Hi. 38389 posts - I was surprised when I found this forum the other day. Lots of great information here. You all have a very nice forum. Let me introduce myself. The name is Mike and I am in Clearwater, FL. Retired. One hobby is making stuff for motorcycles, dogs, and even people sometimes. Seats, grocery bags, covers. My first machine was a Consew which I had to restore to get working. So I figured out how these gizmos work and got 'hooked' on restoring. I use the Consew for leather and heavy materials. It's great for motorcycle seats, etc. Also I like garage sales, and that way I started buying old sewing machines and fixing them up. It's one thing I like to do.
So I am pleased to meet all of you and hope to be helpful as I learn.
I saw a post back a few pages about finishes. I did a lot of woodfinishing and prefer shellac. If anyone is interested in the way I french polish then let me know. I do use urithane though. Not a purist.