You can tell your son that many of us prefer a machine with some (or even a lot) of wear. I generally find that the more use a machine has had, the better it sews for me. It may be because the machine is well-broken in, or it may be that the machines with fine decals look that way because it wasn't that great a stitcher in the first place, and therefore wasn't used as much. I know for sure I'm not the only one who prefers a machine that's seen some use.

My Mom had a Golden T&S. I detested that machine to the nth degree! I'm so glad that Singer made better machines.

I have found the same to be true. You wouldn't believe how beat up my Mom's FW machine is and how well it still runs. That little machine served our family well for over 60 years with out ever being serviced. I've seen many machines that looked pristine and then figured out there was some issue or other that had never been resolved. I would rather see one over oiled and gunked up with oil than one that has been rusted. When I see one that has been used and used and used, it makes me wonder what all she made. Was it all of the clothes for a big happy family? Did she make a wedding dress? Did she make a suit? Did she make hundreds of little dresses? Did she hem jeans for the boys? Baby clothes? Did she mend a tent? Did she make quilts and curtains? Did she re-upholster the couch? Think of all those scratches as little merit badges.... And the best part.... that machine isn't ready to retire - it just wants a new big family to work for.

[ It seems Grandma sewed on it until just before she died at 85. Now to figure how to remove the layer of hardened grime without hurting the decals.

You can gently wipe the grime with a cotton ball soak in the waterless handcleaner "Goop" (without pumice) available at Walmart and lots of othere places. Just go gently to be sure that you aren't scrubbing the grime into the decals. Another way is to soften the grime with clean sewing machine oil and gently wipe the grime away with cotton balls. The cotton balls won't scratch like fabric or paper towels.
Texas Jan

Cathy you are so modest! You do way more than collect vintage machines! Geeze, you amaze me! I was fascinated watching you at the Mini TOGA fix that 28 with blunt force on that shuttle race thingy! Such an educational TOGA! I learn so much at your house - with your what is it? - 25 years of collecting and fixing the old machines - you are so knowledgeable! We are very fortunate you came on board because we get some really interesting questions that need lots of help sometimes!

I am sorry I had to leave early, but we have 8 grandkids staying till Friday! Grampa can only handle so much and he gets tired! Grammama has to come to the rescue and keep all these guys entertained!

I can't wait to get the other hinges. We will just keep trying until somethig clicks!

Nancy

Kathie I am so sorry you are still sick! Between Cathy and my DH, we will figure out the hinge thing. Rod says if he has to he can take a set of hinges apart and re-weld them to make the orientation right, but Cathy has some more hinges we are going to try before we get that desperate!

Nancy

Let's play a game. It's called "What is it?" from tantalizing CL pictures.

http://wichitafalls.craigslist.org/atq/2769906381.html

When asked the model or for another picture with the machine itself, the seller said she thought it was a Singer. I had already figured that from the cabinet style and the poor dangling 2-button foot controller. :)

Bennett,

This comment may show my age. but....What is it?....."that's the 64 thousand dollar question"

Cathy

:) Wouldn't it be nice to win a prize for correctly guessing the machines listed on CL ads that never actually show the machine?

I may be able to see it in person today or tomorrow.

Nancy,

I just gave your husband the extra hinges. I'm crossing my fingers that one combo works.

"fix that 28 with blunt force" Let us call that gentle persuasion. I was actually just opening up the thread embrasure.
It was so tight that the thread popped through it, therefore giving the thread a momentary super high tension and causing the upper thread to bunch up on the bottom (AKA thread barf). I hope that was clearer that mud.

Cathy