ladydi64

I've been looking, but have not found anything yet. I think I spelled treadle machine wrong sorry about that, I should have looked it up. My mother had one about 60 years ago it was a singer and she had it electrofied. That is what I learned to sew on, don't know what happened to the machine after that. After seeing what you all have made using one of those old machines makes me want to have one too. Give me some suggestions on where to look.

JJs

I found my first treadle machine (a redeye 66) by looking in the classified ads in the newspaper - found under antiques, but you can also find some under sewing machines. I paid too much for it - I know that now - didn't then. OTOH the cabinet had been refurbished and the machine had already been cleaned etc.
I found the other one on Craig's list.
You can go to craiglook.com and type "sewing" in the what you are looking for box and then your zip code in the area. If that doesn't bring up anything, there's a slider where you can expand your search. I usually make it 100 miles since we are in the boonies and woods.
Sometimes you can find a machine at Goodwill, Salvation Army, Catholic Services, etc. You do have to check them out 'cause sometimes kids mess with them.
If a machine is hard to move it's probably just 'gunked up' with years of oil and grease. Even a little bit of rust can be cleaned off - the Spartan I got the other day had considerable rust on the underside - which I didn't know until I got it home, but I sprayed it good with PB Blaster, waited awhile and then used a wire brush on it (do NOT use a wire brush on the black paint area).
Sometimes the tension knob is gone, or the wire spring is ruined - these can be replaced but it's an added expense.
Belts almost ALWAYS need replaced (generally) as do the smaller bobbin wheel rubbers - they can be cracked and crumbly - but that's no big deal either.
You can also look in "junque" shops, resale shops, antique stores, etc.
Or even an old time sewing machine shop - there are still a few of those around where they have a back room full of stuff.

LaurieE

You may want to look for someone who repairs vintage machines. Many times they refurbish old machines and resell them. I've seen plenty of old machines in antique stores/malls but they're usually missing important pieces and not worth the money that's being asked for them. Plus, you would have someone who could service the machine for you when it needed it.

SherriB

My DD found my first treadle in a thrift store. It is in good shape cosmetically but does have some issues. It needs the head cleaned. The needle doesn't move but the treadle and wheel work great.

I posted a want add on Craigs List and found my second one. It is in very good working order and has six drawers instead of 4. I only paid $75 for it.

I have one more treadle but it will be going to a new home soon. It is a 1873 America #1 treadle. I only paid $50 for it. I found it at a yard sale.

You might want to check with antique stores. Our local stores had an auction and sold several treadle for $25 each! My heart sunk when I found out.

Marjpf

In southern California they have figured out that these are gold. At the antique stores the few times I've seen one, they were asking $750.00 or more for one's not even in running condition. Check yard sales and estate sales.

Jeanniejo

I bought a singer like the one I learned on from a woman that was cleaning out her mothers house and said it was in the way. I paid $50.00 for it and it only needed a belt ! It sews beautifully and reminds me of my mother every time I use it. Singer has a web site that you can put your serial # in and it will tell you when and where it was made. You can also download the instruction manual for free. Mine was made in Germany and is now 106 years old !!! I have also bought 2 other ones at yard sales for $25.00 each. There is also a dealer in California that has parts for all Singers. He's very reasonably priced and ships next day. Keep looking, yard sales are well known for having sewing machines.

CAROLJ

I got mine at a thrift shop for 50.00 a couple months ago, the cabinet was in excellent shape but I needed a belt for the machine. Craigslist has them here all the time for 50 to 100.00

Oklahoma Suzie

I had mine given to me, but had to leave it when I moved here.

CAROLJ

:-(

ProLongarmARTQUILTER

First if you have the Singer You can UN Electricfy it turn it back to the Treadle. I bought a reproduction ,found 1 in an Antique Shop ,1 in a Thrift Shop, 1 I bought all thebits and pieces on ebay and DH put it all together.DH helped with them all Treadles and just Vintage ones. Love em all!!! :wink: