In the early days of the sewing machine, the power to drive the mechanisms came from either hand or foot instead of electric motors. The treadle sewing machine has been manufactured for over 150 years. Janome International continues to produce treadle sewing machines for third wold settings lacking electricity. Those groups of people like Pennsylvanias Amish who prefer not to use electric powered sewing machines continue to seek this design. Many hundreds of sewing machine models were also manufactured using hand crank mechanisms.
The treadle sewing machine has been manufactured for over 150 years. Janome International continues to produce treadle sewing machines for third world settings lacking electricity. Those groups of people like Pennsylvanias Amish who prefer not to use electric powered sewing machines continue to seek this design. Many hundreds of sewing machine models were also manufactured using hand crank mechanisms.
In the early 1900s, the sewing machine exchanged the physical power for electrical power. Small electric motors were mounted next to the sewing machine and a belt drive replace the treadle belt and hand crank.
Electrical power is distributed through the standard household electrical outlet to the sewing machine power cord. In the United States, this electric power comes in 120 AC, but in Europe it comes in 240 AC. The electrical system within the sewing machine must be designed to accommodate the appropriate power system. The sewing machine power cord must also fit the right system. Using a machine designed for use in the United States in Europe (or the reverse), will result in a messed up sewing machine.
Different power systems were easily managed with the use of power transformers. The power cord plugs in to the transformer and the transformer converts to the appropriate type of power source. Static charges, shorts, shocks, and electrical fire are still issues.
If you have ever gotten an electric shock, you know how it can hurt. We have become accustomed to electrical appliance, but it is crucial that we remember the power cord is a major source of problems. Most house fires are caused by electrical mishaps. If the power cord becomes damaged, it can cause terrible damage.
Therefore, it is important to periodically inspect your sewing machine power cord. Look for prongs that are bent out of shape. Look for cracks, cuts, worn spots, and wear on the outlet plug, power cord, and sewing machine socket.
You may find spots on the cord that are not real bad, but could become a problem. There might be slight cuts, nicks, or cracks. You can fix these by wrapping them with electrical tape. Be sure that you wrap a little above and below the abrasion.
When you see a major spot of damage on the power cord, it may be repaired or replaced. If there are several bad spots, it is best to replace the cord. If there is only one or two bad spots, you can usually repair it quite easily. First, once you find the bad spot, use wire cutters to cut out the bad spot. Cut above and below the spot. Then separate the two wires and their insulation by cutting between them an inch or so. Trim off the insulation for all four tips of the wire and connect the wires in sets of two. In other words, you need two paths for the electricity to flow. Do not allow the two paths to touch. Solder the tips, join them with wire nuts, or twist the tips together. Cover all exposed with an insulated or electrical tape.
Replacing a bad wire is necessary. If you have more than a few flaws, replace it. A new cord can save headaches and heartaches. Make sure you replace the cord with one of appropriate size. Power cords should be no less than 18 gage and preferably 16 gage if very long. If necessary you may be able to splice the sewing machine end or the plug of the cord onto the new power cord, but it is preferable to get a whole new cord with both new ends. Usually, those power cords that also connect to foot pedals, can be installed with the same foot pedal. Replace it too if needed.
If you power cord is faulty, replace it. Check with you local independent sewing machine dealer or a wholesale parts dealer like Tacony Corporation for availability. Older cords will probably need to be replaced with aftermarket new ones. The foot pedal can also be replaced, but if it is older, you may need to opt for a generic foot control.
Just do it! Repair bad spots on power cords, and replace bad power cords. There are too dangerous not to fix. - 16463
The treadle sewing machine has been manufactured for over 150 years. Janome International continues to produce treadle sewing machines for third world settings lacking electricity. Those groups of people like Pennsylvanias Amish who prefer not to use electric powered sewing machines continue to seek this design. Many hundreds of sewing machine models were also manufactured using hand crank mechanisms.
In the early 1900s, the sewing machine exchanged the physical power for electrical power. Small electric motors were mounted next to the sewing machine and a belt drive replace the treadle belt and hand crank.
Electrical power is distributed through the standard household electrical outlet to the sewing machine power cord. In the United States, this electric power comes in 120 AC, but in Europe it comes in 240 AC. The electrical system within the sewing machine must be designed to accommodate the appropriate power system. The sewing machine power cord must also fit the right system. Using a machine designed for use in the United States in Europe (or the reverse), will result in a messed up sewing machine.
Different power systems were easily managed with the use of power transformers. The power cord plugs in to the transformer and the transformer converts to the appropriate type of power source. Static charges, shorts, shocks, and electrical fire are still issues.
If you have ever gotten an electric shock, you know how it can hurt. We have become accustomed to electrical appliance, but it is crucial that we remember the power cord is a major source of problems. Most house fires are caused by electrical mishaps. If the power cord becomes damaged, it can cause terrible damage.
Therefore, it is important to periodically inspect your sewing machine power cord. Look for prongs that are bent out of shape. Look for cracks, cuts, worn spots, and wear on the outlet plug, power cord, and sewing machine socket.
You may find spots on the cord that are not real bad, but could become a problem. There might be slight cuts, nicks, or cracks. You can fix these by wrapping them with electrical tape. Be sure that you wrap a little above and below the abrasion.
When you see a major spot of damage on the power cord, it may be repaired or replaced. If there are several bad spots, it is best to replace the cord. If there is only one or two bad spots, you can usually repair it quite easily. First, once you find the bad spot, use wire cutters to cut out the bad spot. Cut above and below the spot. Then separate the two wires and their insulation by cutting between them an inch or so. Trim off the insulation for all four tips of the wire and connect the wires in sets of two. In other words, you need two paths for the electricity to flow. Do not allow the two paths to touch. Solder the tips, join them with wire nuts, or twist the tips together. Cover all exposed with an insulated or electrical tape.
Replacing a bad wire is necessary. If you have more than a few flaws, replace it. A new cord can save headaches and heartaches. Make sure you replace the cord with one of appropriate size. Power cords should be no less than 18 gage and preferably 16 gage if very long. If necessary you may be able to splice the sewing machine end or the plug of the cord onto the new power cord, but it is preferable to get a whole new cord with both new ends. Usually, those power cords that also connect to foot pedals, can be installed with the same foot pedal. Replace it too if needed.
If you power cord is faulty, replace it. Check with you local independent sewing machine dealer or a wholesale parts dealer like Tacony Corporation for availability. Older cords will probably need to be replaced with aftermarket new ones. The foot pedal can also be replaced, but if it is older, you may need to opt for a generic foot control.
Just do it! Repair bad spots on power cords, and replace bad power cords. There are too dangerous not to fix. - 16463
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