I've been slowly fiddling with the White Rotary. I removed the hardware and stripped what was left of the old finish off the case using steel wool and lacquer thinner-it was way too far gone to mess with-and am slowly gluing all the loose joints back together on it. Olivia turned a new knob for the slide-out lid on the inside on her lathe. I still need to pick up some 1/8 plywood (door skin) for a new bottom.
I oiled the machine and let it sit until today. Patience isn't a trait I'm known for. It was still stuck solid. The only part that would move was the balance wheel. Don't try this, I won't be responsible for any broken or mangled parts. I took the wheel off and put a pipe wrench on the end of the shaft. I got lucky! I freed up the machine AND didn't manage to break anything. After I got things turning a bit I added more oil to everything I could reach and have been working it some more. It's still a bit tight but not bad. The stitch length adjustment is still stuck and everything needs a serious cleaning but I'm happy with the progress.
Is there a service manual free online anywhere for White Rotaries? I'm trying to figure out how to take the nose apart to clean and oil everything in it. I found the two screws that hold it on the arm but couldn't get it off the machine.
Rodney