Before the dawn of electric motors, the sewing machine depended on human power. This usually took the form of foot or hand drive 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.
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.
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.
A power transformer could be used to adjust to differing power systems. Just plug in and go. The catch is that everything has to be in good condition to work properly.
While the electrical system of the sewing machine is highly dependable and generally very safe, it still has issues. The power cord that plug the sewing machine into the power socket, requires very special care. If it gets pinched, worn, cracked, or otherwise exposes the wires inside the cord, they can cause big problems. If the two wires touch they may spark a fire, cause a shock, create electrical discharges that can damage the sewing machine. Caution is needed.
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.
One sure cure for a bad power cord is a new one. Trade a couple of dollars for safety and dependability. You may need to replace the foot pedal if it is connected as well, but sometimes you can install the new cord on the old pedal.
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.
Caution: Fix or replace bad power cords. Save you home and your life. - 15485
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.
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.
A power transformer could be used to adjust to differing power systems. Just plug in and go. The catch is that everything has to be in good condition to work properly.
While the electrical system of the sewing machine is highly dependable and generally very safe, it still has issues. The power cord that plug the sewing machine into the power socket, requires very special care. If it gets pinched, worn, cracked, or otherwise exposes the wires inside the cord, they can cause big problems. If the two wires touch they may spark a fire, cause a shock, create electrical discharges that can damage the sewing machine. Caution is needed.
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.
One sure cure for a bad power cord is a new one. Trade a couple of dollars for safety and dependability. You may need to replace the foot pedal if it is connected as well, but sometimes you can install the new cord on the old pedal.
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.
Caution: Fix or replace bad power cords. Save you home and your life. - 15485
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