Going to look at a Free-Westinghouse...

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02-24-2015, 04:59 PM

Skylark53

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Going to look at a Free-Westinghouse...

I am going to taking a serious look at a Free-Westinghouse machine that I'm guessing dates c.1910. I admit I do not know much about this brand (except that is was based in Rockford IL and is now defunct) and I don't have a specific model name to aid with my research. I'm trying to get an idea of what I need to be aware of before I go and take a look.

I went through ISMACS and all I can really tell is that the cabinet looks to be model 251 or 261.

Clearly I haven't done much of this before, but I'm ready to dive in!

Here are some pictures:

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02-24-2015, 05:31 PM

miriam

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I have one that looks like a Singer 15 but the parts don't interchange - it actually turns better than a Singer

02-24-2015, 06:41 PM

QuiltingVagabond

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the decals look really nice on that one

02-24-2015, 07:19 PM

liking quilting

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Oh, I think it's a beauty.

02-24-2015, 07:26 PM

Rodney

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Location: Centralia, WA, USA

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Nice cabinet! I don't think too many of the big lids like on that one survived over the years. At least I see more missing the top than with it.
Rodney

02-24-2015, 07:50 PM

Pudge

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Oh, that's a beautiful machine. The cabinet is gorgeous. Good luck with your potential negotiations.

02-24-2015, 09:01 PM

Skylark53

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It is gorgeous - that's the only way I got other family members to even consider allowing me to bring in another machine (and I only have 2)!

Anything I need to know about function? I thought I saw someone about needing to grind down needles but that was for a 1940's model...don't know much about this one yet.

02-24-2015, 11:38 PM

jlhmnj

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Location: Millville, NJ

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Very Pretty FW. Uses standard Singer 15x1 needles and long bobbins. The FW Rotary uses the ground down needles or "Free Rotary", "Boye 2-1/2" or "CC1221" needles. My main concern would be the wiring and condition of motor. Very nice and Good Luck.

Jon

Last edited by jlhmnj; 02-24-2015 at 11:44 PM.

02-24-2015, 11:45 PM

Skylark53

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I do believe I will need to (or should, at least) redo the wiring. This will be a new experience for me, but will be nice to learn. Will definitely need to oil and fine-tune. Good to hear it uses standard needles. I have not used a long bobbin before so that will also be a learning experience.