Thread: Vintage Sewing Machine Shop.....Come on in and sit a spell

Originally Posted by purplefiend

Nothing else moves due to extensive rust inside. The rear inspection plate is all rust on the outside. I can loosen the clutch easily.

I wonder how much dis-assembly you will HAVE to do? I've painted them up with kerosene before and helped it a lot right quick. I'm pretty chicken when it comes to total dis-assembly... My BIL uses diesel since it is cheaper.

I have a Franklin still in my car. It turns - lots of grime and cobwebs... bare dangling wires... rust.... dangling light... I wonder if the top could come off the cabinet and go right on a treadle base? This one might have to wait for spring when I can work outdoors. I'm going to have spring fever early this year - in fact I'm already showing symptoms..........

I wonder how much dis-assembly you will HAVE to do? I've painted them up with kerosene before and helped it a lot right quick. I'm pretty chicken when it comes to total dis-assembly... My BIL uses diesel since it is cheaper. Turn it upside down and paint the inside like crazy. Then turn it another direction and paint some more. See how much good you can do that way. The Triflow oil does wonders.... don't know about solid rust - vinegar can clean up rust and so can muriatic but it will also CAUSE rust and eat paint. We have a blacksmith friend who restores a lot of old tools and that is what he says he uses. I'd say you want to get some oil on it after that.

I have a Franklin still in my car. It turns - lots of grime and cobwebs... bare dangling wires... rust.... dangling light... I wonder if the top could come off the cabinet and go right on a treadle base? This one might have to wait for spring when I can work outdoors. I'm going to have spring fever early this year - in fact I'm already showing symptoms..........

Well. HHHMMM. I just called on one on CL and I'm picking up an unknown treadle in a cabinet tomorrow. The lady is wanting to change her decor. The machine is stuck down so any thoughts how to rescue her??? The lady says it begins with D and is very ornate. I hope I can sleep tonight...

Originally Posted by purplefiend

A "new" machine followed me home today; cost me $10. She is a 1910 Singer #115. My first project machine, the only thing that moves right now is the handwheel(nothing else moves) and the stitch length lever. Most everything is rusted. It came with an added bonus! A mud dauber nest in the pillar(#2 pic). The decals are beautiful. I hope I can get her moving again.
Sharon W. in Texas

Nice! On the dirt dauber nest, use a screw driver and vacuum to chip out what you can, the rest should come out with a good kerosene rinsing and a bottle brush. (Ask me how I know. ). One trick I've used to really getting a good amount of kerosene over all the internal parts is a turkey baster, just be careful of getting kerosene on the bulb part (might melt it).

Originally Posted by Bennett

Nice! On the dirt dauber nest, use a screw driver and vacuum to chip out what you can, the rest should come out with a good kerosene rinsing and a bottle brush. (Ask me how I know. ). One trick I've used to really getting a good amount of kerosene over all the internal parts is a turkey baster, just be careful of getting kerosene on the bulb part (might melt it).

I wonder if the thrift store would have a cheap turkey baster now that Thanksgiving is over...

Originally Posted by quiltdoctor

I was reading CL today (Dallas)and have been watching an add pop up and be resubmitted for a week or so. The title was 1950 Singer and case $150.00 obo The body of the add didn't say much more and no pictures, so I decided to call and ask. The lady was kinda ditzy, but she remembered the machine had a fold up side and was in a black box. She read me the number and sure enough it is a Featherweight !! It needs a new power/cord assembly, so she was thrilled to take $100. for it. It is a Centenial machine and looks in good shape with very little wear to the decals. I have my Mother's featherweight, so I can plug it in tomorrow and check it out. Can't believe it was on CL for that long before I lucked into it. Pictures tomorrow.

Texas Jan

Lucky you! Much better deal than the one listed for $600+ I saw tonight. Can't wait to see pics.

This one caught my eye. Pretty in pink, and actually a very reasonable price: http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/atq/2743177862.html

Originally Posted by Bennett

Lucky you! Much better deal than the one listed for $600+ I saw tonight. Can't wait to see pics.

This one caught my eye. Pretty in pink, and actually a very reasonable price: http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/atq/2743177862.html

Very cool pink Nelco and for the money - WOW - I wonder how much work it needs.