I don't know how I missed seeing this thread when it started, but Steve you are a magic man. The machine is awesome. Glad you were able to get it and it will work when you are finished.

here is the YouTube video of the lady's machine like mine working (SHOWS STITCH)

G&B 1863

This is the machine that I am making these slides for.

it's completely free moving now!! I am a pitman bolt and a needle from sewing. (moves really nice actually) It seems that the tougher they are to free the tighter they are mechanically, which makes them better/smoother once freed

here are two neat shots. you can really see the difference between the original silver needle plate and the steel plates i made... I plan to plate them today after turkey..... that needle plate was in the tool drawer, all I did was clean it.

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Steve.

She's really looking good! Hope you and yours had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Jeanette

Thank you! My needles arrived yesterday.

Here are a couple of pics of the G&B curved needle next to the W&W curved needle.
Definitely NOT interchangeable. (the smaller one is the G&B)

I am still working out how to thread the lower portion. (it is a two spool, two thread machine)
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very amusing. I just sent you the old page that you edited, from arizona site, now I take your text that is a sort of contemporary translaction, and I put it in a big folder so i can loss it with more comfort.
all is the enthousiasm for the fascinating grover & baker. the needle is that on the right, or not?
now i calculate you are 9 hour before us here in italy. here is seven am of saturday, and for you ten pm of friday.
I see a magnific week end for you ! don't forget my greetings for mrs and mr Aston. wonderful sewing!
your machine is really as new now and you gained nearly a century and half.:o

i have been sent a photo of the needle height gauge with a ruler next to it. I will be scaling a copy ASAP.

wonderful. I was just wondering about the gauge, seeing it in the booklet, at the far end of space-time. is it a metal triangle , thick as the space between the two fingers of the presser foot, with an hole at the right highness of the needle eye?
yesterday I was encouraged to make another proof and I had the boldness to unscrew the needle...
now after twenty attempts it seems right. it makes green stitche. but when it met the fabric, double light flannel, I heard a sort of little squeak , that alarmed me.
but the two needle, upper and circular, don't touch each other. is it possible the point of the needle is a little dull?
I search to take photos
my machine is very similar to your, but mine is more.... dirty!:o