Cleaning and Polishing the Body Vintage Singer Sewing Machine Model 15 - 90 / 91

Hello, and Thank You for Tuning in, To Our Series! Restoration of a Vintage Singer Sewing Machine, Model 15.
This is The Second Video in a 10 Part Series, Entitled, Cleaning and Polishing the Body.
In This Video we will Show a couple of ways to do a basic cleaning of the Body, Free Up all the moving parts, and a couple techniques to bring the paint back to like new condition.
We hope it will be beneficial!
Below is a List of the Videos:
1. Assessing and Identification of The Machine and the Singer Cabinet
2. Clean and Polishing the Body, Demonstrating Techniques and Products Needed
3. The Thread Tensioner, Removing, Cleaning and Reassembling in Detail
4. The Thread Take up Lever & Light, Techniques for Removing, Cleaning and Reassembling
5. The Bobbin Assembly, Removing the Bobbin Assembly, Cleaning and a Detail Reassembly
6. The Bobbin Winder, Removing, Cleaning, Replacing the Springs, Polishing and Reassemble
7. The Feed Dogs, Needle Guide, Throat Cover, Detailed Process of Removing, Cleaning and Reassemble
8. The Motor, Complete Disassemble, Cleaning, Servicing, Checking the Wiring and Brushes
9. The Wiring Foot Control, Disassemble, Check the Wiring, Detailed Instructions on Smooth Operation
10. Demonstration, This Video We will Demonstrate the Smooth and Accurate Operation of the all the Components of our Restoration.

[@TrishMeyer99]

From everything I've read, never use any solvent to clean the black shellac finish, and certainly nothing with alcohol or window-cleaning solvents. I start from brushing off dirt with a sort brush (a fluffy face makeup brush is good), being away of never rubbing dirt into the finish. Then clean with sewing machine oil (or food grade mineral oil if it's filthy), again wipe away dirt and I keep using fresh piece of soft cloth so you don't rub the dirt in! (Learnt that in auto detailing class.) Then I will use Original Gojo (non pumice kind) which is a mix of oil for a dirty machine: It will even remove melted insulation wire from the back of the machine with patience and elbow grease. Automotive products can be used for waxing but stay away from anything with a lot of abrasives (watch for the word "compound" and use only the lightest polish you can find). If in doubt, get the Clean and Wax set from The Featherweight Shop as at least you know it's been tested on this surface.

[@TrishMeyer99]

Also, no WD-40. Singer recommends cleaning neglected machines with Kerosene (lamp oil) and they would even dunk the whole machine in kerosene so you know it won't harm the finish. Kerosene works great, and will not gum up the machine later. Work outside in fresh air, using toothbrushes to scrub, then oil afterwards. If the machine is still stiff, oil it with 50/50 kerosene/oil and keep moving the handwheel.

[@chuckemmorll2821]

Thanks for your help, I was uncomfortable with all the 'products' used here 😲, I use isotope alcohol for lifting grease of wood, the bottle doesn't even get to sit anywhere near my sewing machines.

[@crossstitchgal]

This looks to me like a perfect primer on what not to do in cleaning/ polishing a vintage machine.

[@vintagesewingcentermuseum6636]

Absolutely

[@daxxydog5777]

Horrified that it looks like alcohol is something you'd want to clean with - if you wanted to ruin the finish, maybe.

[@MissGroves]

Great video, only I'd say never use wd40 as it is a solvent and will dissolve the shellac on black finish machines. Shellac is very tempremntal if chipped and will flake off is any gets underneath. In the UK turtlewax after a light coat of oil is great if not much work needs doing

[@antonette8009]

I was told by my sewing machine repair technician that DW-40 is not recommended for oiling sewing machines.

[@jackierudd2010]

He didn't use it to oil it , he used it to remove rust and old oily gunge.

[@giovannagiovanna2740]

Bellissima!!!

[@hpeters9980]

Hi, I'm restoring a 1936 Singer like yours. (Very minor differences) Your videos are perfect for what I'm doing. I'm going to strip mine and repaint. Too many chips and the stencils are in bad shape. Thank You for the videos

[@Rocnetomidate]

Thank you so much for this series! What are the steps you go though before painting? Do you sand it down beforehand, and if so how far?

[@Ambivlaent]

Excellent video!! Helped me out so much!

[@vintagesingersewingmachine6320]

Glad it helped! Thanks for watching!

[@user-th4cw6kc7f]

Compartilha, so falta eu descobrir um produto eficas para tirar ferrugem

[@thomasgronek6469]

Thank you for the videos. I can find no information about the finishes Simanco used on the machines. I would guess it to be black lacquer, covered with shellac for several reasons, compatibility with each other, ease of use, QUICK drying time, and availability to mention a few. Have you any ideas or inklings as to what else it might be ? I igure Japanning up until the late 30s / early forties, then lacquer with shellac clear coat, then different colors, then plastic.

[@suechiam654]

Excellent clip. Very helpful. Thanks loads. Watching this from Singapore.

[@vintagesingersewingmachine6320]

Glad you enjoyed it ! Sorry for the late reply, It's been a hard year. Thanks for watching !

[@zsaiquio6808]

Hi, im here after the #1, now #2

[@vintagesingersewingmachine6320]

Glad you enjoyed it ! Sorry for the late reply, It's been a hard year. Thanks for watching !

[@kitchenengineer1731]

Where can I get new decals for a model 15 ?

[@steveleaf286]

Hello, I have a 15-91 that I've cleaned and polished using the rubing and wax compounds shown in your #2 video. The machine looks fantastic (!!!), but when I touch or handle it, I leave lots of finger prints. Even if I wash my hands very well? Any ideas or suggestions? Your videos definitely help me get it running well!

[@vintagesingersewingmachine6320]

Hi Steve ! Thanks for the kind words about getting the machine running. As to the finger prints I keep a soft cloth, an old T-shirt, beside my machine all the time and wipe it down after use. That's the bad thing about having a shinny black car, truck or restored Singer. Thanks for the comment !

[@ladoguerie]

You finger will leave oxydation on finish (same ase guitar) alway wipe and clean finger print it will protec the finish.

[@TeresaBearCFP]

I’m picking up a 201 today. Planning on using these excellent videos to get her going. Question: Looks like you disassembled everything in this video, but they are on the machine in the later videos. As a newbie I’m hesitant take it apart twice. If I’m not going to paint her, should I just clean the body as I work my way through the other sections? Thanks!

[@vintagesingersewingmachine6320]

Hi Teresa ! The hardest part about doing the videos is "what order should they come in?". When I start a new project I first take photos, then disassemble everything from the body. I place all the parts from a specific item and place them in a plastic container with a lid and spray them with WD-40. Next I get the body looking as good as possible then reassemble. The videos should help you put the machine back together. Take pictures, keep all the parts together and you will be good to go! Good Luck and thanks for watching!

[@kymberlytoogood9555]

Where is the video on removing all moveable parts? I don’t know where to start

[@cutflower36]

any ideas for cleaning or removing stains on vintage machine with out respraying

[@vintagesingersewingmachine6320]

Hi ! Do you know what the stain is ?

[@fredericocorrea9814]

I have a 1910 singer treadle. It is in great working condition but I want to restore its appearance. It needs the cabinet restored, which I can do. I want to restore the lacquer and clear coat. I also want to restore the rest of the body in the back of the machine. The part that faces away from you when you're sewing.

[@fiorellacontreras8744]

hello, how often do I have to oil the black singer machine 15 cd? please

[@vintagesingersewingmachine6320]

Thank You for the kind words. The last several months have challenging but I think I on track for adding more videos. Fiorella, Depends on how much you use the machine. As a rule less is good. A couple of drops in each oiling hole should be good. I think I would remove the front cover and check the pressor foot bar and needle bar more often.

[@fiorellacontreras8744]

@@vintagesingersewingmachine6320 I will take it into account, thank you very much for the help. Greetings😄

[@sonyafirefly3879]

@@fiorellacontreras8744 I have a treadle machine from the 20's with similar inner workings, and the rule of thumb is to oil after every 8 hours of sewing.

[@MissGroves]

Old singer manuals say that if the machine is rarely used and kept in a case then twice a year. Once every few months if used more regularly

[@djdrews]

I wondered about the WD-40 too? Not saying it shouldn't be used, but it sounded strange to me.

[@MissGroves]

You shouldn't use wd40. It's a solvent and will dissolve your shellac finish on the old black style singers

[@caitkistner4643]

I am in Canada and cannot find auto magic BC-2 at any stores near me. I also can’t find anything called “levelling wax” that is comparable. There are so many products for wax/polish out there … what should I be looking for specifically that would work as well?

[@vintagesingersewingmachine6320]

Hi Cait ! Sorry for the delay in replying. Look for "Yellow Carnauba Paste Wax: Non-abrasive and VOC Compliant finishing wax for minor car scratches" and "A premium polish and wax in one. Removes light scratches and swirls". Search online!

[@littledeerling]

@@vintagesingersewingmachine6320 would the turtle wax scratch and swirl remover be a good substitute?

[@GregThompson-dn9eo]

What paint do you use when repainting?

[@vintagesingersewingmachine6320]

Hi Greg, I use 66AutoColor as a supplier. House of Kolor KD3000 Primer - Aerosol Spray Max 1K Base Coat Aerosol OEM Spray Paint Spray Max 2K High Gloss Glamour Clear Coat Aerosol I bad thing is once you have activated the paint you have only a limited amount of time to use before it sets up. Let me know if you have any more questions. Oh ! I don't get paid for recommending the supplies.

[@GregThompson-dn9eo]

@@vintagesingersewingmachine6320 Thank you so much for the information about the paint. I have a 201 and a 66 that need new paint.

[@vintagesingersewingmachine6320]

@@GregThompson-dn9eo Do you need the gold decals?

[@GregThompson-dn9eo]

@@vintagesingersewingmachine6320 I do not need them at this moment, but I did find some at singerdecals.com.

[@vintagesingersewingmachine6320]

@@GregThompson-dn9eo OK, good luck, let me know if you have any questions.

[@johnnywarren1589]

Are those replica decals?

[@inforestsweheal]

You never use chemicals (windex?) on a black vintage singer - it will ruin the decals. And WD-40? Wow. You're the only one that would recommend that.

[@cherylnewell9806]

I used WD 50 also

[@vintagesingersewingmachine6320]

Hi Cheryl ! I've not used 50, thanks for the advice!

[@Pam-tx5zd]

I thought wd40 was to be avoided at all costs

[@vintagesewingcentermuseum6636]

Horrible advice