old brother sewing machine block and wire foot pedal?

Question

I've just recently inherited my grandmothers OLD brother sewing machine ... I almost cried when dad gave it to me :) anywho...
In talking with Brother personally, I've learned that what I am looking for is a 'block and wire' foot pedal (did not come with the machine) Brother does not make this product anymore, and can not suggest where I could get one. Any suggestions? Thank you!

Answer 1

How neat! Your grandmothers sewing machine!



I wonder if this is what they mean by "block and wire" foot pedal. They call it a "Electric wire block for older sewing machines" on the site:



http://www.vacsew.com/vacuum/japanese-cord.html?js=n



They have a toll free phone number posted on their site so you could call them and ask if it would work on your machine.

Answer 2

I have a Bernina Aurora 440. I can disconnect the foot pedal and run it with an start/stop button. It also has a knee operated lever to raise/lower the pressure foot. I also grew up learning to sew on my mother's old Singer 401. It was in a cabinet and operated with a knee push lever, no foot pedal. I didn't even know about foot pedals until they bought me my own sewing machine for my H.S. graduation.

Answer 3

What you want is a power-cord with a 2-prong plug-in one end, a bakelite-type "block" with 2 plugs labeled "light" and "motor" in the middle, and a standard foot control on the other end. There are 2 different foot-controls you can use for your machine: the first has an element not unlike a heater element inside (NOT RECOMMENDED!!!) and the other has a ceramic element with carbon discs inside. Both of these foot controls work with resistance, but the one built like a heater (it has nickel-chromium wires inside) can easily short out and become red-hot. Underwriters Laboratories (UL) removed their approval from this type years ago. These parts are available at just about any sewing machine store.