Hubby found a rusty old Singer sewing machine in the alley a few weeks ago, a model 27 that had been converted from a treadle to electric according to the Singer website. The wheel doesn't turn the crank shaft (the thing that makes the needle go up & down and the bobbin assembly work). I took it apart as much as possible, and couldn't see anything obvious inside. Turning the knob on the wheel doesn't work either. It's almost like something is locked. There's a lot of rust on the outside, but inside looks pretty rust free.
I'm hoping it's something simple. I looked up the model number on the Singer website and according to them the machine was manufactured in 1894. I've seen a few on eBay and know they aren't monetarily worth much, but I love the idea of using such an old machine. Does anyone out there use a treadle machine and can give me some tips on what to look for?