Newbie Here and Just Bought a “The Free” Westinghouse Machine
10-29-2023, 05:08 PM
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2023
Posts: 7
Newbie Here and Just Bought a “The Free” Westinghouse Machine
Hello all,
I have always wanted to learn how to sew on a machine, and I am finally going to give it a shot at age 63. Today I picked up “The Free” machine. I love all things mechanical and have always been fascinated at the invention of the sewing machine. I never looked into the guts of this “simple” machine, but I am going to start now.
I was looking to get an old-school Singer, but then I stumbled on this thing. It looks pretty much like a clone. I love how simple and beefy this thing looks, and all I really want to do is learn how to do a straight stitch. Nothing fancy. But first I need to learn the fundamentals. I have the owner’s manual and I already started looking at some YouTube videos. I heard that these old school machines excel at simple stitching. Plus, I much prefer a machine like this, rather than a “newfangled“ computerized gadget.
One of the things I am curious about is when this machine was made. The serial number is not entirely clear. It looks like “CE77100.” Fortunately, the machine came with a warranty paper, which does indeed refer to that very serial number. Someone posted a link to a few pages of serial number information. But the only CE series that I saw was numbers 88,969 thru 89,254. The document indicated that these were made in 1936. since my number is a little lower, I guess maybe mine was made a couple of years before that? From the research that I have done so far it seems like there is not a lot of reliable history on these machines, at least not like there is for the Singer brand.
Anyways, I’m glad I was able to join and any information would be most welcomed. I am going to try to add some pics.
Thanks,
Dominic
I have always wanted to learn how to sew on a machine, and I am finally going to give it a shot at age 63. Today I picked up “The Free” machine. I love all things mechanical and have always been fascinated at the invention of the sewing machine. I never looked into the guts of this “simple” machine, but I am going to start now.
I was looking to get an old-school Singer, but then I stumbled on this thing. It looks pretty much like a clone. I love how simple and beefy this thing looks, and all I really want to do is learn how to do a straight stitch. Nothing fancy. But first I need to learn the fundamentals. I have the owner’s manual and I already started looking at some YouTube videos. I heard that these old school machines excel at simple stitching. Plus, I much prefer a machine like this, rather than a “newfangled“ computerized gadget.
One of the things I am curious about is when this machine was made. The serial number is not entirely clear. It looks like “CE77100.” Fortunately, the machine came with a warranty paper, which does indeed refer to that very serial number. Someone posted a link to a few pages of serial number information. But the only CE series that I saw was numbers 88,969 thru 89,254. The document indicated that these were made in 1936. since my number is a little lower, I guess maybe mine was made a couple of years before that? From the research that I have done so far it seems like there is not a lot of reliable history on these machines, at least not like there is for the Singer brand.
Anyways, I’m glad I was able to join and any information would be most welcomed. I am going to try to add some pics.
Thanks,
Dominic
10-29-2023, 05:50 PM
#2
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Denver, CO
Posts: 4,663
Congratulations on getting a simple vintage sewing machine. If memory serves me correctly, I think that this machine takes an odd size needle that is not longer made. However, sometimes they come up on ebay as seen at https://www.ebay.com/itm/22582348907...sAAOSwH1ZkBBFr
We like pictures. In order to post pictures on Quilting Board, you will probably need to reduce or compress the picture to a file size that is smaller than 2MB. How to post images can be found at https://www.quiltingboard.com/attach...020-01-17-.pdf
Don't forget to scroll over to the far right to find and click on the "Upload" button. As shown at Standard Sewing Machine Co. Paragon
I have found that only the big red "Reply" button or "Quote" work to give me the paper clip icon to work for adding pictures.
https://www.quiltingboard.com/attach...p-location.jpg
Some additional info regarding reducing images at post #4 and images for the scroll and upload button can be found at #5 of quilt block ID?
Another way to post pictures can be found at 2021/2022, 2.5” Birthday Swap
And how to use an ipad to post pictures can be found at Uploading photos
Or simply - Make sure pictures are smaller than 2MB
Click on red "Reply" button
Click on the paper clip icon
Click browse - choose picture/s. (only 5 allowed per post)
Once they show up as being loaded, Scroll over to the right side and click on "Upload"
After the pictures show up as being attached, you can close that window and go back to the screen to finish posting your post.
Some additional notes -
The photos generally need to be reduced to less than 2MB in size. I have heard of people sending an email to themselves as it will ask if you want to reduce the size.
I have an android phone and when I tried to reply on Quilting Board while in mobile view None of the options for adding pictures was available. However, there is an option down at the bottom left of the page that is for Full Site when I tapped on "Full Site" It then looked like the way it looks on my lap top. So it would have the Red Reply and the Go Advanced options.
Do Not Preview post.
We like pictures. In order to post pictures on Quilting Board, you will probably need to reduce or compress the picture to a file size that is smaller than 2MB. How to post images can be found at https://www.quiltingboard.com/attach...020-01-17-.pdf
Don't forget to scroll over to the far right to find and click on the "Upload" button. As shown at Standard Sewing Machine Co. Paragon
I have found that only the big red "Reply" button or "Quote" work to give me the paper clip icon to work for adding pictures.
https://www.quiltingboard.com/attach...p-location.jpg
Some additional info regarding reducing images at post #4 and images for the scroll and upload button can be found at #5 of quilt block ID?
Another way to post pictures can be found at 2021/2022, 2.5” Birthday Swap
And how to use an ipad to post pictures can be found at Uploading photos
Or simply - Make sure pictures are smaller than 2MB
Click on red "Reply" button
Click on the paper clip icon
Click browse - choose picture/s. (only 5 allowed per post)
Once they show up as being loaded, Scroll over to the right side and click on "Upload"
After the pictures show up as being attached, you can close that window and go back to the screen to finish posting your post.
Some additional notes -
The photos generally need to be reduced to less than 2MB in size. I have heard of people sending an email to themselves as it will ask if you want to reduce the size.
I have an android phone and when I tried to reply on Quilting Board while in mobile view None of the options for adding pictures was available. However, there is an option down at the bottom left of the page that is for Full Site when I tapped on "Full Site" It then looked like the way it looks on my lap top. So it would have the Red Reply and the Go Advanced options.
Do Not Preview post.
10-30-2023, 06:09 AM
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2020
Location: South of St Louis
Posts: 862
Welcome to the QuiltingBoard!
Does your machine look like this one?
New Home - Quiltingboard Forums
If so, I've seen these mostly called Free Westinghouse or New Home. They do take a no-longer-made-hard-to-find needle, as Janey found on ebay, the CC1221, which is also a Boye 2 1/2. Hopefully some needles and bobbins came with it. The bobbins might be harder to find than the needles, New Home rotary bobbin or Free Westinghouse rotary bobbin is what to look for.
I have (back in my house from my sister) this New Home treadle
New Home Treadle Update, thanks to OurWorkbench and Mickey2! - Quiltingboard Forums
and it is all steel and sews a great stitch. You can find accessories and attachments for these machines, such as a zig zag or button hole attachment, but you might see them with other machines. Here are two others I had that use the New Home rotary system, same bobbin and needle.
The Vandervoort - Quiltingboard Forums
Kenmroe 120-491 - Quiltingboard Forums
Does your machine look like this one?
New Home - Quiltingboard Forums
If so, I've seen these mostly called Free Westinghouse or New Home. They do take a no-longer-made-hard-to-find needle, as Janey found on ebay, the CC1221, which is also a Boye 2 1/2. Hopefully some needles and bobbins came with it. The bobbins might be harder to find than the needles, New Home rotary bobbin or Free Westinghouse rotary bobbin is what to look for.
I have (back in my house from my sister) this New Home treadle
New Home Treadle Update, thanks to OurWorkbench and Mickey2! - Quiltingboard Forums
and it is all steel and sews a great stitch. You can find accessories and attachments for these machines, such as a zig zag or button hole attachment, but you might see them with other machines. Here are two others I had that use the New Home rotary system, same bobbin and needle.
The Vandervoort - Quiltingboard Forums
Kenmroe 120-491 - Quiltingboard Forums
10-30-2023, 06:57 AM
#4
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2023
Posts: 7
Thanks for the replies. Here are some of the pics. I did not know about the needle and other parts limitations, although I only paid $50 for the unit so I am not at all concerned. If I decide to get something else then I can always give this thing away to someone who wants it. Anyhow, in one of the pics you can see the top of a small cylindrical container that contains three needles. Plus, there is another needle on the machine.
I am really impressed by the quality of the craftsmanship of these old things. And that includes the table that it is enclosed in. Definitely not something that was stamped out in a factory in China -- but good old fashioned craftmanship. Truely a lost art in today's day and age. But I digress . . .
I am definitely going to tinker with this thing and do some practicing. But to be honest, I am already eyeballing a genuine Singer old school machine. I did a little bit of research and think that a 15-91 would be a good choice. I rummaged around on Ebay and see that there is a guy within 20 miles of me that currently has three for sale. 1949, 1951 and 1952, I think. They all look pretty nice. He has rock solid Ebay history and seems like he really knows what he is doing. It seems like he goes through the machines and tunes them up before he sells them. So, can I get some advice here on which one might be best? I will try to post some pictures.
The only downside for me is that I really like a unit that is enclosed within a table, like the Free. It makes it a lot more convenient to just close it up when not in use. Plus, you have the bigger table as a work surface. One of the units that the Ebay guy is selling comes with a case. That would be my second choice, if I cannot find one built into a table. There are some nice table ones on Ebay but I want to get something local so that I can eyeball it first, and also to avoid the shipping circus.
I'm also thinking that the footprints might be the same so maybe I can just put the Singer into the Free table?
Again, thanks for any advice/input.
Dominic
I am really impressed by the quality of the craftsmanship of these old things. And that includes the table that it is enclosed in. Definitely not something that was stamped out in a factory in China -- but good old fashioned craftmanship. Truely a lost art in today's day and age. But I digress . . .
I am definitely going to tinker with this thing and do some practicing. But to be honest, I am already eyeballing a genuine Singer old school machine. I did a little bit of research and think that a 15-91 would be a good choice. I rummaged around on Ebay and see that there is a guy within 20 miles of me that currently has three for sale. 1949, 1951 and 1952, I think. They all look pretty nice. He has rock solid Ebay history and seems like he really knows what he is doing. It seems like he goes through the machines and tunes them up before he sells them. So, can I get some advice here on which one might be best? I will try to post some pictures.
The only downside for me is that I really like a unit that is enclosed within a table, like the Free. It makes it a lot more convenient to just close it up when not in use. Plus, you have the bigger table as a work surface. One of the units that the Ebay guy is selling comes with a case. That would be my second choice, if I cannot find one built into a table. There are some nice table ones on Ebay but I want to get something local so that I can eyeball it first, and also to avoid the shipping circus.
I'm also thinking that the footprints might be the same so maybe I can just put the Singer into the Free table?
Again, thanks for any advice/input.
Dominic
10-30-2023, 08:09 AM
#6
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Denver, CO
Posts: 4,663
I see that your machine could use some rewiring. Those connectors screw apart to rewire.
I, too, prefer machines in a table.
While the footprints may be the same size, frequently the hinge spacing and sizes are different.
It looks like you like the built-in motors, rather than the ones that are bolted on.
10-30-2023, 04:35 PM
#8
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2023
Posts: 7
Thank you for the pictures. As mentioned there are some needles that come up on on ebay.
I see that your machine could use some rewiring. Those connectors screw apart to rewire.
I, too, prefer machines in a table.
While the footprints may be the same size, frequently the hinge spacing and sizes are different.
It looks like you like the built-in motors, rather than the ones that are bolted on.
I see that your machine could use some rewiring. Those connectors screw apart to rewire.
I, too, prefer machines in a table.
While the footprints may be the same size, frequently the hinge spacing and sizes are different.
It looks like you like the built-in motors, rather than the ones that are bolted on.
It's amazing how many of these cool vintage machines are still around, many of them unused for many years and even decades. Here's one on my local FB marketplace, in a really nice cabinet, for 90 bucks. The lady said that it belonged to her MIL. She and her husband refinished the cabinet many years ago, have been using it as a piece of furniture and are now downsizing. It looks like it is in pristine condition.
10-31-2023, 06:28 AM
#9
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Denver, CO
Posts: 4,663
Oh, I forgot to include a link to a thread here on QB for the CE free westinghouse CE Also forgot a link to the pdf manual for the CE machine. It can be found on this page https://ismacs.net/free/manuals.html and hopefully the direct link to the pdf https://ismacs.net/free/manuals/free...-ce-manual.pdf
Last edited by OurWorkbench; 10-31-2023 at 06:30 AM.
