I have been working on my treadle. To see what it looked like when I first got it, go here:
http://missyscakesandaprons.blogspot.com/2012/01/treadle-sewing-machine-and-winner.html
She was pretty dirty, but only $25!
I have not had a chance to work on her much since I got here because have been so busy. The other night I got my cleaning supplies out.
I was told to use naval jelly for the rust, Murphy's Oil soap for the wood (which has always been what I use for cleaning wood), and dish soap for dirt.
For those who are not familiar with treadle sewing machines, the above is called the shuttle/bobbin winder.
She was pretty rusty. I'm worried about the decals though. They are mostly off anyways, so do I just scrub over them (except for the Franklin names) or do I try to keep what I still have intact?
I took some towels and wrapped the cabinet to keep the rust remover away from it.
I started by rubbing the naval jelly on with a toothbrush, everyplace I saw rust.
On the front plate, needle and foot.
Then used a washcloth dipped in water to wipe off the naval jelly.
I put it all over the wheel, shuttle winder and base of the arm.
But I don't understand why there is still rust in some places?
I scrubbed under the plate, you can really see the serial number now.
I finished up by cleaning it all with a toothbrush dipped in dish soap/water and then buffed it dry with a towel. She looks a lot better, but still has a lot to go.
I am getting very antsy about using it, but I really don't know what I'm doing! I am getting a lot of information from treadleon.net and their yahoo group. If anyone has any tips on what to do next, please share!
Keep treadling!
Missy
15 comments:
I restored one for my Daughter, it was a little older model (one with a box covering the machine) But it works now. It is a lot of fun!
She is beautiful! I got one a few years ago and have not had time to work on it yet, you have inspired me!!!! Maybe this weekend, Thank You Karen in Arizona
Fantastic job! What a beauty of a machine!!
I remembered your original story - the trip to Glen Rose when you found it (well, it came back to me as I read the other post). Good job. Can't wait to see what you create on it.
You've really given me something to work on. Mine is in great shape and we have all the stuff that goes with it, other than I need a new belt. I'm going to see if my neighbor will give my husband a hand getting mine upstairs in the sewing room. I'd like to try it out, never have!
You have given me some good info. My mother has my grandmother's treadle machine in the basement, and she wants me to take it. I'm sure it is a project, too.
I have my grandmother's in storage and you have now given me to inspiration to go ahead and clean it up...thanks for posting you sure do have a beautiful one.
Dolly
Wow what a great job you did cleaning it! I have one but luckily it was in great shape. It has all the pieces to it and even an extra belt, but i have never tried using it!
Looks great, Missy! She's a real find. I hope you're able to get her back in working order.
She is a beauty!and you did a great job restoring her. I've had it in mind to try to restore the wood on an old trunk we bought awhile back. I think you've given me that little push I needed (plus, the great idea to use Murphy's Wood Oil/Soap), thanks.
'Course, my grandma had one of these old treadle machines...wish I had it now.
Your machine shined up beautifully, Missy! What a find! And here's an interesting story—I recently found the same machine--only in a different type of cabinet. I planned on blogging about it but kept getting distracted with other things. I will get to it one of these days! How fun to see a fellow blogger with the same machine!
You are doing a wonderful job restoring it Missy!
I got my great grandma's from my mom a couple of years ago. She had it in a silo that she used for storage. I brought it home and put it in a place of pominence and that's where she is today. I want to start using her also. My great grandmother saved everything for it, handbook, all the feet, needles, extra belts, etc. Thanks for sharing the website. I'll need a lot of instruction just to fill a bobbin. Great post.
I have one of these... I think it even says Franklin on it, but don't quote me on that. It's been a while since I opened it and had a look.
Anyway-- my daughter saved her babysitting money and bought it for me as a teen. I'll not part with it. I'd love more than anything to sew with it. Does your's have any electrical parts to it?
mine has some wires for a light and a plug...so maybe not the same as yours.
I currently sew with a 20 year or more old Elna...and it HATES ME. Every time I sit to sew---something happens. I have visions of sugar plums...when I think of my treadle sewing machine...
you're doing a great job!
hope you get it going soon.
~Pat
Great job! Restoration is a success.
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