Bubbling on Singer 301
 

I am looking at purchasing a Singer 301. The owner described an area on the bed like something got spilled on it. Before I purchase this machine, can this area be corrected or improved without repainting?

[img]blob:https://www.quiltingboard.com/a386e098-ce69-4a90-8ef7-4799a636c0e3[/img]

Welcome, LDC. Unfortunately your picture didn't show up. Usually this is because the file size is too large.

The finish on the 301s is different from the old black machines. I happened across a site that called spots in the undercoat freckles. https://quiltville.blogspot.com/2017...ing-ready.html says Since the picture doesn't show, I don't know if that is what is happening with the machine you are looking at.

Does the machine have a bobbin case? It uses the same as a 221 Featherweight machine. I have heard that the modern replacement bobbin cases aren't very good.

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Janey - Neat people never make the exciting discoveries I do.
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Bubbling on Singer photo
 

Yes it has the bobbin case. The current owner actively sews with this machine.

Let me know if you see the photo. Thank you for your help.

I can see the pic now. I'm sure that can be corrected if you have some knowledge of painting. On the other hand, if you just want a machine to sew on, its probably won't hurt anything unless it's bad enough to snag the fabric.

The current owner says it doesn't snag fabric and isn't rough to the touch. My concern is if the area gets worse, how will I correct it? I have read about French Shellac but I don't really know if that will help or hurt the problem.

I haven't redone paint on a sewing machine, but I know about paint on cars. It probably depends on what is causing the bubbling. If it's rust, it will need to be seen to or it will spread. If it was caused my heat exposure, its probably harmless. Here in the "sauna of the south" humidity related problems with paint are common. For me, if the price was right, I'd probably take the chance, but I wouldn't pay a lot of money for it.

Yes, I can see the picture, now.

I don't think the 301 has a shellac finish. I'm thinking that maybe a carnauba wax may help protect from further deterioration.

It would not be rust as the 301 body is cast aluminum. There is something called aluminum rot, but I haven't seen any that looks like that.

Janey - Neat people never make the exciting discoveries I do.

Oh, snap. Thanks, Janey. I'd forgotten that the 301 was aluminum. Exposure to heat, like a light bulb laid on the surface can cause that type of bubbling but I don't know.

I do use carnuba wax on my vintage machines especially on the bed to protect them. Which reminds me, its about time to do the machines again.

I was going to point out the potential aluminum issue, but Janey beat me. She is great.