I am a collector but not a hoarder if organization is the key. Plus, most hoarders cannot let go of their stuff whereas I am perfectly willing to rehome most of the collection to others who appreciate a good solid sewing machine that doesn't have any or very few bells and whistles.
OK, finished justifying my collecting for the moment.

Hi Miriam, I have no idea about the crank idea but I just want to let you know that I am impressed at what you can do with a sewing machine. The amount of rust on that machine would have made me pass it by. It is nice to see it being cleaned up so it can be used again. And, thanks for all of the pictures :) I like pictures!

Miriam, The idea is a good one I think. I would consider a disk instead of an arm. An easy and temporary solution would be a Brody Knob on a spoked handwheel if you could find one that would fit. A Brody Knob is a steering wheel knob that is basically a handle or knob that attaches to a steering wheel. You could also do a more permanent one by drilling, tapping and inserting something on the handwheel. While you are doing this keep your case or cabinet opening clearance in mind.
~G~

I don't know where to post this so I am going to post it here. This is quite a find. I don't know about the price, but it is quite impressive. Anyone here live in Ohio?
~G~
http://limaohio.craigslist.org/atq/3881398247.html

I have a question about belts. This has probably been answered before but can't find an answer. My Pfaff has a black round rubber belt that is in need of replacing. I have the orangey-brown kind. Could I replace the black with the orange one, or do I have to stay with the black? Thanks for any help. Bobbie

Bobbie, you can replace it with anything that fits!! :)

Want date treadle machine was manufactured
 

Very first time on this site. I am trying to find out when a treadle machine was manufactured. Can you help?

Who is the manufacturer? If it is a Singer you can go here. http://www.ismacs.net/singer_sewing_...-database.html
This will tell you when it was ordered into production but not the actual date it was made.
~Grant~

We can try! :) Do you have a manufacturer's name or machine name? Serial number? Pictures?

I recently bought an untested 99K from Goodwill which, as it turns out, was in better than average condition. I cleaned and oiled her, replaced the missing bobbin and inserted a new needle. She stitches beautifully. The problem is, she works hard to get started. It's not a problem with the motor as I tested it without a load. Any suggestions?

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