The accumulation of things (including sewing machines) can be a burden on one's spirit after a point. That point is at a different number for different people. I don't advocate taking a sledge hammer to a good machine -- that is disrespectful. However, if I can't fix it, and if it cost nearly nothing in the first place, then I will think long and hard before spending much money on it. And I sure don't want to have to store it in unworkable condition. That is when it is given to someone who can do something with it or it is parted out.

Just me. Maybe my spirit needs adjusting!

Well said, makes sense to me.

Jon

Charlee,

Since this thread has been brought back to the top I'll answer your question a bit better this time.

I like to learn things. Buying one machine and learning to sew would be a major undertaking for some people, me too, but I want to know what makes these machines tick. So I get one that's new to me, service it, refurb it, repair it, what ever it needs and in doing that I learn something. I am a mechanical type person so I actually enjoy tinkering with them. Occasionally I sell or trade some off and make a buck or two. So far we've made back what we've put into them plus a bit.
Due to spinal arthritis and other issues I don't have the stamina to do the work I used to, so I'm teaching myself how to fix and service these machines so that perhaps I can bring some cash flow into our bank account.

I suppose that about covers it.

Joe

For many Joe, without parts machines to supply the parts, it would be cost prohibitive to order and replace parts when you can buy a complete machine of the same model for less money. I understand that you like to tinker with the machines and that's ok...just as it's ok to part out machines that are common and easy to come by.
There's nothing better to learn on than a machine that you can't hurt by making a mistake! ;) S'all good, and live and let live kinda thing, cuz I seriously doubt that I'm going to change your mind, anymore than you could change mine! :D

Hi!
I'm new but i do know a bit about cleaning machine parts. I used this 'trick' on cast iron it may take a bit of elbow grease but it's cheap. I'm not sure how it would affect the decal and paint so test in a hidden spot first. Salt and veggie oil, paper towel or cloth. *nods* yep, thats it. Put oil on the paper towel, add a little salt then scrub until the rust is gone. Repeat as necessary.

Then just use soap and water to remove the veggie oil and salt, making sure it's super dry so it won't rust. Re-Oil the machine with sewing machine oil.

I'm not sure about the parts, and i'm fairly certain others here know different ways to scrub rust away. As i said i'm new to collecting and caring. But this trick works for cast iron pots and pans. No harsh chemicals and such.

Hope this helps.

Well then, I guess we'll just have to agree to disagree, at least about the parting out part.

Joe

Somebody HAS to part 'em out or you couldn't get the parts to fix yours.....

steel wool works good for rust on chrome parts, that's what my son uses on antique cars and some of my sewing machines.
Sharon

Sadly true in some cases, but for the most part I buy new parts when I can. I don't steal parts I can buy new off of other perfectly good machines. And if I buy used parts I have no way of knowing if the machine was repairable, or a total loss. And I don't ask cos if I find out it's repairable I'm likely to buy the whole thing and refurb it back to life. Did that to the 66-? head I traded away recently. Sewed too good to part it out.

Joe