Hobbies 'OK' Treadle Fretsaw
c. 1920Foot-operated treadle fret saw
Hobbies "OK" treadle fret machine :
In the 1920's, Hobbies introduced several new treadle machines, one of them was the O.K. model. Although being advertised as 'practically unbreakable', it was constructed from much lighter materials, for example the arms were made of light sections of steel rather than beechwood on higher priced machines and the legs were light steel rather than cast iron of the better machines. As an example, the total weight of the OK model was 28 lbs (12.7 Kgs) whereas the A1 model weighed in at 37 lbs (16.8 Kgs). A sawdust blower and side wings could be fitted as optional extras.
Details
Details
"Hobbies. OK" located on treadle
A foot-operated treadle fret saw is a woodworking tool that uses a foot-pedal mechanism, similar to an old sewing machine, to power a fine-toothed saw blade for intricate cuts. The user pumps the treadle with their feet to drive a flywheel, which in turn moves the blade up and down with a connecting rod. This tool is essentially a powered scroll saw designed for delicate work on thin materials like wood, plastic, or soft metals
The "Hobbies OK" fret saw is a vintage tool, likely a treadle or hand-powered machine from the English company Hobbies Ltd., used for intricate scrollwork on thin materials like wood. It is employed in hobbies such as model making and decorative craft, enabling users to cut detailed patterns by holding the work and using foot power to operate the saw's blade. The machine's design allows the user's hands to remain free to guide the workpiece accurately.
