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  1. #1
    Member GrumpyTom's Avatar
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    1915 White Rotary ??

    I found this on Craigslist, and at $25 the worst that happens is we have a new decorative piece of furniture.

    I was told it works (havent picked it up yet)

    This should be fine (assuming it works) for my sewing needs, right?
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  2. #2
    Senior Member Womble's Avatar
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    If it's as old as it looks, the worst that can happen is that you need to replace the leather belt. I had a Pfaff from Austria until recently and the guy I gave it to wants to sew heavy wool and linen.

  3. #3
    Senior Member WVScouter's Avatar
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    Used to play on my Grandmothers to see how fast the peddle would go

  4. #4
    Senior Member Ramblinrev's Avatar
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    You may have problems finding replacement needles and bobbins for it. I have heard of some folks using serger needles for old treadle machines. I am wondering if it is indeed a rotary babbin machine as many from that era were shuttle bobbins. Those are not made any more to my knowledge and might have to be custom engineered. Have fun with it. If treadles work they will go through anything short of sheet metal.
    I may be slow... But I sure am gimpy.

    "Bless you child, when you set out to thread a needle don't hold the thread still and fetch the needle up to it; hold the needle still and poke the thread at it; that's the way a woman most always does, but a man always does t'other way."
    Mrs. Loftus to Huck Finn

    We Don't Sew... We Make Gear! video series

    Important thread injector guidelines especially for Newbies

    Bobbin Tension - A Personal Viewpoint

  5. #5
    Member GrumpyTom's Avatar
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    Thanks Rev! yes, I'm a bit worried about any replacement parts it may need. In talking to the lady on the phone, it seems she doesn't sew, and it was her grandmother's (or great-grandmother's). All i can know is that she says it works, and based on the serial number she gave me it's a 1915. (She didn't know what a shuttle was - but did say it had at least one bobbin).

    Like I said, worst case is that I'll refinish it and we'll have a nice oak conversation piece BUT - I'm a bit of an "armageddon/doom" guy, so the fact that it's not electric was a plus for me .

  6. #6
    Member GrumpyTom's Avatar
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    Got it

    It's fantastic! GREAT condition, works, has most of the accessories (hemmers, ruffler, etc.). Even the "WHITE" name on the front of the cabinet is complete.

    It's nice enough that I'm going to do a restoration on it before using it... Wish me luck (especially since I've already taken down the entire cabinet - hope I took enough pics to put it all back together )

  7. #7
    Member GrumpyTom's Avatar
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    Sorry for crappy iphone pic
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  8. #8
    Senior Member tncamper's Avatar
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    That looks great! If you need a belt, you might could check out your local auto parts dealer (I use Napa) Most of them can make custom O rings. (rubber) Don't know it that would work, but it could get you out of a bind inexpensively.
    It'll be alright Friday!

    Check us out at www.buttinasling.com

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  9. #9
    Senior Member Cali's Avatar
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    Very nice machine!!!!!!
    "No whining in the woods"

  10. #10
    Senior Member Ramblinrev's Avatar
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    When dealing with the machine itself... remember White is Singer spelled backwards. The mechanics of the machine are the reverse of a standard Singer. The fly wheel turns away from you. The bobbin unwinds differently. The Rotary "family" of White machines have a stupendous reputation.

    I would advice against using a rubber "O-ring" for a belt. The rubber can stretch esspecially over that long a distance. Rather find your self a tack shop for leather and see if you can get a leather belt. The ends are joined together with a large staple. Cut the "rope" to fit and use some good stove wire to join it. That's what the originals were. Treadles are returning as popular machines amongst the "cult" fans and you might even be able to get a belt on line. Or find an Amish community and see if you can get one from their supplier.
    I may be slow... But I sure am gimpy.

    "Bless you child, when you set out to thread a needle don't hold the thread still and fetch the needle up to it; hold the needle still and poke the thread at it; that's the way a woman most always does, but a man always does t'other way."
    Mrs. Loftus to Huck Finn

    We Don't Sew... We Make Gear! video series

    Important thread injector guidelines especially for Newbies

    Bobbin Tension - A Personal Viewpoint

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