Doug Berch

4 Responses to “A Simple Foot Powered Jig Saw”

1. catx says:

   February 21, 2009 at 12:14 AM

   “Why this jig saw was considered “less desirable for ladies’ use” is perplexing. This was written in 1875 but it still makes no sense to me.”

   I’d suspect that it was less desirable for ladies use as it wouldn’t be possible to use such a rig easily or modestly while wearing floor length skirts.

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2. Doug Berch says:

   February 21, 2009 at 12:08 PM

   I had the same thought at first but I think this device only requires gentle tapping of the foot; much less awkward than operating a treadle sewing machine, etc. But you may be right!

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3. catx says:

   February 21, 2009 at 12:22 PM

   Hm. With a sewing machine treadle, you could keep your feet completely, or almost completely under your skirts – there’s an early photo here: http://www.quilt.com/BulletinBoard/bb/uploaded_images/Singer-Treadle-001-760594.jpg
   OTOH, considering the same sort of skirt, and a treadle jigsaw like this one: http://home.comcast.net/~richmondantiquetools/images/Nov2008meetingpics/NewRogersTreadleSaw.JPG has me thinking about the dire warnings from parents and teachers about not getting caught in machinery.

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4. Doug Berch says:

   February 21, 2009 at 10:13 PM

   Great links!

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