Experienced restorers, Is this too far gone to try and restore?

Question

I got this free sewing machine, that I love, and would like to restore it by hand. But there is alot of damage and wonder if it would need professional restoration. Please take a look at it here: http://s57.photobucket.com/albums/g235/crazycattlebarn/?action=view¤t=748f93a6.pbw

and tell me if it can be restored (and where I can get info on how to do it). I am not interested in using it full time for sewing, it would be a nice clean piece in the home. Thanks.

Answer 1

Boy, it looks like they kept it outdoors, for certain.

I've done a lot of antique restoration and there comes a point with certain things, that the cost of restoration simply isn't worth it....unless the item has enormous sentimental value to you.

The cabinet is veneered meaning that it can not be refinished ~ the veneer will have to be removed and replaced which is not a cheap project.

As far as the missing paint on the machine, to repaint it while preserving the original stencil is very labor intensive and also expensive.

Old treadle machines in excellent condition are a dime a dozen on Ebay. I've also seen them turn up in thrifts for a couple of hundred dollars. You'd be better off scrapping this thing and buying one that hasn't been so badly abused.

Answer 2

Saw the pics, here's my suggestion. First, I've sold a couple vintage treadle machines on eBay, and they're not worth much, so I wouldn't waste money restoring it. Since it seems you intend it to be a display piece, I would clean the wood gently with Murphy's oil soap, and the cast iron with a stiff brush and some soapy water. Then apply a good coat of Old English (DARK) to the wood, and a coat of paste wax to the iron. Looks like the missing veneer is on top of the lid, so I'd display it opened up.

Good Luck

Answer 3

Certainly if it has any antique value, or might become an heirloom/conversation/archive piece it may be worth restoration.

You might try WWW, general searches for blogging in forums, that may lead you to specifics. I guess the first place I'd try would be a person/shop/ dealing in repair,,, and look for someone who has worked there a long time,,,maybe an older person like me? Smiles.

Obviously for aesthetic purposes, and that you don't need it to work; there may be some DIY value in it for you, researching the model/style/etc. for parts, and attempting cleaning, sanding, dipping, sand blasting, repainting, etc.

PS: Yikes I dislike dial up. I'd make every effort to repair and restore it. You might also check with local historical museums for their restoration resources. A treadle/pump type, is obviously PRE- Electric/Edison. My grandmother used one like this for 80 years and made all her own clothing. I say go for it. You may not get the original decals trim,,,BUT,,, it may happen that by doing some research,,, Restoration on a large scale would Diminish its value.

Answer 4

Very nice piece! Yes this is very restorable. Do you have any woodworking skills? It appears to have some veneer missing but this is easy to repair. I suggest that if you haven't restored something before you may want to have it done professionally. This is to nice to learn on because of the value. Go to diynet.com they have a lot of information on how to restore furniture.

Answer 5

OMG , other than a real good cleaning I wouldn't do anything to it. Beautiful like it is. Btw your cat is a real cutie, lol.

Answer 6

I suppose if you took each individual part and freed it of rust and dust (it didn't rhyme on purpose), and then repainted and resealed, it could totally be done.