Recently, I have seen quite a few machines with deep crackling/crazing in the finish.
Here is an example:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Antique-Sing...p2047675.l2557
What are the causes that create this?
Is it large variances in temp from hot to cold? Do damp conditions contribute but not to the point of rusting other parts - the one in the picture has little rust.
If the crazing has a white cast to it like in the pic, might this be a symptom of aluminum corrosion or is it just an opaque clouding of the shellac coat?
Is a symptom of aluminum corrosion white flaking? Is there a way to clean it up and stop further deterioration? Is it wise to just walk away from a machine that may have this?
A thrift store close to me had 2 machines that were similar to the one above - one was really bad, rough to the touch and had whitish patches that appeared to be under the surface. Last year I did pick up a Singer 99 that has crackles in the finish - it isn't even close to the depth of the 2 that I saw yesterday - when the weather gets warmer, I will either give it a go, following Glen's suggestions or just clean her up and live with her imperfections.