Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Treadle Trouble

Sometimes you learn the hard way how NOT to do something.
I wanted to take my treadle machine in for servicing and was unsure of how to remove it from the cabinet.
It seemed to me that the only way was to remove these two contraptions at the back of the machine.
This is not how to do it!  
I should have asked for advice first!
Apparently these screws do not have to be removed, taking the wood with them! There is a little hidden screw at the end which attaches to the sewing machine. Now I know. But how do I repair this wood? Any ideas?
I am missing my treadling already :(

14 comments:

Created by Kathi said...

So sorry this happened! I have some helpful hints from my honey I will share when you respond to this comment... it is fairly exact work and will require a couple comments back and forth I think. But there is help for you here to fix that boo boo on your cabinet! lol Hope your treadle gets it's issues fixed while at the doctor... now to doctor on your table some to get it ready for the treadle to come home! Kathi

Ellen said...

Ouch! What a disappointment but hopefully Kathi will be able to give you a good solution to fix it.

Teresa Rawson said...

Wow...don't know what to suggest. My inclination would be to glue back in with powerful wood glue, but I don't know what to suggest. Those old machines are so heavy. A friend of mine, who is downsizing and moving, emailed me out of the blue last night to offer me her treadle machine. Yippee! I am excited to see it and find out if it is in working or fixable condition. Good luck!

swooze said...

I know a machine repair person. If you want her email address just let me know.

Vroomans' Quilts said...

Get in touch with Cheryl at
http://cherylsteapots2quilting.blogspot.com/
she has several and repairs

Janet O. said...

Looks like you are getting some help from others. That is great--I have no advice at all! : )

Rebecca in AK said...

I am so sorry about your treadle cabinet! I hope the information in the other comments will help. I have no idea. Sorry!

Karen said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
stitchinpenny said...

My suggestion is to buy wood glue and then put a little wood glue in the holes and put toothpicks in and break off even with the surface. Use as many toothpicks as necessary to fill the hole, allow glue to dry ( i suggest overnight). Next drill a small pilot hole and put a small wood screw that fits the hole in each of the places. You have the thread size and length from the size you took out.

Nell's Quilts said...

Stitchinpenny suggested gluing toothpicks into the hole but I'd suggest gluing in a piece of dowel. Dowels come in a variety of sizes so you should be able to find a size just right to plug the hole. The screw should then be able to fit in securely and hold the machine in place.

Barb said...

Gosh...sometimes we all just have to learn the hard way, least ways I do...hope you can repair it.

Cheryl's Teapots2Quilting said...

Hubby says that if the screw holes are loose, then, put a toothpick in the screw hole with the screw. That should help hold it, unless too much wood came away. If you are on Treadle On, post this question to the list. Lots of those people can help you.

margaret said...

oh dear, hope you can solve this and that the machine comes back all singing and dancing

Deanna W said...

Before you do anything. I don't think it looks that bad. Now only you know for sure, but I would try putting the machine in and see what happens. If the holes are too loose then I would follow what everyone has been saying. A little wood glue and toothpicks to fill the hole and let it dry. Good luck
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