Cresta T132-3
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 2
Cresta T132-3
Hi, new here!
I guess I can count the old Cresta as 'vintage', so I thought this to be the best place to post first!
My dad moved house recently, and I took the chance to retrieve some old stuff that has been in his house for many a year, mostly my old junk, but also a few things I know he's unlikely to really want... such as this sewing machine. I'm pretty sure it was my Gran's, and I have vague images of recollection from when I was little.
Now, unfortunately, I'm not into sewing, except when the buttons on my coat fall off, and I have never really understood just how sewing machines work.
However, seeing as this machine has probably not seen the light of day for maybe 20-25 years, I thought it would only be fair to get it out and take some interest, so tonight I did... It's rather musty smelling and very greasy, so I guess the first thing to do would be to clean it up. I'm not sure plugging it in and turning it on straight away is the best idea... Anyway, here 'it' is!
Dusty old case
Any tips on taking one of these apart and cleaning it?
Many thanks
I guess I can count the old Cresta as 'vintage', so I thought this to be the best place to post first!
My dad moved house recently, and I took the chance to retrieve some old stuff that has been in his house for many a year, mostly my old junk, but also a few things I know he's unlikely to really want... such as this sewing machine. I'm pretty sure it was my Gran's, and I have vague images of recollection from when I was little.
Now, unfortunately, I'm not into sewing, except when the buttons on my coat fall off, and I have never really understood just how sewing machines work.
However, seeing as this machine has probably not seen the light of day for maybe 20-25 years, I thought it would only be fair to get it out and take some interest, so tonight I did... It's rather musty smelling and very greasy, so I guess the first thing to do would be to clean it up. I'm not sure plugging it in and turning it on straight away is the best idea... Anyway, here 'it' is!
Dusty old case
Any tips on taking one of these apart and cleaning it?
Many thanks
#2
Power Poster
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Somewhere
Posts: 15,506
Hi, new here!
I guess I can count the old Cresta as 'vintage', so I thought this to be the best place to post first!
My dad moved house recently, and I took the chance to retrieve some old stuff that has been in his house for many a year, mostly my old junk, but also a few things I know he's unlikely to really want... such as this sewing machine. I'm pretty sure it was my Gran's, and I have vague images of recollection from when I was little.
Now, unfortunately, I'm not into sewing, except when the buttons on my coat fall off, and I have never really understood just how sewing machines work.
However, seeing as this machine has probably not seen the light of day for maybe 20-25 years, I thought it would only be fair to get it out and take some interest, so tonight I did... It's rather musty smelling and very greasy, so I guess the first thing to do would be to clean it up. I'm not sure plugging it in and turning it on straight away is the best idea... Anyway, here 'it' is!
Dusty old case
Any tips on taking one of these apart and cleaning it?
Many thanks
I guess I can count the old Cresta as 'vintage', so I thought this to be the best place to post first!
My dad moved house recently, and I took the chance to retrieve some old stuff that has been in his house for many a year, mostly my old junk, but also a few things I know he's unlikely to really want... such as this sewing machine. I'm pretty sure it was my Gran's, and I have vague images of recollection from when I was little.
Now, unfortunately, I'm not into sewing, except when the buttons on my coat fall off, and I have never really understood just how sewing machines work.
However, seeing as this machine has probably not seen the light of day for maybe 20-25 years, I thought it would only be fair to get it out and take some interest, so tonight I did... It's rather musty smelling and very greasy, so I guess the first thing to do would be to clean it up. I'm not sure plugging it in and turning it on straight away is the best idea... Anyway, here 'it' is!
Dusty old case
Any tips on taking one of these apart and cleaning it?
Many thanks
Last edited by miriam; 11-12-2013 at 03:35 AM.
#3
I would love the challenge of that machine. Looks like a Central Europe machine - Czechoslovakia? Don't let it get away, but like Miriam states, learn on another machine before tackling that one. That bobbin winder on the side is interesting. The Pictured Singer needles indicates it may take standard consumables. Keep us informed of your progress with pictures. Your original pictures are very good.
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 670
Welcome to the board! If you're wondering why we all have the same avatar, it's because we're all a bit nuts. Miriam is the Nutsest, though; she sledgehammered a dead machine onto a rock and then tried to sell it on Craigslist for $500. Despite that, though, she is one of the experts here on cleaning, fixing, and re-assembling dis-assembled assemblies.
:-)
I agree, don't take it apart yet. However you could do a heckuva great cleaning job without taking things apart! Sunflowerzz on this board is -great- at cleaning machines. She gets them cleaner than one could possibly imagine. Maybe she will have some tips for you.
By the way, its lines looks sort of early-Bernina-like.
:-)
I agree, don't take it apart yet. However you could do a heckuva great cleaning job without taking things apart! Sunflowerzz on this board is -great- at cleaning machines. She gets them cleaner than one could possibly imagine. Maybe she will have some tips for you.
By the way, its lines looks sort of early-Bernina-like.
#6
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Centralia, WA, USA
Posts: 4,890
Welcome Karrisabob, your machine kind of reminds me of some Elna machines I've seen. It looks like a very good machine to me. You probably don't need to take anything apart. There's some great tutorials here on cleaning up older machines. Spend a little time either reading them or watching the videos posted in them and read your owner's manual. Follow your owner's manual instructions for lubrication. Sewing machine oil is safe to use on any of these older machines. It won't damage the finish. Use it to wipe the machine down with a soft cloth. With a little effort it will loosen up the dried oil on the machine and you will be able to clean it off.
I'm new to sewing and sewing machines too. Why is this not considered a beginner machine?
Rodney
I'm new to sewing and sewing machines too. Why is this not considered a beginner machine?
Rodney
#7
Power Poster
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Somewhere
Posts: 15,506
This one has more complicated parts than some of the more simple machines. I doubt if you could come up with a service manual for it - there are service manuals out there for the old black machines.
#8
Power Poster
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Corpus Christi, Tx.
Posts: 16,105
#10
Super Member
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Northern CA near Sacramento
Posts: 1,107
This machine is often found labeled as a LADA. It was made in Czechoslovakia the early 1950s. It is a wonderful machine if working properly. Most reports on this series of machines say that the internal timing belt is usually found to be disintegrated. Turn the hand wheel and watch to see if the hook turns. If not, the belt is shot. You can also check the belt itself by removing the handwheel (one screw). The timing belt is no longer available. The new belts have a different pitch than the two old gears on the machine.
I replaced the belt on mine about ten years ago. I bought new Riccar replacement gears. I had to machine a sleeve to reduce the inside diameter on one gear and machine out the other so they would fit the shafts. Then after finding a belt that almost fit, I had to install an idler pulley to take up the slack.
Basically gear and belt replacement is not for the faint of heart.
Cathy
I replaced the belt on mine about ten years ago. I bought new Riccar replacement gears. I had to machine a sleeve to reduce the inside diameter on one gear and machine out the other so they would fit the shafts. Then after finding a belt that almost fit, I had to install an idler pulley to take up the slack.
Basically gear and belt replacement is not for the faint of heart.
Cathy
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
George59
For Vintage & Antique Machine Enthusiasts
5
06-19-2015 06:05 PM
PurpleBecca
For Vintage & Antique Machine Enthusiasts
5
02-20-2012 05:18 PM