Challenging is an understatement. I'm wondering how a rust converter (versus rust remover) would work on the body of the machine. John tried some Rust Mort on his truck and was happy with the results. There are some youtube video about Corroseal on treadle irons. Don't know about the inner workings type stuff.

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

It would probably freeze up solid forever, coverting rust into a hard solid iron compound. Rust in itself is an odd thing, porous, on it's way to disintegrating. It needs to come off.

Looking at that needle and presser bar, argh... :eek:

That is extremely rusty! I recently was watching a YouTube video about restoring rusty cast iron. There was a lengthy discussion in the comments section concerning different methods of removing rust including how to effectively use electrolysis. It is incredible to think there is a sewing machine underneath all that rust, but based on the videos I've seen online, I know it is possible to clean it up. I removed rust from cast iron before by soaking it in vinegar and afterwards I neutralized the acid with baking soda. I also removed some rust on my bicycle by using a crumpled ball of aluminium foil. And I have heard of restoring rusty car parts using molasses. Good luck with this. I hope you'll come back and post before and after photos.

Hey I found numbers on it. Patent applied for 1883, so I know it's dated between 1883 and 1890 when they closed.

And the tension screw unscrewed. Halfway there??? That deck will never be smooth enough for nice fabric.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]601691[/ATTACH]

Would make a great doorstop for an old shed building! That's as far as I'd take it... if even that far.

I'd be all over that Challenge! Go For it. I'm sure you can make it sew.

Soak in Evaporust for a week, rinse, clean, turn, maybe more rust off product and cleaning. Sanding, primers, fillers, more sanding, a good 2 millimeters of shellac or enamel paint,... I have seen 1930s cars wrecks brought back to life, it can be done if you really want to. If they had chromed the whole thing it would be still be in pretty good condition.

Yep, you're crazy. Certifiable. :)

A little update. I have the feed dogs loose. Clutch knob now works. Face plate is off, but neither bar is moving yet. underbed cam shaft will turn a couple of degrees. It won't be sewing tomorrow. I'm following Massey's progress too.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]602394[/ATTACH]