Originally Posted by beaniekins

I have an opportunity to buy this machine. Is this a 401? I've heard the praises of the 301, but is this machine good too? It looks so sad under all that grime. I just want to take it home and clean it.

Originally Posted by BoJangles

I am so excited! My Betty Davis - Davis Vertical Feed from 1886 - was without her cabinet for the last 3 or so months! Well, DH had to re-veneer the cabinet because the flip top was so bad - veneer off, split, coming off, that it would catch on my quilts when I was trying to put the bindings on them. DH re-veneered the flip top, we sanded and just used Howards Restore a finish on the rest of the cabinet and now Betty has her cabinet back! Better yet, I have my binding machine back!

Nancy

Originally Posted by BoJangles

Ok here is Kathie's newest family member. When she first told me she got a Franklin sold by Sears I thought it was one of the White badged Franklin's, but it is not! The Franklin is probably made by Davis - who was the sole supplier of sewing machines to Sears until 1912. In 1911 the Franklin was introduced with an elaborate Egyptian type decal, an exact imitation of Singer's 27/127.

Here is a link to Sears history where I got some of my information! http://www.ismacs.net/sears/sears.html

Originally Posted by deplaylady

Painting a FW - I need to repaint my FW. Seriously. What are the pros and cons of repainting it the original japan black vs another color? It was at the repair shop from 15 minutes after I got it to Saturday when I picked it up. I didn't get a good chance to really look it over - the shop was supposed to clean it as well as tune it up, but after having it for 6 weeks they just looked at it Saturday and replaced the belt and light (as stated on the receipt - promised 6/6, machine looked at and done on 6/11). It has a lot of paint missing from underneath the arm (I see a lot of aluminum!) and wiping off crud even with gentle stuff removed some of the trim. So I have ordered new decals. If I repainted black do I have to remove all the paint or can I just make the surface smooth? Does having a different color effect value - right now it runs well, but sadly, it's not very pretty. I've ordered Dave's book, but looking for a little input from board experts.

Originally Posted by luce321

The links you posted said they were unavailable.

Originally Posted by Lostn51

That is a really beautiful machine!! I love it that you know its history, that makes it just that much more valuable to a person. Be sure to write down the history of the machine and keep it in a drawer so that who ever gets the machine will be able to pass it along!

Billy

Originally Posted by Glenn

I think this is a great idea. I am like you there is nothing better than making a guilt with a vintage treadle. I even like the smell of the old machines!!! :lol: