcrank. Patience, enjoying the process rather than reaching the goal...

:o

I am so excited. We drove over to NC yesterday to pick up a 201-1. Found out the owner's Grandmother from Turkey, but married a man from the USA who was in the CIA. This machine was made in Great Britain. They moved around a lot, in Europe, which would be the reason the cabinet looks the way it does. Top seam cracked and skirt protector broken off. It is a small, newer, enclosed treadle cabinet. Since it is not on the ISMACS list, I imagine it also is a European cabinet model. Even had a mat, but it is as hard as a rock and bent over the far end. Anyone have ideas on salvaging the mat? Sun ?
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This was one on my Wish list.

I like the cabinet. Not much you can do with the hard rubber mat. Some say lay it in the sun and it may soften up. PB states on the can it will soften a toilet flapper to make it seal better. You can try this but I really don't know.

These treadles turn up here now and then, a few various cabinets, simpler one and two drawer tables. My 201 was probably a treadle ones too, but it was converted to motor and electrics pretty early in it's life I'm not sure. I am on the look for the elusive 201K2, I hope it will turn up locally :- )

You can also spray with silicone spray place in a black trash bag and leave for a week. Treat again if needed. Take out and wipe dry. You must saturate the thing good before placing in the bag. Now Maria this is what I read on the net so really have not tried it. Good Luck.

That's a beauty! I want a treadle

Hmmm interesting. Will let you know if anything works.

You forgot the 201K-4 which is a hand crank. I have one that I prefer to use as a treadle.
Sharon in Texas

Congratulations. Neat machine.

I read something recently about restoring? rubber at http://www.victoriansweatshop.com/po...708?trail=1800 but no confirmations or results. Off I went to research and found a few links about rubber parts on cars, bikes etc., with some rather impressive results. About two thirds down some pictures by drrice using Thor #12 which is 98% wintergreen oil http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,29707.50.html . Also on this page - http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,62328.150.html it claims that still good several years later by AshimotoK0 This is a thread that is 7 pages long. Seems like a mat would be helped by this treatment using Thor's #12 tire treatment (main page = http://www.thoroil.com/main.html ). I'm not sure where you could purchase it locally, but seems a less expensive option compared to wintergreen essential oil.

Janey - Neat people never make the exciting discoveries I do.forgot

Janey & John,
Thanks for doing some research for me. We just brought the cabinet into the basement yesterday, but ran errands all day and volunteered at the Heritage Center last evening. Left it in the car overnight due to rain. I get wintergreen for about 8 bucks for a tiny bottle,, ordered from the pharmacy. Caution: don't put wintergreen into a dispenser plastic bottle, even those with a metal point/dropper. I learned the hard way. it basically destroyed it!.

Will review all of your research & Update on results.