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Across the Fence:  Singer Treadle Sewing Machine Help  |
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YakLady
True Blue Farmgirl
652 Posts
Natalie
Montana
USA
652 Posts |
 Posted - Jun 30 2012 : 11:07:20 AM
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Hi farmgirls! I know a few of you are great with these machines, so I'm posting here for advice. I've wanted one of these for a while, and I finally got one!
This belonged to a family for 3 generations in Devil's Lake, ND area before they brought it out to MT, and now they're moving back and can't take it, so I got it at their moving sale.
The top of the cabinet is in rough shape. The top most layer is cracked and peeling- Can I re-finish it somehow?
The leather cord/belt is broken. Where would I go about getting a new one?
Also, these gears are pretty darn stuck- should they be free-moving? How would I fix this?
The treadle works great and the needle moves with the wheel (wrong term, I'm sure) So I think that functionally it will be okay once I address the cord issue :)
I would like to eventually return this beautiful piece of history to it's former glory. Just getting it functional in the meantime would be great, though! I am very anxious to get to using it!
Thanks for any/all help!!
~Natalie~ Just a farmgirl in Western Montana. http://mtnme.blogspot.com
Starting a family and raising Tibetan Yaks, Highland cattle, Laying hens, Muscovy ducks, Silver Fox rabbits, and a few dogs. |
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rphelps4
True Blue Farmgirl
620 Posts
roxanna
westport
indiana
USA
620 Posts |
Posted - Jun 30 2012 : 12:58:22 PM
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| You can clean it then start oiling the heck out of it,there isn't much that can go wrong with these great treasurers, they are so simple. look on line for a belt, I got my at a singer store. Good luck I am looking forward to hearing about all the great things you make with your new/old machine. If I remember right you can date it by the number on the front of the machine. |
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oldbittyhen
True Blue Farmgirl
1511 Posts
tina
quartz hill
ca
USA
1511 Posts |
Posted - Jun 30 2012 : 1:06:54 PM
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most of the wood on these old cabinets were vennered (sp?), so its its too far gone you can replace the wood, or clean really well with wood oil soap, while still damp put a thick very flat piece of wood over it and weight down with bricks evenly, check every few days and when completly dry, see how it looks, if you still have some ruff edges, you can feather them out with some very extra fine steel wool or dry sandpaper...
"Knowlege is knowing that a tomato is a fruit, Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad" |
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batznthebelfry
True Blue Farmgirl
1257 Posts
Michele
Athol
Ma
USA
1257 Posts |
Posted - Jun 30 2012 : 3:12:13 PM
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oh this is such a lovely machine you got...now I used to repair these so I can help you a bit with it :)...1st the damaged wood areas are wood laminate that can be removed: spray the area with water but don't let it pool, let set a few minutes then place a damp towel over it let set 30-1 hour...use a iron on steam & iron the towel to help release the glue...use a scrapper to get under the laminate & scrap it off...sand the area really well to remove all glue & then you can buy sheets of pine, maple, oak pure wood laminate that is thin at a wood speciality shop & using a good wood glue put a thin layer of glue down let it set for 1-2 minutes then roll your laminate over it..use an iron that is not on for the weight to press it down.......use box cutter or blade to trim the areas after it has dried at least 12 hours.......if you do not want to go this route you can still scrap off the laminate & sand & stain the wood that is under the laminate...I have done both & both are lovely so don't worry which you go with...just remember to get a good polishing wood wax that you should use at least 4 times a year on all the wood areas.
Next thing you need to do is you will see a copper.gold circle in front of the machine with tiny screws you need to remove the plate & don't lose the screws!!!lol...been there....what this does it open up the area where when you oil you can see the inside a bit...you need to take a small cotton rag & tie it really well with string to a chop stick type piece...you need to clean as much of the old oil out of it as you can, this takes time & you will need to keep replacing the rag as it gets dirty...most of the oil will be gluey so use some plain old rubbing alcohol on the rag & you will need a flash light to see some of the areas......make sure to angle your rag stick upwards & downwards to the places you can't see...next let air dry for at east 30 mins after you are done then using a clean rag on the stick use sewing machine oil & pour some on the rag...not dripping & go back inside the machine & coat the parts you saw or felt with the oil then replace the plate.
In photo #3 you show where there are 2 screws you need to remove those, lightly sand off the rust, clean the screws in alcohol, dry them as the holes they go in...lightly oil the area the screw goes in with oil & use qtip to add the oil & to remove extra...screw everything back together...wash wheel area where it connects to the machine & using the qtip with oil, oil that area as well
you can get a new leather wheel/ belt on the web thur a sewing company that deals with machines.
you also need to turn the machine over on its side so you can see the bobbin area...all of that needs to be cleaned with alcohol & lightly oiled as well..the bobbin may need a bit of sanding for any rust but don't oil the inside of the bobbin..check any tiny screws for gunk, dust or rust & clean as needed.
you also need to check the areas where the top thread goes to meet the needle...clean all areas with the alcohol rag then lightly oil then wipe off the oil..you are wanting to lubricate areas so turn the wheel as you do this so areas you can't get to are getting done but don't do so much oil that when you go to sew you have oil on the thread.....
I noticed the inside of the belt holder is also rusty...sand what you can of this cause over time it will tear into the leather belt....wash it down with the alcohol & then oil then remove oil...you may have to do this a few time before you get the belt
make sure to heavily wax or oil..I prefer lemon oil for the wood cabinet...I paint in on with a paint brush so it can get into the wood..do the inside of the cabinet where the machine rest when not in use as well..then the next day I go in & wipe it & polish it...I use that rag then to wipe down the metal stand it is on & the foot plate...I do the underside as well & check the foot plate screws to see if they need extra oil so the foot plate moves correctly.
I take out the drawers also & wipe them down with the oil & then use beeswax on the bottoms so they slide into the cabinet nicely & don't get stuck.....never use water on this machine as they will rust quite fast or on the wood..you never want the wood to swell as it will mess up the cabinet...its ok for it you spill something like coffee but never wash the whole cabinet with water or soapy water.....
As for oils...never oil unless using sewing machine oil on the parts this oil is based for machines & won't gunk up like other oils say baby oils.....it is better not to seal the wood with a wood seal type paint/stain...you need this to be able to breath because one its age & two you don't want an area to wear where moisture can get into that one area...best to let the whole cabinet breathe.
Mineral oil, lemon oil, beeswax are the best items to use if you have them....never use baby oil or lard.....pure vegetable oil is alright but over time will get gluey on the wood.....
I am sooo thrilled for you & know you will have a great time with this once you have it going.....great for the legs!...make sure where ever you set it up you keep it level......if the cabinet rocks it wears on the belt & makes it harder on your legs..plus it will vibrate quite loudly & the family may not be happy with you...lol...Michele'
Chickens RULE!
hen #2622
theoldbatzfarm.blogspot.com |
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YakLady
True Blue Farmgirl
652 Posts
Natalie
Montana
USA
652 Posts |
Posted - Jun 30 2012 : 7:17:52 PM
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Thanks ladies!! I will get started on this after I go get some supplies :)
~Natalie~ Just a farmgirl in Western Montana. http://mtnme.blogspot.com
Starting a family and raising Tibetan Yaks, Highland cattle, Laying hens, Muscovy ducks, Silver Fox rabbits, and a few dogs. |
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rough start farmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
3331 Posts
marianne
The Beautiful Pacific NW
Washington State
USA
3331 Posts |
Posted - Jul 01 2012 : 01:46:35 AM
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Natalie, What a gorgeous find. I am green with envy. And what luck to have Michele!! You sure know your stuff, Michele. I would love to see some AFTER photos when you finish up, Natalie. Best of luck
Marianne |
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windypines
True Blue Farmgirl
4100 Posts
Michele
Bruce
Wisconsin
USA
4100 Posts |
Posted - Jul 01 2012 : 04:11:31 AM
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Lehmans have the belt you need. Check them out online
Michele |
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Cabin Dreamer
True Blue Farmgirl
54 Posts
Brenda
Cortland
NY
USA
54 Posts |
Posted - Jul 01 2012 : 05:13:48 AM
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Natalie - nice find!
Michele, I have 2 of these machines that I bought at separate times in auctions. The first one I bought because the machine itself is very ornate and in decent shape, but the cabinet is in rough shape and the wheels are missing from the base. The second one I purchased because the cabinet is in better shape and the wheels are on the base. On both I am missing the front board that hides the machine when it is folded down and I am also missing 1 wooden knob for a drawer. I have researched both by the serial number and discovered both machines were built in 1910. I planned to switch out the machines so I would have the nicer machine in the nicer cabinet. Have you come across problems doing this? I also did not know where to start to clean them up and refurbish them, your post is very helpful. Will the rubbing alcohol hurt the ornate paint on the machine? These poor machines have been sitting in my back room for about 3 yrs now, time for me to do something with them. My best laid plans were to get a machine cleaned and operating and take it up to our camp (where we have no electric)for something to do on the rainy or snowy days.
I am so glad this post came up! It has got me motivated!
Farmgirl #1954 |
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naturemaiden
True Blue Farmgirl
2568 Posts
Connie - Farmgirl #673
Hoosick Falls
NY
USA
2568 Posts |
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batznthebelfry
True Blue Farmgirl
1257 Posts
Michele
Athol
Ma
USA
1257 Posts |
Posted - Jul 01 2012 : 08:02:16 AM
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Brenda the rubbing alcohol should not be used on the painted areas of the sewing machine itself just on the areas of pure metal...for the painted area use a nearly dry rag & wipe the painter areas gently & then use beeswax or oil & put a very small amount on a new rag & buff it into the machine where the painted areas are...do it very carefully & gently...no heavy rubbing is needed, you just want to clean any dust or gunk & then reseal the painted areas with the beeswax or oil....melt the beeswax in a microwave...about 5-10 secs to soften it so its easy to put on the cloth but don't melt it completely as it will gum up on the rag & you then have to battle it....as for your moving machines & replacing parts I have not had to do that as of yet but when you do thats a good time to clean your machine while its out of the cabinet plus it will let you look at both cabinet inside as well & see what you have to work with....also use a good wood glue...no staples when putting the cabinets back together....staples vibrate out so yo will have problems later on plus its not original to the machine or cabinet...For a new front board look for a nice pine sheet of wood the same thickness if possible...you can add a laminate later if wanted......use good finishing nails & work carefully hammering them in once you have the wood cut/sanded & ready to be placed in......or if you are not going to use the other cabinet take a back piece of its wood for the front of your nicer cabinet...it will hopefully have the same or near same aging look to it plus it will also have the same dryness in the wood...meaning since they are both from the same era the wood has set/aged about the same amount of years so you wont have to worry about new wood which hasn't aged as long & could over time bow/worp ect............
Also since you talk about taking it to your camp...do you have electic that you run when not there?...if not you will want to cover the cabinet once the machine is back in it with a heavy blanket...have it drag down to the floor on all sides to help keep extra moisture out of the wood......also if the machine should get cold over winters with no use your oil may gunk up quicker than normal so make sure to check it by moving the wheel & seeing how well the needle moves up & down...if it sticks you will need to remove the front plate...& clean like I talked about about & oil where wheel meets the machine & maybe the bobbin area.....I am blessed with a wonderful all wood cabinet machine from the 1930's Montgomery Wards plus a older Singer with the full metal base....love them both...Michele'
Chickens RULE!
hen #2622
theoldbatzfarm.blogspot.com |
Edited by - batznthebelfry on Jul 01 2012 08:04:45 AM |
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YakLady
True Blue Farmgirl
652 Posts
Natalie
Montana
USA
652 Posts |
Posted - Jul 01 2012 : 10:07:37 AM
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Thank you all :D I'm going to town today to get supplies!
~Natalie~ Just a farmgirl in Western Montana. http://mtnme.blogspot.com
Starting a family and raising Tibetan Yaks, Highland cattle, Laying hens, Muscovy ducks, Silver Fox rabbits, and a few dogs. |
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naturemaiden
True Blue Farmgirl
2568 Posts
Connie - Farmgirl #673
Hoosick Falls
NY
USA
2568 Posts |
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naturemaiden
True Blue Farmgirl
2568 Posts
Connie - Farmgirl #673
Hoosick Falls
NY
USA
2568 Posts |
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YakLady
True Blue Farmgirl
652 Posts
Natalie
Montana
USA
652 Posts |
Posted - Jul 02 2012 : 06:09:49 AM
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It's post 1900- No marked model number, the serial is AA310718. I think I'll call Singer tomorrow to ask about it.
Kroil... Looking into that, thanks!
~Natalie~ Just a farmgirl in Western Montana. http://mtnme.blogspot.com
Starting a family and raising Tibetan Yaks, Highland cattle, Laying hens, Muscovy ducks, Silver Fox rabbits, and a few dogs. |
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naturemaiden
True Blue Farmgirl
2568 Posts
Connie - Farmgirl #673
Hoosick Falls
NY
USA
2568 Posts |
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YakLady
True Blue Farmgirl
652 Posts
Natalie
Montana
USA
652 Posts |
Posted - Jul 02 2012 : 12:07:10 PM
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Thanks Connie :)
~Natalie~ Just a farmgirl in Western Montana. http://mtnme.blogspot.com
Starting a family and raising Tibetan Yaks, Highland cattle, Laying hens, Muscovy ducks, Silver Fox rabbits, and a few dogs. |
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naturemaiden
True Blue Farmgirl
2568 Posts
Connie - Farmgirl #673
Hoosick Falls
NY
USA
2568 Posts |
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ThreadBare
Farmgirl at Heart
6 Posts
Barbara
Hingham
MA
USA
6 Posts |
Posted - Jul 02 2012 : 7:54:05 PM
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| Congratulations on your vintage Singer find. Just think of all the sewing that was done for those 3 generations! I inherited my Grandma's Singer treadle machine when I was 16. I asked my parents for a new sewing machine and they remembered that Aunt Emily had Grandma's old machine in it's gorgeous carved wood cabinet, down in her basement storage! It was hauled out and given to me. Aunt Yolanda taught me how to use it after putting a new belt on and oiling it. I made most of my clothes on that machine for years. It was the best training for learning how to sew without any fancy stitches. I had a furniture restorer re-veneer the top for me years later. I am looking at it right now, as it has a place of honor in my living room. Gives me great pleasure to have this family heirloom and I think about my immigrant Italian Grandma Giovanna, sitting and sewing all sorts of pretty things for her beautiful Brooklyn home and her 8 children. She lived to be 91 (and never did speak much English!) Oh, I now use a cool Janome machine which I absolutely LOVE!! Still sewing in MA, Barbara Ann |
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Across the Fence: Singer Treadle Sewing Machine Help |
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Singer Treadle Sewing Machine Help
