hobbies treadle machine question about blades belt tension

[mac1012]

hi I may have a offer of a gem machine I am wanting to know if the machine accepts normal 5 inch plain end blades hobbies do a pack of blades that say can be used for treadle machines but they are also suitable for normal scroll saw blades

anybody have any experience of these machines ? blades ?

also is it straight forward to alter the belt tension as the machine seller says it may need tensioning just wondered if this was straight forward

mark v

 

[loftyhermes]

Mark,
Ordinary 5" pinless blades will work, the belt is usually leather and needs shortening if too slack.
happy scrolling
Steve

 

[mac1012]

ok thanks for taking the time to reply mate

mark

 

[AndyT]

I have a different treadle powered fretsaw - I posted about it on here a while back. It's an American one from the 1880s. It takes painless blades but I find I need to nip about a cm off each end to get the tension right. But that's no problem. There is a slotted mounting on one of the pulleys to help get the tension right on the leather belt. The new belting that I bought for it is a lot less 'polished' and a bit more grippy than the old one.

 

[bugbear]

I have a different treadle powered fretsaw - I posted about it on here a while back. It's an American one from the 1880s. It takes painless blades but I find I need to nip about a cm off each end to get the tension right. But that's no problem. There is a slotted mounting on one of the pulleys to help get the tension right on the leather belt. The new belting that I bought for it is a lot less 'polished' and a bit more grippy than the old one.

Violin rosin works a treat in this application, or at least it did on my Hobbies A1.

BugBear

 

[AndyT]

Thanks BB that's a better idea than an expensive spray and I have some put by.