Well, I will clean them, but should I do the deep cleaning like I was going to keep them for myself? And replace the missing parts? Or just say need some TLC?

Well, I will clean them, but some people like to work them and do their own thing. I don't think there's much to do, mostly their just dirty from sitting.

Well, it sort of depends..parts can be expensive. Vintage machines don't tend to fetch much anyway, and to throw $30 into a machine(not counting the original price you bought it for) that you're hoping on selling for $50 doesn't always make sense. If the machines need a bobbin winder tire etc. that's a relatively easy and inexpensive fix, but replacing a foot control, motor etc. starts to add up. So, it really depends on what parts the machines need and how much you're planning on selling them for. Because you won't get top dollar if they're not working, yet you don't want to put too much money into them either.

Thank you, I think I'll start with one that I can clean up and see how it goes. They'll all treadles, so really won't have to do much. Thanks again.

I wouldn't do too much to them, because like you say, a lot of people will be paying for potential, and if you have already cleaned them as much as can be done, then you just sort of lost that part of the sales pitch. Most of the folks here, I would think, and this is just my collector opinion, would like to do the work themselves. A machine that is ready to go isn't a lot of fun or interest for someone like that, but one with a ton of work or missing parts isn't either. I would judge on who you think the buyer will be.

Melinda, you're right. I'm planning on putting them on C-list, and don't really know how they will be received. There's not usually many on the local list.

RE: Tri-Flow grease. Tri-Flow grease is a synthetic and because of that it doesn't melt, get soft and fling off of spinning gears like the softer grease Singer sells as motor lube.
Because of this it's not good to use in motors that use grease. These motors need a grease that will get soft and flow to the bearings as the motor gets hot.

I use only Singer motor lube (grease) or vaseline depending on what the owners manual says.
I use Tri-flow grease on gears.

Joe

Speaking of motor lube ....
 

I know what to lube Singer motors with and what to use with other motors. However how about the really ancient big round motors as used on converted treadle machines? The big round ones that pivot around under the arch when not in use?
I'm working on one for jljack and have no experience with this kind. The lube ports look to be grease ports, but ....
the bearing is a bronze bushing with a red felt seal on each end with a concave washer holding in place.

Grease ..... or oil?

I'm thinking oil, but am not sure.

Joe

I have a friend that asked me to download a manuel for her 221k. I went to the Singer site and they only have manuels for the 221. Are the manuels that same? I think that the Singer site might be down as I can not get
into to it to download. Kathie

Not too long ago, I posted that I had my Mama's Universal Deluxe Zig Zag Machine, Model KZM although it was stored at my brother's. A board member needed a copy of the manual and my brother finally sent it to me. I tried to find the posts but no luck and I thought we had PM'd, too. So much for my brain power lately!

If anyone of you need a copy of the manual, I will be glad to make a copy and send it to you. Just PM me!
Carolyn