Freddie Mae Gets a Face Lift!
Remember how I got an 1927 Singer Model 66 I for Christmas?
Well, it's time to start cleaning the old girl up, and of course I've got to start with her face. Since I first laid eyes on her, that intricately designed face plate has been calling my name , begging me to release it from all that dirt.
So I did.
I also took off the back plate and gave it a good polish. What a difference a good clean and polish can make!
With the face plate off, it's a perfect time to tackle the moving parts behind. They may not look that bad in this picture, but trust me, there is a fine layer of dried on oil on almost every part.
After taking off the Thread Regulator and Pressure Bar, I removed the Thread Tension Assembly for cleaning. You can see the crud better in this picture.
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All the metal bits above and below should be shiny silver. The yellow/brown color is from dried sewing machine oil and filth. Luckily, the metal polish dissolves it easily.
At this point, I've already wiped the surface down with oil to remove any loose dirt. When Freddie Mae was new, she would have had a nice smooth shiny black finish. Over the years, something happened to make it rough like a fine sand paper.
I suspect this is either a layer of crud and machine oil that has built up, or this is a result of the machine being kept in less than perfect conditions causing the varnish to fail/craze/become rough and sand papery. There are places with obvious crazing, and I know she was in storage for a while so I'm leaning toward the later explanation.
If this roughness is the varnish, then I'm in a pickle, because if the varnish flakes or chips off, the pretty decals go with it. I'll have to do a bit of research to see what I can do about this.
Still, after taking out all the easily removable parts, cleaning them and putting her back together, Freddie Mae is looking much better inside and out. Her former beauty is starting to show again.
Coming Soon!
Part 3 cleaning the bobbin winder assembly and balance wheel
Got an old Machine you want to know more about, or possibly refurbish yourself?
Check out these links that have been a huge help to me.
http://www.treadleon.net/ -All about treadles.
http://www.ismacs.net -International Sewing Machine Collectors Society
http://mysewingmachineobsession.blogspot.com/ - So much great stuff.
http://www.mysingerstory.com/ - Look up your singer by model number and find when it was manufactured.
This looks AMAZING!! I used to play with this sewing machine when I was little & I'm just shocked at how much better it looks. You're right about it being stored in less than perfect conditions. Granny kept this machine in a small room on the top floor of her house. Bats used to get into this room frequently, so obviously it wasn't well ventilated. You have done a phenomenal job with Freddie May! I'm really impressed! Jenni Gohmann
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteI know this is an older post but I'm hoping you remember what type of metal polish you used on the faceplate?
ReplyDeleteI used Brasso metal polish.
Deletepressure bar and spring...I can't get it out. the bobbin casing and bars at bottomcare already out...any ideas, can you help?
ReplyDeleteHi, Not sure if this is too late to help, but check out this link from "My Sewing Machine Obsession. It outlines how to remove the pressure bar. If are positive you have loosened / removed all the screws and bit holding it in and it still won't budge, look for rust or anything else that might be locking it in place. Try some liquid wrench, let it soak and see what happens. Good Luck!
ReplyDeletehttp://mysewingmachineobsession.blogspot.com/2011/09/how-to-service-and-clean-singer-66-or_08.html
Hi Amy, I also have a singer 28 from 1924 or 26 I believe though it does not quite look like yours.
ReplyDeleteMy question is I cannot get it to pull up the bobbin thread. I am trying to learn all that I can on these old sewing machines,I like them so much better than the new ones but I don't know how to fix some things. Thank you if you have any ideas for me.
Hi,
DeleteThere are several things that could be causing the problem. I am no expert, but here are a few things to check.
1.The needle. Is it straight? installed correctly?
2.The bobbin. It's it inserted correctly, wound evenly?
3. Lint. if you find some clean it out.
4. Timing. Another possibility is that you might have a timing issue especially if you did a total tear-down and removed the hook.
The link below will help you check and adjust your timing. Or you can google your sewing machine model and "timing adjustment"
http://mysewingmachineobsession.blogspot.com/2011/09/once-hook-is-back-in-machine-it-is-time.html
Now if all those things are fine and the needle moves up and down like it is supposed to, I think there's no shame is seeking professional help. :o)