One of the coolest things about older sewing machines is the machine and power source are separate units and can often be swapped around. (It does vary depending on the kind of machine I think, but there are a lot with multiple options.) The machine sews when the wheel spins but it doesn't care where the spinning action comes from, so if it's got an external motor like this
you can take it off and add a new motor, or pop it in a treadle table, or add a hand crank. I just came across a video of a 1960's Singer being temporarily put in a treadle cabinet while waiting for replacement electric components, and if I got a hand crank and spoked wheel (which can be bought new!) I could stick them on any one of my electric Singers.
And it works the opposite way too, treadles or hand cranks can be switched to electric. I even remember reading somewhere (though it was years ago and I don't remember where) that when electricity was new you could buy treadle/crank machines packaged with a motor that you could add on later once electricity reached your area!
It's also great how these motors are attached with one large screw on a bit that slides, so if the belt gets too loose you can just lower the motor slightly to tighten it up.
I knew the Singer 185J had hinge holes, should someone want to switch it to a wooden case, because I could just barely see them from the back when the machine was leaned forwards in its wobbly damaged plastic case.
But imagine my delight to free it from the case and see they also put the set screws in there when they made it!! This thing is attached to the lousy plastic case with one large screw at the bottom, there are no hinges on this machine, but they must have expected some people to swap them to a wooden case or table because the screws are waiting in there!
I've ordered a pair of the appropriate vintage Singer hinges off ebay, and will have to get help making a wooden case this summer, but I don't have to buy the screws, yippee!
My newly acquired Bernina treadle - made in 1945 but fully mechanical - has a plug in it that appears to have never been used. There's a dusty little plate bolted over the inside of it. Just in case you want to switch it to electric power!
I wonder if there was also the option to just add an electric light to the back instead of fully converting it. Presumably? Seems like a thing some people would want to do too.
