Old portable singer I can not get the wooden top of to see the machine
 

After reading through some of the blogs, It made me go in search of my grandmothers old machine. I bought it at auction when my grandfather passed 20 years ago. It has been sitting in a closent all this time. It is portable, has a wooden veneer top. but it is locked in place how do I get it off without damaging it ?????

Use a small screwdriver as a key. These old locks aren't very complicated with tumblers and all that... it should open right up! :)

Thanks so much !!!!!!!!!! I finally got it open and somewhat wiped off. Where do I find the model on it. there is a plate that reads AD828101

I went to the singer site, it was manufactured in 1935

Do people repair these and where should I look to find someone???

Your machine is a Model 99, which is a 3/4 size machine, made in 1935. They are very easy to clean up and get running. You don't need to take it to anyone....do it in your kitchen!! There are several video tutorials posted on here by MUV showing how to clean them and get them going. It will cost you $60+ to take to a shop, and about $5 in supplies to do it yourself. We are here to offer suggestions and instructions. You can do it!!

Hello lkirtley

Show us some pictures of your machine - we want to admire it!

Don't be scared of cleaning up a machine. A few years back I started asking around at sewing machine shops for old machines. Even though they know how to fix and service them, they really aren't interested in them because they don't earn them enough money. If I wanted one from them (if they found one) and if I wanted one serviced, either way it would be £35. Needless to say they never came back to me with a second hand machine, so I started looking on Ebay for machines and taught myself how to clean them up. It's not difficult, and I made the videos so other people could have as much fun as I have had. Get cracking - you can do it!

PS I am a real girlie and wouldn't dream of using a screwdriver on anything but a sewing machine.

Thank you so very much for the information !!!!!!!! I will try to get a picture of it up tomorrow.

Charlee, on another subject..... Did the featherweights have a buttonhole attachment that could be purchased?
I have a person who has a couple and will give me one for free if it will fit my 1950 Centennial 221..
Thanks ahead of time.

Yes - needs to be low shank and it needs to go side to side - the professional low shank button hole makers have to have zig zag. go get it!