Case Restorations?
08-30-2020, 08:44 AM
#3
Power Poster
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 41,453
I have removed all the smelly fabric from my Featherweight case. It has a really nice wood case but I need to reglue, sand and clear coat it yet. It has been sitting for a year. Maybe next year I will get to it?
08-30-2020, 09:09 AM
#4
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: California, USA
Posts: 1,318
Originally Posted by Tartan
I have removed all the smelly fabric from my Featherweight case. It has a really nice wood case but I need to reglue, sand and clear coat it yet. It has been sitting for a year. Maybe next year I will get to it?
Was it hard to remove the fabric and the paper from the outside of the case? I am considering doing it to one of my featherweight cases and have put it off because I would hate to have the project unfinished if it is harder than I thought it would be.
How are you planning on finishing it?
Mary Ann
08-30-2020, 10:24 AM
#5
Power Poster
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 41,453
The hardest part was getting it out from under the hinges as I didn’t want to remove any of the hardware. The case was really dry and I was afraid removing any hardware would crack it. I put it in the strap vices to keep all the case tight until I can reglue. It wanted to warp once the fabric was off and it was drying. The stink comes from the animal parts glue they used to stick on the fabric and moulds growing in it. I am going to use black rust paint on the tray after giving it a bit of sanding. Mine has one broken hinge that needs replacing but I am not attempting that yet.
08-30-2020, 11:44 AM
#7
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Waterford Michigan
Posts: 7,241
I just sold a case that was in desperate need of repair and refinishing. When I looked at the case after I bought my 2nd FW it was in rough shape. I thought about restoring it and realized it would most like be something I could easily screw up very easy. So I sold it to someone who has the skills and would give is a good deal of TLC. I am glad you are one of the special ones that can take on this challenge. I want to see it when it is all done!!
09-04-2020, 11:52 AM
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2020
Location: Sunset Coast of Michigan
Posts: 957
refinished an all wood White case, it is beautiful
Yes, I've refinished wood cases. Here is a photo of a White case. I've also done featherweights. The featherweight smell is from the old drip pan oil pad under the machine that probably was never replaced, the oil goes old and nasty and smelly and the smell seeps into the wood and fabric. Replace the oil pad in the drip pan first otherwise it is a losing battle. I spray Lush Twilight body spray on the new drip pan pad. I like to wash it down with Shaklee basic G (germicide) to get any mold out, it is organic and very strong. These old wood cases are begging to be refinished just get aggressive and pull off that nasty old fabric, sand her down, fix her joints and stain and poly her. ;-) Reba
09-04-2020, 11:55 AM
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2020
Location: Sunset Coast of Michigan
Posts: 957
Originally Posted by Tartan
The stink comes from the animal parts glue they used to stick on the fabric and moulds growing in it.
09-04-2020, 06:32 PM
#10
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: California, USA
Posts: 1,318
Once you clean up the drip pan, I have put my empty featherweight case in my car on high temperature days. I leave it there for a couple of hot days and the moldy smell comes right out. I have done this to a couple of my featherweight cases and it has worked like a charm. No more smell!
