The sewing machine was invented in the middle of the industrial revolution, but before the widespread application of electric motors. To turn the sewing mechanism required the use of ones own people power. This was achieved either by rocking a level with your feet or turning a handle with your hand.
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.
Electric motors revolutionize the sewing machine. It enabled the sewer to sew with far less effort, but also to sew faster and with greater control. The modern sewing machine has advanced to a point where electricity and electronics are enhances with full fledged computer operations. The days of the treadle and hand crank are left to the age of nostalgia.
Electricity costs less today, you know, than it did so long ago. At least that is what the little bird said in the old ads for Edison Power And Electric. When it came to the sewing machine, it actually cost a bit more money than those old treadles, but it sure did save on human efforts. Sewing machines added electric motors that drew their power through a cord plugged into the wall. So easy! The United States used a 120 Volt AC system, while the Europeans used a 240 Volt AC system. The important thing is that the cord and motor match the power source. Otherwise, watch out for sparks, shocks, and smoke.
Accommodating the different power systems is fairly simple. You may purchase a power transformer to alter the power system to match the power required for your sewing machine. Plug the transformer into the power outlet and connect it to the sewing machine. If everything is in order, you are ready to sew.
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.
So, check out that power cord every time you plug it in. Check it for wear and tear. Check it for insulation cracks, cuts, pinched spots, and anywhere the wires might be exposed or vulnerable to short. Check the plug too. Avoid too many items plugged into a circuit. Prevent problems.
If you see ware that does not threaten the integrity of the sewing machine power cord, you may use standard electrical tape to cover the flaw and insure the continued reliability of the cord.
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.
The key is: do not use faulty sewing machine cords or foot controls.
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.
Electric motors revolutionize the sewing machine. It enabled the sewer to sew with far less effort, but also to sew faster and with greater control. The modern sewing machine has advanced to a point where electricity and electronics are enhances with full fledged computer operations. The days of the treadle and hand crank are left to the age of nostalgia.
Electricity costs less today, you know, than it did so long ago. At least that is what the little bird said in the old ads for Edison Power And Electric. When it came to the sewing machine, it actually cost a bit more money than those old treadles, but it sure did save on human efforts. Sewing machines added electric motors that drew their power through a cord plugged into the wall. So easy! The United States used a 120 Volt AC system, while the Europeans used a 240 Volt AC system. The important thing is that the cord and motor match the power source. Otherwise, watch out for sparks, shocks, and smoke.
Accommodating the different power systems is fairly simple. You may purchase a power transformer to alter the power system to match the power required for your sewing machine. Plug the transformer into the power outlet and connect it to the sewing machine. If everything is in order, you are ready to sew.
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.
So, check out that power cord every time you plug it in. Check it for wear and tear. Check it for insulation cracks, cuts, pinched spots, and anywhere the wires might be exposed or vulnerable to short. Check the plug too. Avoid too many items plugged into a circuit. Prevent problems.
If you see ware that does not threaten the integrity of the sewing machine power cord, you may use standard electrical tape to cover the flaw and insure the continued reliability of the cord.
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.
The key is: do not use faulty sewing machine cords or foot controls.
About the Author:
Uncover the Secrets of Sewing Machine Repair and the complete Sewing Machine Repair Courses by Dr.David Trumble. Download your free beginner's course.
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