Someone asked about where to start refurbishing an old sewing machine cabinet, so I thought I would offer a description of how I proceeded on this machine. This is a 1947 Singer 15-91 in a Queen Anne cabinet. I found it when I was walking in my neighborhood last August. I passed a garage sale, and this caught my eye. It was marked down from $25 to $12.50. I didn't even know that I wanted a vintage sewing machine until then, but it called to me.

The cabinet looked really bad, but it was actually in okay shape. There were some water marks, but the veneer was tight, and the scratches were mostly superficial.

I took the cabinet apart completely, which was pretty easy because everything was screwed together. After wiping off the cobwebs, dust and grime, I used Klean Strip Klean Kutter Refinisher. It's a very gentle stripper, recommended for antiques. You just paint it on, wait half an hour or so, and wipe it off with paper towels. http://www.wmbarr.com/product.aspx?catid=72&prodid=92

After that I used Howard Restor-A-Finish. If the wood is in good shape, you might be able to skip the stripping completely and just use this product.
http://www.howardproducts.com/restora.htm

I then applied Howard Feed-N-Wax. http://www.howardproducts.com/feednwax.htm

I cleaned up the hardware, polished the brass parts, and put the cabinet back together. The head looked like it had been cleaned since its last use, so all I did was clean, oil, and grease it and polish the bling.

The machine sews beautifully, though all it's doing right now is sitting in my living room looking pretty. I hope this description will help other people bring new life to their old sewing machines. It's so sad seeing them down on their luck. I think I've gotten the "bug" now though. I just bought a treadle machine (in another thread) and I can't stop looking for more stuff to fix up. I may need an intervention soon.

That's really nice!!! Me likey!

Wow! It looks beautiful! I can't believe you bought it for $12.50! Your workmanship is top notch!

You did a beautiful job.

Fantastic purchase too.

I love yard sales and flea markets.

Deara

I meant to add that I "might" have a lead on a treadle. Talking to a lady at Ben Franklins today. Seems her mother has one that is just sitting and doing nothing. I told her I would be willing to buy it if she is willing to sell it. Said I'd give her a decent price depending on the condition. She said it was in great condition. Most of the people here will not mislead you when you talk to them. One of the GREAT things about living here.
Anyway....Just waiting to see the lady again so I can ask her what is going on with it. I sure hope she wants to sell! Just gotta figure out a price.......

I've found that prices are all over the place for a vintage machine. I've been watching craigslist (probably not available in Guam) and I see ads starting at over $200, eventually reappearing at $150, then $100, then $50, sometimes less. I've seen several ads for free machines! Often when someone wants to sell a vintage machine it's because they don't have the space for it, or it belonged to a family member and they want it to be cared for. You might look at Ebay prices to see what comparable machines have actually sold for, but prices there tend to be higher than garage sales. Good luck in getting your treadle.

There's really nothing here worth anything on Craigslist. I've looked.
I am praying that this woman sells me the machine. I told her I would give it TONS of love!
Heck, if it's just sitting there and it's collecting dust, not being used....if it's in good condition, I'll give her $100 for it.

It looks beautiful!! You did a great job with it!!

12.50, wow...you did great on price and the refurbishing! :thumbup:

Beautiful job!! Great deal...