Restore a Vintage Treadle Scroll Saw

Written By T Bone

Article 153: Restore a Vintage Treadle Scroll Saw

By: A Woodworker Who Rescues Old Iron

Treadle-powered scroll saws offer a quiet, rhythmic way to cut intricate curves without electricity. Restoring one is a rewarding mix of woodworking and light metal repair.

Steps

  1. Disassemble and Clean

    • Photograph before disassembly.

    • Use degreaser, wire brush, and rust remover for metal parts.

  2. Inspect Bearings and Pivot Arms

    • Replace worn bushings or leather links.

    • Polish pivot points with fine emery cloth.

  3. Restore Wood Top

    • Sand and finish with tung oil or shellac.

    • Reinforce cracked boards with biscuits or splines.

  4. Reassemble and Tune

    • Align crankshaft, treadle arm, and blade tensioner.

    • Lubricate all moving parts with machine oil.

  5. Test with Fine Scroll Blade

    • Check for smooth operation. Adjust foot pedal tension.

Sketch ā€“ Side View of Assembly

    [Wood Top]
       | 
       | ā† Blade
      [Arm]ā€”ā€”
       |     \ ā† Crank
     Treadle   ā† Pedal driven
T Bone

Artist, Woodworking, Sculpture, Ceramics. Design

https://www.tboneelectronics.com
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