Rot on Featherweight
 

How difficult would it be to clean this machine up?

Underside
 

This is the bottom....
she says the cords and foot pedal are fine - whatever that means
There is also tape and residue on the stitch plate

I have one aluminum body machine that had quite a bit of corrosion on the underside. I soaked paper towels in vinegar and laid them on the corrosion and let it sit, then wiped off most of the corrosion, I think I may have used a nylon brush as needed.
I would soak the tape/residue with a healthy coat of oil and let it sit.

If the chrome work is good and there is no seizures (main parts moving), then it won't be hard to clean the machine up. Cost is the question as we don't know what parts, etc. the machine needs other than a clean. Replace all wiring as a habit, then swap out parts as needed. Also check the light fitting as some need to be replaced due to age/use. Other than that, enjoy the machine https://cdn.quiltingboard.com/images...es/thumbup.png

I just learned something new for my FW that has a bit of corrasion on it. Thanks for the tip.

Go to our friend Google. There is so much information about how to clean and repair older machines, specifically a featherweight like yours. I have learned how to clean and oil my FW and even how to replace the belt on a treadle. Keep watching here and ask lots of questions. The photos help tremendously.

the featherweight shop may be a good source for you two.

Someone may tell you, rightly??, that vinegar is not good. I used it on the aluminum machine I had because the machine was only $10 (Kenmore 117.812) and I had vinegar and I was taking a chance it would work. Proceed with caution on a nice machine such as a FW.

There is a book written by Dave McCallum called "The Featherweight and I" that has all the information you will need to take care of and repair and clean your featherweight. It is a life saver. It was so successful he followed it up with videos he titled "Those Fantastic Featherweights." It is expensive because there are 45 videos covering most everything you will ever need to know. I wouldn't be without either one! Carol

I think at $300 it is too expensive. And she won't post or send a picture of the cords etc. I will pass on it.