I have several Singer treadle machines (circa 1900) and want to clean and replace belts etc. But, I don't want to take to a machine replair place. Does anyone have someone come in to their home; guess I am not very trusting as I have heard others have received back switched heads. Thoughts?

Go to the "Virtual" section of the QB, and then you will see a list--at the bottom is a wonderful heading called Vintage Sewing Machines where you will find SEW much info on how to restore it your self, etc. Have fun!

Thank you very much.

Also, if you have any questions, Lostn51 (Billy) will be very helpful with vintage machines. These machines are wonderful and we purchased our belts on line. Believe they were around $7.95 plus shipping on e-bay.

I have old machines too, and do the cleaning and repair myself. There isn't much to go wrong. Some rags and good oil and you are on your way. I don't trust anyone else with my precious machines. Also a good idea to get a manual for you particular machine.

I restore and refurbish machines and I specialize in the ones from the 1860's to the 1930's but will work on them up to the mid to late 60's. I will give you a few links to go to so if you want to tackle the refurbishing yourself.

I also sell parts for them and have several parts machines for the hard to find parts. If you want me to refurbish your machine I can give you references and lots of photos of the machines I have worked on.

Here are the links:

http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-45816-1.htm

http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-45983-1.htm

http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-46696-1.htm

Billy

I have a good resource book on treadle repair and maintenance: "The Complete Guide to Treadle Sewing Machines" by Reuben O. Doyle. It's a soft-cover spiral bound book published in 2002. I think I got it from Clotilde but I just checked her site and Amazon - neither of them have it. If you can find it, it's really good for cleaning, adjustments, trouble-shooting, etc.

How about putting it all back together (laughter). WOW, this is a wealth of information. Thanks.

took the advise from an expert on treadle machines and used wd-40 and good soft cotton rags for cleaning everything from top to bottom on my machine. for my cabinet i used a good furniture wax and then buffed to a shine.

The only thing about WD-40 is it will soften the finish on the irons if you not careful. They were japanned just like the machines were and I know you wouldnt polish a machine with it.

I just use Liquid Gold on them after a good dusting.

Billy