wilburness

Sheluma, I just looked at it. it is powdery and no there is no rust on the bottom the FW. there is mold on the inside of the case. it must have stunk because under was a bunch of clothes dryer sheets and an air freshener. I took off the bottom pan and it is really dirty but not wet. I will have to replace it. the manual was on the bottom and it feels powdery and a little oily. here are the pictures.

Bobquilts

The ugliness on the lead wire casing is normal, all 221's have it. You can clean it as often as you like but it will never make any difference to the operation of the machine. New decals can be bought at several places however, just putting on new decals and using the machine is NOT the way to make her look beautiful for more than a few days. The old decals would have to be removed first then new ones applied and a clear top coat applied to the entire machine. I restore these little beauties and there's more work to it than just putting new decals on. You can spend upwards of $400.00 to get her restored or just use her like she is.

Bobquilts

The 221 is made of aluminum --- aluminum doesn't rust.

Sheluma

Wilburness, You're right, that's mold in the case. There is a lot of information online about cleaning FW cases. I've never had one, but personally I would start by washing with soap and water, then let dry and put it in the sun if you can. I hope others will chime in with their moldy-case experiences.
I would think you could clean the pan -- it might be a bit expensive to replace. The felt is easily replaced. You can cut a new one yourself from felt yardage, or buy one.

Bob, you're right the body won't rust but the steel parts can rust. Parts of the aluminum that aren't covered with paint can also oxidize with a whitish bloom.

Here's what can happen if a FW sits in water or lives in a too-damp environment.
http://sewing-machines.blogspot.com/...herweight.html

mpeters1200

So I realized I haven't posted anything in a while. SHAME ON ME....can you guess what I've been doing? Sewing on the FW!!! She is 100% restored and fully functional. Thanks to all the articles and tips from Arcane, she's up and running and gorgeous.

I couldn't figure out, after I put the tensioner back on, why she wouldn't sew! So I broke down and took her to my VSMG. He looked at her all of 5 seconds and diagnosed the problem right away. He didn't charge me anything, but, he did admire all the work I put into her. He says he can't believe 3 years ago, when I knew nothing and bought a 66 from him, that I'd ever be able to restore a FW. He can't get over how much I've learned and what a good job I did on mom's machine.

I now know that there's a slot the bobbin case is supposed to go into and it has to go in at a 12 oclock position or it won't sew. That was easy enough.

Thanks to everyone who helped me and encouraged me along. She's even been piecing a little bit so I can get to know her!

Rodney

Congrats on getting her back up and running.
Rodney

ro

its amazing what a little spit shine will do. enjoy your new found friend.

ro

is there a place where you can buy the decals.

Jeanette Frantz

Congratulations on getting your Mom's FW restored. I also have a Featherweight -- lucked out (my son found it at the Good Will store for $50.00. There's no case and no attachments, but I primarily use it for piecing. Mine is a white (1954) and sews like a champ!

I think you're wise not to try to replace the decals -- they'll lever be quite what the originals are. Besides the wearing of the decals tells a tale of history -- the love your Mom put into everything she sent through that machine is worth more than Gold.

Again, congratulatins!

Jeanette Frantz

kiffie2413

Great that you got your mom's fw running again! Now you will add more memories to it!
My recently acquired fw came from Great Britain..she is in excellent shape, her case looks practically new, has keys and all..but it stinks! Has that "smell" that others speak of. I have tried everything I have come across to try and get the smell out. So far nothing has worked..
K