More graveyard rescues
 

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So I happened to be in the neighborhood of a VSM graveyard. Found this fiddlebase vs outside.
[ATTACH=CONFIG]580421[/ATTACH] didn't look terrible.

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66 looked worse and wouldn't turn more than a few degrees

[ATTACH=CONFIG]580423[/ATTACH] 99 was tolerable, kept inside, had most of it's bentwood intact, and had bits with it.

99 is now spinning freely, VS is turning nicely and the shuttle is liberated (alas, no bobbin in it). 66 is turning but will never be a beauty. Rat rod candidate.

After pictures will come later.

found some hand wheels too[ATTACH=CONFIG]580425[/ATTACH]

bought 3 Singers and a flat belt????[ATTACH=CONFIG]580426[/ATTACH]

99 came with leather belt to the motor. I was surprised. One handwheel is now cleaned up enough to fit on a shaft. Oil and cloth scrubbing only in the hub. Steel wool on external shiny bits.

Can't wait to see the after photos. Leon, do you use steel wool on the outer shiny edge of the handwheel, too? I have a handwheel (Singer27), that is a wee bit pitted and could be shinier. Metal polish doesn't do the job. Thanks.

How do you keep coming up with the sewing machine graveyards?

bkay

I don't normally read this section as I am not into vintage machines. However, your title really caught my attention and I took a peek. I am so glad I did and now I can't wait to see these machines after you work your magic. Something tells me they will be beautiful!

Ditto JanieH. Every so often I take a peek to see what wonders have been wrought upon these dull and degraded derelicts. Can't wait.

SLEDGE hammers on the table behind the machine, does not look like they were needed*Ü*
Interesting for so many machines to be abused in your area, good for you to give them some life.

Wichix, Yes, I used steel wool on the part of the handwheel that should be shiny. I suppose I should polish it now. Pics later of just the handwheel.

Bkay, same graveyard as before, but someone told me to look inside too. Owners didn't mention they had any inside. This time I had to track down some more.

I passed on this Western Electric with a W E motor that looked like a Hamilton Beach. Maybe next trip?
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Thanks Janie

I also drooled over some 40s bicycles.

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I've used a rubber hammer as a last resort. But only on one REALLY stubborn Necchi Superrnova. I thought I was going to have to make a puller for that handwheel. Sledge hammer has only been in my thoughts. Not on my worktable.

wow that is so sad but it's also encouraging you're going to restore them. Yes, how do you come up with vintage graveyard sewing machines?

I have a wide range of interests and I enjoy traveling. I grew up as a farm kid and a gearhead. I don't mind looking in the backroom or backyard of grungy shops. I wear a little flashlight on my belt. People with a wide reach e-mail me with pics. "Have you seen this in xxx city?" Some (rarely) send me notes. "Would you like this VSM for free?" I cover a lot of Eastern Kansas and have ventured into neighboring states. I have family that helps with this hobby. I just saw Janey and John in Colorado and was regretting having a small car when I looked at Denver Craigslist. But then I found the ones pictured here on the way home. After I dropped of my sis. woo hoo more space.

It's a pleasure to share some of the great machines that you know you aren't going to repair with someone you think will appreciate them. I've sent machines to Leon by way of his cousin who goes to Kansas regularly.

It must be his charming personality. What else could it be?

bkay

It certainly isn't my good looks. I should take delivery of bkay's latest machine on Saturday.
Happy the 750 is getting some attention.

Too bad the 66 got painted. It originally had the Lotus decals. I've seen a couple of early machines that have been painted all black and one hadn't been taken apart to paint.

So many machines like the VS2 and 66s are missing the slide plates. Did the 99 have its slide plate withe the other bits that came with it?

I have been keeping my eyes open for a Western Electric machine. I have a foot shape controller that would need to be rewired if I found a machine for it.

I initially thought flat hand wheel would take a flat belt but then I noticed that it would take a normal treadle belt. The Weed hand wheel is flat, but not as large as the one you have.

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

"So many machines like the VS2 and 66s are missing the slide plates. Did the 99 have its slide plate withe the other bits that came with it?"

Nope, the 99 was missing the slide plate, but I have enough machines I can borrow one when needed.

"I have been keeping my eyes open for a Western Electric machine."

I went back and asked about it. Too greedy for me.

The vs2 is looking better and moving smoother, just about ready to thread it up.
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"I initially thought flat hand wheel would take a flat belt but then I noticed that it would take a normal treadle belt."
Yes, that caught me too.

Whoops, cousin didn't make it yet. Oh well, I have a 15-91 I got[ATTACH=CONFIG]580811[/ATTACH] this weekend. Abuse here?

Cords had bare wire showing side by side. It will turn all the way through without any funny noises, so except for the thread guide it may be ok.