OurWorkbench

I am trying to do some research regarding Weed sewing machines before I actually have one "up close and personal" from one CL photo. (YES - I will post pictures when I actually have it in hand.) Fortunately, 'seller' has deleted the ad. Today is snowy and cold here so probably not today. Is there anyplace where I can find more info than Needlebar and sewmuse? Are there threading diagrams and manuals available anywhere that I could start to look? Yes, I know, I will need to determine which model it actually is.
Do all Weed machines use straight needles?
What is the shuttle movement called? It is not what I consider Transverse as the position of plates are front to back and I'm thinking that the Vibrating shuttle movement is actually an arc vs straight.


What I have determined so far:

• treadle = feet shaped with "W" at heel
• highly unlikely there is a manual
• tension appears to be later style ? = lower case "t" shaped rather than capital "T"
• bonnet with oval carved front
• unable to determine if both plates are there - appears back plate is missing
• unknown if presser foot there
• lower dress/belt guard missing top connecting hardware
• partial decals similar to http://needlebar.org/cm/displayimage..._display_media
• I'm thinking the FF old style had the above decals but the later style had the "FF" decal on the bed?
• It appears that there were many different Weed shuttles and associated bobbins
• It appears that there may be different needle sizes as well??
• The serial number is located on the lip of the underside of the machine bed but I only saw that the early machines have serial number info on needlebar
• It appears that the hinge pins are in the back corners and that they don't have set screws?

Any further info would be greatly appreciated and I am aware that I may have to wait until I can get pictures posted for specific information.

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

SteveH

Ahh the joys...

I am a shuttle short of using my Weed machine. If you would like specific photos and or measurements, please let me know.

sewbeadit

I would love to see pics of a Weed machine.

Okay on the shuttle, look up Whittler or ier Mechanism, it is from side to side in a very short arc. I found this one day while looking and can't remember where but I wrote it done so I would have it. I don't know if it is Whittler or Whittier mechanism. Thought it was interesting information. I hope this helps you out.

SteveH

The Whittier mechanism is still a VS or Vibrating shuttle. It is just short arc and usually includes a 90 deg direction change (for compact needs)

I will dig out the Weed machine head tonight and take some measured pictures.

SewMachines

I would be glad to help if I can, although SteveH is probably much better for the measurements.

My Weed dates to 1868 from what I can tell. The shuttle moves front to back very much like the Howe machines and is an open boat style shuttle. I have found that the Boye 18 needles work nicely and it isn't too complicated for threading. I have a copy of a later manual that was shared with me by another collector.

I can provide more photos if you like.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]535540[/ATTACH]

sewbeadit

Oh what a nice looking machine, just a beauty!

OurWorkbench

Thanks Steve & Suzanne - I am starting to get anxious as I have not heard back through CL reply but the last I heard that I would receive an email when he had it in his car "(in the next day or two)" and that was on the 10th. I emailed this morning so hopefully today. I don't have his phone number but have sent mine a couple of times

I've got so many questions just thinking about it. There wasn't much information in the ad and only one picture. Does it have a "bumper" in the back of the machine like the VS2? If it isn't frozen, is the "hand wheel" fairly easy to turn? What I'm thinking is that it would be turned flat handed vs trying to turn with thumb & index finger since it is lower and not much surface above the bed.

I sure hope I get it today and if/when I do - I'm sure I'll have even more questions and looking for more information.

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

OurWorkbench

I just got back from picking up the oldest(?) in the herd. Needs cleaning and needs parts - just quickly
plates - both front & back missing
screws for brace & legs
screw or?? for guard driver? don't know what it is called but the part that rides outer wheel of fly wheel

It has the shuttle and a bobbin had short thread showing thread from one side to other side and out long slits. More pictures to follow and specific questions later.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]535581[/ATTACH] [ATTACH=CONFIG]535582[/ATTACH] [ATTACH=CONFIG]535583[/ATTACH] [ATTACH=CONFIG]535585[/ATTACH]O

The presser foot lifter is there and works. The feed dogs condition is uncertain - has some crud between presser foot toes and on teeth.

Gotta run -- lots more questions and pictures later.

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

SteveH

WOW... that would clean up SO nice..... Sorry, I was not able to get to the Weed machine last night. I will try again tonight.

SewMachines

Wow! What a beautiful machine! It will be stunning after just a little cleaning. Looks to be about 1875 if that is the serial number. I love the mother of pearl. Congrats!!