I just bought a Free-Westinghouse sewing machine at a garage sale for $1.00! I cleaned it up and found that it actually works. I am looking for information on the machine. It is model 903 which is beautifully stated on a button size emblem on the front of the machine above the gold metal emblem.
The machine weighs 35 lbs (I acutally weighted it), is blue and white (light cream) and has Kayo stamped on the bottom. It states that it was manufactured by Kayo in Japan for Free-Westinghouse in Illinois.
The model number is also on the bottom along with another number 450038. It is a portable in a plastic case. The foot pedal is metal.
When I plug the machine in to the electric it begins running without my touching anything. I am not able to find a switch to turn it on and off.
I would love to know more about the machine and to be able to use it. If anyone knows anything please chime in.
Love this site by the way. Many thanks for the response and info.

try http://wwwtandtrepair.com my dad uses this web sight to fix garage sale finds, but you need to ask permision to print anything.good luck!

I'm sure someone here can help you. It sounds like a cool machine.

You might also want to go to this section and post

http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-43881-1.htm

You might get more answers :thumbup:
Please post pictures :lol:

Does you machine also have a light on it? I bought an old singer and the man at the repair shop told me there's a specific way to plug the cord in, if plugged in incorrectly, it begins stitching as soon as it's plugged in. Maybe try flipping the plug over if it's a double? If that doesn't work, PM Lostn51 Billy knows all about the vintage machines.

Thanks, am willing to try anything cause I luv the machine and want to use it.

Yes it does have a light on it. I am running right now to try the plug thing and will let you know if it works!

Will take some pics and post soon. Thanks for the link, Debi

It worked, It worked, It worked! I switched the plugs and now it only runs when I press the foot pad! Yeah! you are wonderful.
It is funny that this works because the plugs are actually marked "motor" and "light" but when the plugs are switched the machine works correctly.
Now all I have to do is get it threaded correctly and see how it sews.
Thanks to you soooooo much.

Yeaaaaaaaaaaaa make sure you mark the plugs correctly, just in case you forget :) :) :)