kitsykeel

Yesterday I was asked by the manager at our local Restore to take a look at a Featherweight that had been donated. She said that it did not work. I brought it home and today started cleaning, oiling and greasing. There was thread wound around the bobbin housing and the belt was too loose. Got the thread out and put my Featherweight belt on and it runs just fine. It does make a noise from the motor, not very loud, but mine doesn't make any noise. Don't know anything about motors but I know you all do (Joe). I also have a question about the Tri-Flow grease. I know many of you use the Tri-Flow oil, but what about the grease. The Singer 1/2oz. tube is $3.19. The Tri-Flow 3 oz. tube is $10.75. Do the math, the Singer grease would be $19.14 for 3 ozs. Need your advice on whether to buy the cheaper one. Here are some pics of my Featherweight (Centennial) serial no. AK599635. I got it in 1959 when I was 18 years old. The first thing I made was slipcovers and curtains. The Restore 1951 Featherweight serial no. EG710143. [ATTACH=CONFIG]399622[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]399623[/ATTACH]Light switch knob is broken off on Restore machine. Mine with knob is on the right. Have you ever replaced one of these? I am waiting to hear from SewClassics on this.[ATTACH=CONFIG]399624[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]399625[/ATTACH]Restore machine on left, mine on the right.[ATTACH=CONFIG]399626[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]399627[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]399628[/ATTACH]The last three pics show the feet. Mine on the left picture are round and have been on the machine since the fifties. The ones on the right are flat, look like they melted. I am trying to chip the old stuff off, but it isn't easy. Will order replacements if I can get the screws out. Thanks for any comments or suggestions. I value your opinions and am so glad I finally mastered posting pics so I can share with you all. Have really enjoyed see all of your pics for the past 2 and 1/2 years and learning to love vintage machines.

DanofNJ

Wow!!! Your machine looks great. And a Centennial on top of that. Oil, Oil, Oil, then try motor. Probably needs new belt, and some spare parts. Would really look great if you eventually French Polish but be careful of those decals. It takes practice. If worse comes to worse, you can replace the motor with original for about 60 dollars. I love it.

kitsykeel

Thanks for the reply. The Restore Featherweight is not mine, will be taking it back to the Restore when it is up and running well with new belt, feet and I wish a new light switch. The Centennial is mine and I would love to shine both with French Polish. Never heard of it, is it easy to find?

DanofNJ

French polishing involves reshellacing the machine. It requires a lot of practice on metal to get it right. Refer to youtube for some good vids, but most are wood shellacing and metal is so much more touchy. I think Glen has a thread on it re: restoration.

tenngal

You did a great job. Restore is a good place to find machines.

Hummer Lady

April 1930s has the bed cushions (feet) (free shipping) for $5.95. You'll have to dig the old ones out, but it's doable. You may have to lubricate those screws, but keep working on them, they'll come out. I just took off a set today, and one was a real toughy. Try a search for the light switch. Sometimes on Ebay there is a machine being parted out.
Good luck...

kitsykeel

Thanks Hummer Lady for the tip. I got all four feet off and have ordered new ones. I will check e-bay for the light switch.

Dan, thanks for your comments.