Pudge

I have a few original bobbins for a Singer 66 that have rust on the center rod. How do I remove the rust? Will Iwreck them if I try fine steel wool and machine Oil?

WIChix

I have used 400 "grit" waterproof finishing sandpaper to clean up 66 bobbins. It helps, tho is a little harder to get the center stem. I haven't used these yet, but can't imagine how it, or fine steel wool,could hurt. Just use a gentle touch. Oh, and report back!

Mickey2

I have a small tub of Quick-Glo metal polish, it's very effective on old bobbins; I rip off a narrow strip of cotton fabric (like and old sheet), apply some polish and polish them clean and rust free in a couple of minutes (have someone hold the bobbin and you can hold both ends of the cotton strip). It's described as a cleaner and polish in one, and it works. I'm sure there are other polishes that does the same job, but you have search for them; polishes are very different when it comes to which types of metal, dirt, rust and tarnish it works best on.

You can use fine steel wool on them, with and with out soap, rinse in hot water and dry immediately. I don't think there's any advantage to sewing machine oil for this? A good polish gives them more shine and they often look like new after. If there's any pitting it can't be removed, but the rust and grime is.

SteveH

Fine Steel wool and SM oil will work great. Just be sure to clean it really well after.

OurWorkbench

Another option can be found at http://lizzielenard-vintagesewing.bl...ean-rusty.html

Janey - Neat people never make the exciting discoveries I do.

AnnaPP

Check out this video about removing rust with Coke.[h=1]MYTH BREAKERS #3 "Will Coca-Cola Remove Rust?" tubalcain[/h]

Mickey2

It looks like cola still works; they removed a key ingredient a few years back, phosphoric acid; those who drank a lot of coca cola risked having too much. This acid can be found in some rust removal products, but cola still contains lots of citric acids, ascorbic acid,... There's a lot of options for rust removaal, I lean towards finishing off with a suitable metal polish, most of us have one or two on a shelf some where. They bring back shine to the worn old bobbins. I can see my self sitting there holding a dremel with a polishing tip lol

wesing

I have never used it, but I have seen several references here for a product called Evaporust.