tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4577838636567859144.post6393656281700257285..comments2023-12-21T02:49:35.461-05:00Comments on Tempted Threads: Refurbished - Singer 221 FeatherweightMichael De Lucahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13906839149661741924noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4577838636567859144.post-78384241204609696952013-04-28T19:10:17.956-04:002013-04-28T19:10:17.956-04:00Hi Rebecca... thanks for the very kind words.
Yes...Hi Rebecca... thanks for the very kind words.<br /><br />Yes, it was very difficult to part with my 221. I didn't expect it to be so "cute". I kept it for months before I finally decided to sell. I wasn't using it after I got my 15-91. The 15-91 is a full size machine whose power is more suited to the sewing that I do. I don't travel with my machines and I don't quilt. I tend to do assembly up to eight thicknesses. It just seemed a waste to keep it in the closet. I used the money to purchase a Necchi BU Nova in a beautiful mahogany cabinet with a knee control... love the knee control.<br /><br />You do not have to disassemble to clean and polish the machine. Take off what you can. I did remove the motor to get the grunge underneath and give it a fresh coat of wax under there. I used McGuires swirl and scratch remover to clean the entire machine. It has a light abrasive and cleaner that cuts right through the grime. I went easy and it didn't damage any of the decals. Around plates, grooves, and edges, I used a fine toothbrush to get into the crannies. Don't use any alcohol on the finish! I couldn't believe the shine that came through, both on the paint and the chrome, after using the McGuires. I then finished it off with Mother's pure canauba paste wax. I did use metal polish on the face plate and tension device. I took the entire tension assembly apart to clean and polish every part. I then used a greaseless lube by Dupont. It won't attract lint and dust.<br /><br />On the inside, I used a rubber paint brush (kind of like a mini spatula, to dig the grease off of the gears and tons of q-tips to clean all of the old oil off the interior surfaces. Use Tri-Flow oil to lube ALL moving parts and Tri-Flow grease to lube the gears. <br /><br />Be sure to inspect your wiring and replace any with brittle or damaged insulation. You can get a new bobbin winder tire at sew-classic.com. They have the drip felt that goes on the bottom plate. You must replace the felt and clean the tray completely to have any hope of getting rid of the stench. Follow my write-up on the stink removal process above. It did work. <br /><br />Good luck and thanks for your comment!!!Michael De Lucahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13906839149661741924noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4577838636567859144.post-30385102397634176802013-04-28T13:46:41.029-04:002013-04-28T13:46:41.029-04:00What a beautiful machine -- however did you manage...What a beautiful machine -- however did you manage to part with it? I just "rescued" a circa 1950-1951 (based on serial number) Featherweight that looks just like yours, except that it has the scrolled faceplate rather than the striated. I am currently enjoying the rank stench of mold and rancid oil that you described! The case is so foul that it's out in the garage for the time being. But the stinky machine is on my kitchen counter.<br /><br />A couple of questions: First, is it possible to clean and polish the machine's exterior without disassembly? I removed the faceplate to polish and clean off the tarnishing, but I have tarnish and grime in other places that should be shiny, like the bobbin winder thingy and the chrome parts of the needle tension assembly. Do I need to take that completely apart to clean it properly? I don't want to get the tarnish remover on any of the machine's black painted areas. Also, my machine has a cloudy and dull finish. The little scratches and tiny chips here and there I can deal with, but I would like it to be shiny again -- and I want to protect the gold decals, which only show some wear at the front and back edge in line with the presser foot, where fabric has passed through the machine for many years. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!Rebecca Gracehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14801489818836195754noreply@blogger.com