KenZ

Treadle Base Dilemma

The paint on my new to me treadle base is 95 percent intact and the gold on the Singer markings are faded but still very visible. Can the black and gold be cleaned up and shined? If so what is the best method? I would rather not paint the base t this time if it can be avoided.

Rodney

A simple wipe down with sewing machine oil is all that most irons need to look good again. By the time you get all the years of dust out of all the little nooks and crannies you'll probably decide you've done enough. I know I did.
I haven't tried it so can't say for sure, a good paste wax might do the same and last longer with just a little more work.
Rodney

SteveH

2x on what Rodney said! Microfiber cloth, sewing machine oil, patience....

KenZ

Thanks Rodney and Steve. Sewing machine oil worked very well on the machine and made it look great. I oiled the machine and sat it in the warm sun for about n hour. The machine was frozen and it turns freely now.

SteveH

same for the irons.

I have a set of early Wilson Treadle Irons (not Wheeler & Wilson, just Wilson) that I was taking apart because I was sure after having cleaned up literally dozens of pre-1880 treadles that this one was going to need stripping and repaint. but I got bored one evening and decided to work one of the rusty areas and it cleaned up so well I have decided I can just clean it (ALWAYS preferred). And these looked bad, NO gold work left at all... until I got through the grit and crud. Now there is a little.

purplefiend

The Elgin irons I have are the rough finish, they are a pain to clean, they'll never be shiny. However they do what they are supposed to do.