If you are on Treadleon, you know DH dickered and we brought home a WW9 and an early Davis low arm VS. The Davis is really dirty. Will post pics later. Have to unload from the van first.

TOGA= Treadle On Gathering and Academy

I found the snake skin in a box with a treadle head I bought from my friend Diane in Tennessee. The head had been in a storage building by the lake she lives on, and the snake must have crawled in there to shed it's skin!!

The National pictured was cleaned with GoJo (no pumice) and waxed with Armour All; using 3 coats and letting it dry completely between coats. I have never had any trouble using GoJo on heads, but obviously, I am careful when cleaning. The first machine I cleaned up, a Red Eye (and unfortunately, a family machine) had a bit of decal damage, as I used some water on it. Not a good choice, and I never tried that again--but that was back before I knew how to go about it. I do believe that more damage is caused by aggressive cleaning than the cleaners themselves.
I also think there's more than one "good" way to clean, so if you have one and it works, then use it!! TR 3 is a good cleaner/polisher, but to me it takes forever. I have used it on more modern machines (from the 40s and 50s) with great results. Harry Berzack's curator uses a spray foam on all of the machines. I can't remember the name right off hand, but it makes most of us gasp. He says he has no trouble with it, though!!
Carter Bays doesn't clean his at all. His machines are complete with original spider webs. They aren't used, so I guess that makes sense. Whatever works.

Thank you Sharon!

Nancy

Well, I guess we all have to live and learn. I am more and more convinced that my Davis lost her 'DA' because of my dedication to cleaning off the gunk that had built up for over 120 years. It just surprised the heck out of me that I didn't notice I was wiping off her decals until I had already wiped them off. Actually, she doesn't look bad. I was in such shock at what I had done that I thought the decals had completely disappeared. After going back to look at my handi work, I see that there is silver where the 'Davis' use to be. I wanted this machine clean because I intend to use her. I would love to go back and perserve the "DA," which was all that was left of Davis when I got her - but, oh well!

Nancy

INTEReStING. So the Schmetz don't quite fit the 301. Well... that's good to know. I'm hoping to get a 301 in the cabinet, so that I can come and 'go' too. I just need something to transport her in. Like a case. May check out one of those soft side, cheapo rolling things like at Joannes. And sew up a set of fleece 'bags' for the contoller/footpedal, the attachments and a machine bag... to put it all in before stowing in the roll-e, poll-e.

Thanks for the tip!

I have never had any problems using Schmetz needles in my 301s. I wonder is there might be old dried oil in the needlebar and its causing the problem?

I use Schmetz needles in all of my machines including my 301 and never had an issue. Sounds like you have crud in the needlebar keeping the needle from getting set.

Billy

This weekend I found a Spartan for $20 that says 192K on the thread stitch length area. The wheel turns, but that is all, nothing else. The lady wanted $55 for it. I can't get it out of the "bed" it is in to look for any numbers, not sure were to look. I bought 4 machines this weekend. A Spartan, a Wizard, a Singer 99K-, and Kenmore all for $90. Not certain if I paid too much, but I am learning. My sister gave me a Singer with the cabinet. Nothing special that I can tell yet. LOL And it all started with someone giving me a 99K in a cabinet last week.

Pictures later.

I use Schmetz needles also and never had a problem. Glenn