Restoring Furniture

[SWMustang]

I inherited this old Sewing machine and I'm in the process of restoring it.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j200/pattonwb/sewing%20machine/DSCN0346.jpg


Basically, the whole thing is held together with just 20 screws. I really like how simple they built things back in the day. I was able to locate a serial number and found out it was manufactured in 1913.


After disassembling it, I cleaned up the base (treadle) and repainted it a gloss black. Then to make it stand out, I painted the "Singer" logo gold.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j200/pattonwb/sewing%20machine/DSCN0351.jpg


I kind of pimped the design on the sides. It was all black and hard to read.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j200/pattonwb/sewing%20machine/DSCN0357.jpg


I started on the cabinet yesterday - the drawers are sanded and stained. The knobs for the drawers are brass, but they have a ton of crud on them. I soaked them in a lemon juice and salt mixture and they look a lot cleaner. They're not as bright and perfect as new brass hardware you could buy at Lowes, but I think it adds to the antique look by NOT having them bright and shiny.



I don't care about making the sewing machine actually work, but I would like to make it look new again. I have no clue how to do that but since it tucks down under the cabinet, I'm not as concerned with that at this time.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j200/pattonwb/sewing%20machine/DSCN0347.jpg

[JJWalker]

I don't want to upset you, but I have seen the Antiques Road show a few times and if I recall, they almost always say not to clean the patina off of old stuff.

Anyone else ever heard that?

[ronwx5x]

Originally posted by JJWalker
I don't want to upset you, but I have seen the Antiques Road show a few times and if I recall, they almost always say not to clean the patina off of old stuff.

Anyone else ever heard that?

You are correct if you intent is to sell the item. If it is only a decorative item for the home, have at restoration. I do know that old sewing machines, with a few exceptions, are not of great value.

[SWMustang]

Yeah, I looked up the model and verified that even in pristine shape it would only be worth 500 dollars. It's worth more than that to me, so I decided to go to town on it. I just wanted a nice antique looking piece for a room in my house.

Sewing machines were one of the first mass produced items sold to the public so rarely are they worth much. It does make it something cheap to acquire and dress up.

[Ranger Mom]

It looks great! I love restoring old furniture. I do it for myself, not for any money I might could make off of it!!

Good work!!!!

I would love to see a picture of the finished product!!!

[SWMustang]

Getting closer to the end - I still need to redo the top and the sewing machine hasn't been touched and might not ever be.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j200/pattonwb/sewing%20machine/DSCN0365.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j200/pattonwb/sewing%20machine/DSCN0367.jpg