Hi Everyone! Had some life interruptions, but now I'm trying to get back to refurbishing my 66 Red Eye Treadle machine. Thanks to lots of input from folks here on QB, the machine head itself looks beautiful and runs smoothly - when I start the handwheel, it'll continue turning on its own for 3-4 revolutions. But I haven't found much info on cleaning the treadle base in my QB searches or even on YouTube.
1. I've seen YT videos where people have used mild soap & water to wash the base before priming, etc. Is water OK to use on the base??? I know it should NOT be used on the machine head... is the base somehow different?
2. Have any of you used Corroseal or similar rust converter/primer? The videos I've seen show it being used on the intact base. I would think the base should be disassembled first OR just be very careful not to apply the rust converter near any moving "joints" where metal meets metal?
3. If I decide to pass on rust converter or primer for now, and just focus on cleaning and oiling the "joints" where the various moving parts connect, should this be done just as I did with the head (sewing machine oil)?
4. Are there any joints in the base where I should use actual grease rather than just lightweight oil?
Thanks in advance for any and all suggestions and feedback! And if there are prior threads about any of this that I missed in my searches, a link would be great - I don't want anyone to have to reinvent the wheel on my account!
Kelly