I think Joe makes them beautiful again. At this point, I just clean them well, oil them and sew with them to make sure they are working properly. Then, I just gaze lovingly at them, admire their differences, unique qualities, research their heritage...can you tell I'm single? haha...maybe I should be selling them...What do you need?

So Joe, the cabinets that are in disrepair, the ones that have probably spent several years in garages or barns, can I leave them in the garage and just bring their machines in for the winter? I can't imagine they can get much worse by spending one winter in my garage. I could easily find room for the machines, but all those cabinets...argh

Weather changes really are hard on woods. We lived in Casper, Wyo. for one year and our solid oak round dining table warped quite a bit from such low humidity in the house. I remember the humidity would be 3 per cent outside, so it's a good idea to watch your woods.

Again....argh... I think the one from the White Rotary might be beyond saving. I think it's gonna stay outside, but the others they should be able to find a place in the house...as for the big round dining room table that's in the garage...craigs list maybe?

As a rule of thumb if you are comfortable then the machnes and cabinets are comfortable to. As an antique furniture restorer maintain the humidity around 30% and the temp between 68 and 75 F. Your home is perfect for this. Outside in an unheated and and no air building is a no.
Skip

They've been making their way into the house. Thanks for all the information. I've taken the heads out of some of the cabinets that need repairs. I can snuggle them up close to each other until I can get back out into the garage again to work on them.

Hey! You should see how pretty my machines look lined up on shelves in my sewing room! It's so nice having them close by! Thanks for all your input!

well show us a pic of your shelf full of machines.

Skip

Yes, a photo is in order! We like photos.

I only have one a Singer 99. I keep "Grace" in my studio on my cutting table off to the side so I can see her whenever I want. If I happen to come across a second vintage machine I will buy it.