Polishes vary a lot, I have had metal polishes starting to dissolve paints (like on Elnas), you can't go by random choice, you have to get the right stuff for the job. I lean towards furniture polishes suitable for shellac, or resin type car polishes. On very special machines I would hardly dare anything but gentle cleaning. I allow a few signs of wear and age, I don't mind. I do touch ups of chips and if there are spots where the paint is missing or very worn. A machine should be in bad shape before I do a refinish and complete stripping of the old paint. I tend to avoid too much rust or damaged chrome. I clean off all grime and dirt, usually with a bit of effort, and it takes a few turns of cleaning and polishing before I get there. Maybe a bit of dissasembly here and there too. I poke around with tooth picks, cotton swabs,...

It looks like your machine is cleaning up very well. Any test stiching, or new leather belt?

Wd40
 

I would avoid using wd40 as it has chemicals that are unnecessary and left overs will continue to break down oil. Instead, use kerosene, that was recommended at the time and several SM mechanic experts recommend it. I use a kerosene alternative, called klean heat, it doesn't have the smell. Just my opinion. Good luck!! Reba

No test stitching yet, altough I can't wait. I still need to clean the treadle. Today I cleaned the machines covers.
I'll be needing a new belt definitely. The original one snapped close to were both ends join so with any luck I'll be able to cut the broken part and make a new joint.
Then it's a matter of learning how to thread the line and work the machine.

Thank you Reba. I was fortunately able to get rid of all the old oil using only sewing machine oil.

Jay, learning to treadle is a skill in itself. practice long enough before you thread it that you can carry on a conversation while keeping the machine spinning the correct way. if you reverse directions when threaded you will snap the thread.

Thank you. I've been watching videos and it seems like a lot of skill and practice goes into it. I just couldn't understand if the thread breaks if you too fast, don't keep a good rythm or because if you just let go of the treadle the needle moves back and snaps the thread. The problem with watching talented people is that they make everything look easier than it is.

I have only done a little bit of treadling, but I dare say it is within doable. You can go full speed, with zigzag patterns you do that some times. the tricky thing is the large wheel on the treadle can end up turing the wrong way. That is part of the learning process, just make sure you start by guiding the wheel the correct way on the first stitches and after everytime you stop and start again. A steady pace is preferable, it is not too difficult and don't worry. The machine does most of the job regarding stiching and fabric feed, thread snapping should not be a problem and you only need the really fine tuned skills for freemotion like quilting and embroidery.

Quite a change in a short amount of time. Good for you!
0xygen tubing, aquarium tubing, window screen spline, can also be used as a treadle belt alternative. A leather treadle belt can usually be found online for under $10.00.

Looking forward to seeing the treadle 401 finished https://cdn.quiltingboard.com/images...es/thumbup.png

Thank you Mickey and WIChix. I'll order some treadle belt from Amazon and some needles while I'm at it.

Thank you. For now it's on Amazons court, but as soon as I'm finished I'll post about.

Meanwhile here's a before and after of the wood top and a shot of the assembled machine+treadle.

https://i.ibb.co/pQ8m4pY/20200915084345-IMG-4628.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/zmLrtFp/20200915170246-IMG-4650.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/HdTBhBQ/20200915174628-IMG-4657.jpg

Beautiful, very well done. What did you use on the wood?

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