Originally Posted by DogHouseMom

I have a two questions. I am soon to embark on restoring a 1923 Singer Model 66 Treadle Red Eye. The decals are in great shape and naturally I'd like to keep them that way.

I've reviewed Billy's tute on cleaning and disassembling the machine, and I've reviewed *some* of the 1584 pages of posts here on this thread and elsewhere on QB. In the tute, he basically soaks/scrubs the entire machine in kerosene - including the decals. BUT I seem to recall seeing at least one post, and my husband is also worried, that Kerosend will remove/damage the decals.

So which is it? Will kerosene ruin the decals??

Second question is with regard to cleaning the workings of the machine. In Billy's tute he removed everything under the face place, the bobbin winder, the bobbin holder, the tension discs - etc. At no time did I see him remove any of the parts located in the pillar or upper arm (the gear works). So ... can these parts be removed? I'd really like to give them a good scrubbing.

thanks all. This is my first vintage machine. It's a voyage of discovery for me.

BTW - Hubby is in charge of restoring/revamping the cabinet which was in poor condition - but the irons all work well which is the important part. We decided that we're going to completely replace the wood top and instead of a drop in table he's going to make a coffin top and recess the machine. He already has the irons all apart and has sand blasted the wheel so far.

Thanks all
Sue - proud new owner of a not YET working vintage treadle

Originally Posted by justtrish

It is a 191J.....

I will go and check out that link. Thanks Miriam

Originally Posted by BoJangles

It has been a while since I used my ruffler, but from what I can remember, there is a way to set it to make a few stitches and then skip a few. This one came with my 500A and I have had it since 1962. Do you have instructions?

Originally Posted by justtrish

Ok Miriam.. I will now start hunting for a service manual.

Any excuse to buy another sewing machine related item... ;)

Originally Posted by miriam

Basically, everyone has his or her own way of doing it. For me it varies according to what I find inside a machine. If you are worried, you can use sewing machine oil to clean the decals. I figure take it apart if you can get it back together. Do a bit at a time. Keep a muffin pan around to collect parts. If you disassemble much you will need to have a service manual handy. So far, on MOST machines, I have given things a good cleaning without taking all that much apart. One machine may need a tension dis-assembly the next maybe not. On another a needle bar may need to be replaced. If it is really gummed up or rusted I can see that you might have to disassemble more or VERY carefully use a stronger solvent. I use an eyelash brush to get in the tight places. Some here recommend putting the machine on a towel or a disposable diaper. Let us see how it turns out!

Originally Posted by miriam

all I found was 306 & 401 and a bunch of industrial manuals.

Originally Posted by vintagemotif

Sometimes you can find them free off the internet to download. Just have to hunt.

Originally Posted by BoJangles

Donna, I agree with Monica if you are on the hunt for an e-machine, which I know you are, - but for the rest of you that want a treadle to free motion quilt with - find a 15-88! They come as treadles, never had a motor attached. I do all my free motion quilting with my 15-88!

Nancy