Antique Sewing Machines

[DAP]

The CEO, whilst exercising her XMas gift certificate to her favorite auction house, picked up a "Damascus" sewing machine and cabinet.

I date this piece to about 1920, plus or minus 10 yrs. Its belt/treadly driven, and I GET TO FIX IT.

I'm going to disassemble it if it doesnt get to heady, lube it with 4 in 1 oil. But it needs a severe cleaning. Any thoughts on what to clean this with?

Anyone tackled on of these gizmos, a Singer perhaps? The attached pic I found searching the net depicts the actual machine we've got.

BTW, for those who collect or have auction addictions, the winning bid price was $40 USD plus 10% buyers premium. Even if it never ends up sewing a stitch, it is a nice looking thing that suits our home's aesthetic.

/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[Dozernut]

My wife has several machines in her shop where she does custom quilting. She uses canned air to occasionally blow out the lint that builds up. When she cleans her machines she uses WD40 to remove old oil and applies 3-1 oil. She said to be sure to lube your machine regularly or the mechanisms will wear out prematurely. She said you can get a belt for your old machine but you might have to order it. If you have an Amish community close (we live in the middle of one) you can go to their store and they carry belts for the treadle machines.

 

[Hoosier_Daddy]

Dap, I looked at your post and thought "don't clean, use air" and what the old machines came with, "whale oil". Later it was 3 in 1.

Then I read Dozer's post.

Sounds l like 2 votes for air and oil.

Tom

 

[DocHeb]

Sewing machine oil is a finer oil (lower viscosity) than 3-in-1. I don't know if it really makes a difference or not.

 

[OkeeDon]

I read your post and immediately thought "WD40" to clean it. Then I read Dozernut's post and there went the wind from my sails. Still, I'll say it to make it two votes, clean it with WD40. It also does a nice job of taking bugs off of car noses and cleans stainless steel with a mildly abrasive sponge (always clean with the grain).

 

[beenthere]

I agree with the use of WD-40 to clean the machine too. But I always avoid using 3 in 1 oil. I quit using it years ago when it was the cause of sticking, gumming, and attracting dirt. I've heard this from clock makers (repairers), appliance technicians, gun smiths, and numerous sources that 3 in 1 oil is not a good lubricant.

Just my 2 cents, and felt I should throw it in here, just to add to the thoughts already presented. It makes no difference to me what anyone uses. I found much better results over time when I didn't use this type of oil. I think it is a 'wannabe' oil for all too many different applications.

 

[MossRoad]

My parents were married in 1949. That year they bought a sowing machine from Singer. My mom always used 3-in-1 oil. My sister still uses the machine in her business as a dedicated button holer. Still uses 3-in1 oil. 55 year old machine still works great.

 

[Deerlope]

You may use all the WD-40 that you can carry home, I used to use it by the gallons until I did research and found something better.

 

[DocHeb]

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[DAP]

Thanks for the tips fellas. Here's an update. First, this machine wasn't just 'dirty', it was D-I-R-T-Y. At least 75 years of sumpin caked on it. I actually thought the finish was a black matte but after using some ammonia on an inconspicuous part, it became clear that this machine has a rich black enamel glossy finish to it. This presented another more troubling problem. The decals on it (CEO says to preserve them at all costs) are suseptical to ruin via certain chemicals, ammonia being one of em. /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

Soap and water wont even dent the crud on the surface of this bad boy. Further research says some people actually use WD40 as a cleaner. Others said Turtle wax Bug and Tar remover works without ruining the decals.

This is gonna require several passes.

I dissassembled the lower end of this machine, used some goo-be-gone on the steel parts and that worked ok. WD40 and 3-1 oil unfroze it and have most of it turning now.

We restore a lot of wood antiques here and today we will clean up the console using our tried and true method of a solution of minerals spirts and linseed oil with soft steel wool. This cleans old dirty wood surfaces and restore their surfaces with excellent results.

I'll post some pics when it is a worthy piece again. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif