itsmemaggi

Hello, all! I'm brand-new to this group, but haven't seen an introductory subforum so I figured I'd just jump right in with my question/issue/story. I'll try to make it brief as this is the third time I've tried to post this, grr...

I recently inherited a White rotary machine and cabinet from my mother-in-law. Both the machine and table are in pretty bad shape, but I'm committed to giving it a second chance. My husband is incredibly handy, and I'm not averse to hard work, and I think we could do it. Our first job, however, is just getting the machine out of the cabinet! As you can see in the photos, the wire/cable that should pull up the machine (or at least hold it there) has long since snapped (no idea how long it's been like this - my mother-in-law only used this machine/table as decoration, and kept another White machine - which I've also received - on top that she also didn't use). I've found the piece that apparently broke off, but don't know how/where it'd reattach, once I get a new cable for it.











If possible, would anyone be willing to show me some pictures of similar tables of yours opening (maybe a video showing it?), so I could see how mine is supposed to look? I don't want to involve my husband in this until I have a really good idea of what we need to do to get this in working order (and then we'll focus on making it pretty again!).

I'm really excited to be a part of this group!

QuiltnNan

Certainly it's OK to jump in directly to this forum. Welcome to the QB.
We do have an Introduce Yourself forum https://www.quiltingboard.com/introduce-yourself-f3/

luvstoquilt

Welcome from Illinois. You are in the best board ever. I can’t help you but would certainly be happy to watch what you do as you progress with this project.

Kelsie

Welcome. There are a lot of very helpful and knowledgeable people on here. Someone will come along and be able to give you a hand. This is a great place to hang out. There is also an archive that you can search for old threads and info. I must say I envy you your new machine. I am still looking for a treadle. When you get to the refinishing stage please read before you clean. You can easily destroy your decals with a wet rag. Enjoy the journey.

juliasb

First of all welcome to the QB from SE Michigan! Your machine looks beautiful! Have fun restoring it. I am sorry I cannot help you with the spring wire you need to replace. I am hopeful someone else is able to. I restored a machine like this about 20 years ago. Saying this make is seem like so long ago while it feels like it was only a couple summers ago. The cabinet was actually fun to restore and refinish. Again welcome to the QB!

leonf

oh my working from lonmg ago memories. The broken cable should be able to lift the machine up as you open the top/left panel. I don't think it is necessary to hold it open though. Have you tried manually lifting the machine and seeing if a prob moves over to cath the head or maybe just a pice hinges under to catch it. I m sorry I can't send you a vivoe. Not even sure where mine is at the moment.

itsmemaggi

Thank you for your replies, and all of the encouragement! I have tried pulling it up in the cabinet, but it won't "catch" on anything, and if I let go (gasp!) it'd just fall back into the cabinet. A frustrating problem to have - but I feel privileged to have it, just the same.

OurWorkbench

I was hoping someone who had this machine and associated problem would help. It seems like I have read about this happening to someone else, but can't find the thread about it. It seems like it was definitely at least a two person job. I'm thinking that there is a release on the front edge of the machine that one uses when the machine is up, so one could get to the underside of the machine. I'm thinking that it probably has hinge pin set screws that would release the machine from the cabinet.

I wish I could help. Perhaps something in Franklin Treadle or Help with Sewing Cabinet Operation might help.

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