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Thread: Another mystery tool
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22nd October 2023, 10:05 AM #1Try not to be late, but never be early.
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Another mystery tool
Hi all, I found this incomplete tool recently and have no idea what it is for. No identifying marks anywhere on it. IMGP1802.jpg The gear ratio is 1-3, the handle knob is made of porcelain. The handle can be unlatched and folded out.IMGP1803.jpg
The rotating arm on the back has part(s) missing. IMGP1804.jpgIMGP1805.jpg Any ideas?
Cheers,
Geoff.
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22nd October 2023 10:05 AM # ADSGoogle Adsense Advertisement
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22nd October 2023, 11:49 AM #2
Geoff
I don't really know what it is, but I think the porcelain knob could be on the wrong way. My thinking is that the device winds up like a steel tape measure or a chalk line and the knob would have to be on the other way around.
Regards
PaulBushmiller;
"Power tends to corrupt. Absolute power corrupts, absolutely!"
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22nd October 2023, 02:23 PM #3Try not to be late, but never be early.
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Thanks for that idea Paul,
I've reversed the knob to see if it works. Two observations: the retaining screw has a left hand thread to avoid undoing it when cranking in a clockwise direction, turning the knob over and cranking clockwise would tend to undo the screw. The other problem is the crank keeps hitting the locknut holding the driven gear post. The post is eccentric to allow mesh adjustment of the two gears so the locknut is required.
I should have mentioned the extension of the housing has two threaded holes in the base to attach it to a handle or a bench.
Cheers,
Geoff.
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22nd October 2023, 02:38 PM #4SENIOR MEMBER
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Google image search solved the mystery pretty easily
Helen Howes Sewing Machines - Hand Cranks
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22nd October 2023, 05:29 PM #5Try not to be late, but never be early.
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Yee ha, Jeffen, straight to the top of the class and many thanks for solving the riddle. Now to read the story and see if I can find the missing part(s).
Cheers,
Geoff.
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23rd October 2023, 12:31 AM #6Try not to be late, but never be early.
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An update, it's the hand crank for a sewing machine and the reason the handle folds is to make it more compact to fit in its case. Harris Vintage Transverse Shuttle Sewing Machine - Etsy Australia
I'm absolutely sure I've never seen one of these sewing machines before, my mum used a treadle powered Singer when I was a kid.
Cheers,
Geoff.
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23rd October 2023, 11:55 AM #7
Geoff, I can remember seeing a few hand-cranked machines as a kid (early 50's) but by then the vast majority were treadlies, I think. I have vivid memories of my grandmother treadling away at hers, whilst busily gossiping about & crtiicising all her childrens' spouses....
That one you linked to is worth having for the fancy woodwork alone!
Cheers,IW
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24th October 2023, 09:42 AM #8Try not to be late, but never be early.
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Ian,
My mothers was a treadle, then after we got electricity on the farm Dad's cousin, a sparky, rigged it up with an electric motor.
Cheers,
Geoff.
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