1916 singer
#12
Power Poster
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Somewhere
Posts: 15,506
With the help of the internet you CAN clean, oil and repair your vintage machines. If someone is wanting to go vintage, may I suggest that you scout around the vintage sewing machine area of this board awhile before you buy. Most of the older machines will last a very long time and are very easy to use. If nothing else run it by us before you spend money on one. They aren't as likely to break as the newer plastic machines. Even the repair shops won't repair a plastic machine and there are no manuals or parts available for them. There is no point filling up a land fill when perfectly serviceable old sewing machines are out there to be had for not too much.
#14
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 6,430
We have a treadle machine in our family too. My father traded a shot gun for it in 1917. My daughter has it and my job is to clean and oil it this Christmas when I go there. I will take a belt with me when I go as I know this one is fried. The cabinet has 6 drawers in it. I am excited to clean this one up and I know you are thrilled to get this one also. Send us a picture when you have finished "beautifying" her (or him). Glad your husband has a task to keep his mind occupied also. Blessings on you both.
#15
Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Conroe, TX
Posts: 34
Hi everyone I just inheritated my grandfathers sewing machine that he made quilts on. He made hundreds as I remember and would put a sign out by the end of the drive advertising his quilts for sale. People from all over would stop and by them. Anyway I have his machine and I looked up the serial number and it is a 1916. I think this is what people call a red eye. The machine is loosing paint and I don't think i should do anything to restore it. The cabinet is not in bad condition I did clean the would with old english cleaner and the cast iron I cleaned with just a little oil. I have a belt for it and was wondering if I should take it in to be cleaned and have the belt put on? I will post pictures of it. Thanks for looking.
#17
#18
Be careful the products you use on the old finishes, may of them had shellac as the final top coat, and it is very vulnerable, no alcohol, saliva, or that type of cleaners. Use machine oil on a small corner it should loosen grime an restore the shine, be sure to wipe down with a very soft cloth afterwards. Be careful to not use any abrasives. Once you are done a good coat of turtle wax will do wonders.
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