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Member since 11/4/04
Posts: 232
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Posted on: 7/23/09 0:08 AM ET
I inherited a japanese pink zigzag machine that had a knee pedal, I could not keep the cabinet because I did not have the room. I can plug in the short cord and the power cord into a power strip and am able to put the knee pedal on the floor, but the bottom of the pedal is exposed, there is no cover since it was just bolted on the side of the cabinet. Thank you.
Update: I uploaded some photos, so you can see a clearer picture of what I mean.

-- Edited on 7/23/09 10:24 AM --
  
Member since 8/28/08
Posts: 957
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Posted on: 7/23/09 1:41 AM ET
In reply to Lety
Hmm...I've having trouble picturing what you mean. If it's a knee control, how can it be used on the floor? I'm sure I'm missing something!
For what it's worth, I put rubberized non-slip shelf liner under my foot pedal to keep it from slipping. Maybe this could meet your needs?
Laura
  
Member since 11/5/02
Posts: 2755
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Posted on: 7/23/09 1:54 AM ET
I am no expert but I would think that the pedal SHOULD be grounded so you shouldn't have to worry about it. To be safe wear rubber soled shoes when you are sewing!
Seriously, if you are worried, a shoe repairman may be able to set you up with some rubber material to glue to the bottom of your pedal. That or a piece of rubber innertube but that may be dirty and yucky.
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Janome 6500P, Babylock Eclipse SX, Janome Coverpro 1000, Babylock BLCS, Juki 654 (2), Babylock Spirit, Juki TL2010q, Brother PE770
  
Member since 2/17/07
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Re: what to put on bottom of pedal so it wont electrocute me? (posted on 7/23/09 10:17 AM ET)
Is the controller open on the bottom, with no cover over the "guts?" If so, you do run some risk of getting a stray pin or something into the works, and having an electrical problem because of it. If there is a metal cover over the works, however, I can't see there being any real risk in a sewing environment. Don't spill your Coke on it, though...
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A sewing machine is just a welder for textiles.
  
Member since 7/23/07
Posts: 7276
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Re: what to put on bottom of pedal so it wont electrocute me? (posted on 7/23/09 10:35 AM ET)
Oooh! Pretty machine:-) The shoemaker idea is good, but you could use a mouse pad, a piece of old yoga mat, bolt it to a small piece of wood, cut a sturdy piece of plastic out of a detergent or bleach bottle. Many options there. Or take it to a sheet metal place and have a metal bottom custom made. Probably cheaper than you think and they could attach it permanently.
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Member since 8/28/08
Posts: 957
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Posted on: 7/23/09 10:45 AM ET
In reply to Lety
Lety,
Thanks for the pics, now I get it! Yeah...looks like you should do something to cover that open bottom. I assume it was once mounted on a wooden table, so maybe you could mount it on a small piece of plywood? That is one cool looking vintage sewing machine! Good luck,
Laura
  
Member since 3/11/07
Posts: 2074
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Posted on: 7/23/09 10:49 AM ET
In reply to tourist
Oo! Don't attach it permanently -- sometimes you'll want to get in there!
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Member since 10/24/07
Posts: 1830
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Posted on: 7/23/09 11:27 AM ET
In reply to Lety
You should maybe take it in to your local dealer that has a technician staffed and ask. I'm sure they have done something before with this type of machine and it also doesn't hurt to have them check the electric cords. My dealer (an old timer) has a room full of older parts and they might even have a different foot pedal that would work with it. At least you can get some ideas and feel safe sewing. They love to share their knowledge
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Pfaff P5.0, Bernina 560, Juki 654DE, Elna 745
  
Member since 11/4/04
Posts: 232
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Re: what to put on bottom of pedal so it wont electrocute me? (posted on 7/23/09 2:35 PM ET)
Thanks for the ideas, I like the idea of (sewme47) attaching a piece of wood, since it still has the long screws and I have plenty of pieces of wood, from the many projects that I do around my house. This was my mom's aunt's machine, she had just had it serviced last year, she passed away in February, her favorite colors were red and pink, so it's a wonderful keepsake to remind me of her.
  
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