Restoring a Treadle Sewing Machine Cabinet from scratch

[@beanqueen1243]

I stumbled upon this after my mom told me we have this same machine in our garage. I talked about buying a machine, she remembered it was in the garage and now we are fixing it up together. Mine is in worse condition than this one unfortunately, so I will have to replace the paneling on the lid, but your videos are helping me a lot in figuring out what I need to do! :)

[@SewWhatMaryborough800plus]

Thank you and good Luck with your work. Happy we could assist.

[@944gemma]

Great job. I just love these old, faithful, machines. Keep them clean. Keep them oiled. They’ll run forever.

[@ddawe31635]

My treadle cabinet top looked awful. Using the above method, was not only easy, but worked BEAUTIFULLY! Thank you.

[@coldhardysucculentswithkdw4988]

I have watched this like four times. Awesome. I have an old cabinet in the attic, I hope soon I will get brave enough to do this to help it out! thanks

[@SewWhatMaryborough800plus]

Just remember little is best and make sure you don't leave any streaks.. Good luck with it

[@semanzo]

I bought an old singer base yesterday (this exact one) - can't wait to restore it with the help of your videos. Really appreciate this tutorial!!

[@jollyroger7624]

Me too!

[@michaelbean739]

Looks a Thousand times better. Always great info.

[@ritaharrilall2007]

Thanks for the video, I love these old machine but I don't know how to use it properly, I am still learning. But I think I will be restoring mine too she is very old.you did a great job.

[@SewWhatMaryborough800plus]

Thank you and good Luck.

[@brontesworkshop5699]

Thank you for this!! the linseed oil worked wonders on the black walnut veneer cabinet I have. I'm trying to restore an old "Free" brand treadle. using your videos, it's now looking much nicer...and almost ready to use!

[@SewWhatMaryborough800plus]

I am Pleased it has helped. Certainly not an antique treatment, but a very practical treatment. Well done

[@kathiego233]

This looks fantastic and you make it look easy to do! Thank you!

[@SewWhatMaryborough800plus]

It is easy but one does need to be very careful. We have done a lot of this. Thank you.

[@1klouisek]

Stellar job. Thanks from Texas-New Mexico borderlands

[@SewWhatMaryborough800plus]

Aspen. Our pleasure. Its just a very proven easy fix. Lasts for ages if done carefully. Good Luck

[@eileenfb1948]

Loved your video. I might do mine, once I get the steel wool. This has turned. very lovely.. Thank you for this video.

[@SewWhatMaryborough800plus]

Eileen Thanx for you kind words.. Should we be able to assist in any way please do not hesitate to ask. Good luck.

[@Willowfs4472]

Looks almost brand new again.Nice job.

[@Joycer2002]

I have the identical cabinet - I polished it up with almond oil - the only oil that I had on hand but may try the Linseed oil. Unfortunately I had stored and used my water distiller on my machine in the laundry room and have some water damage on one side... tough lesson to learn! I brought it upstairs and put it in my front room window and have been admiring it ever since. I need a belt now so I can give it a whirl - it did sew when I got it - have no idea what happened to the belt but I just saw a video on solving that problem... I really love You Tube! Thank you for the great tip on cleaning it but mine looks fine - not sure if I should do a deep clean like you did.

[@maria13corvette]

Joyce Robertson Hi I dont know if it will work, but I removed a water wood stain with a hot iron and a towl, place towl on piece an iron slowly putting up iron temperature. It worked for my table, try at you own risk, check you tube.

[@debrapolenz4962]

I once while helping a lady clean her old pine paneling with a mix of half fantastic and half ammonia, believe it or not, it works great, just have plenty of ventilation, using steel wool same as he used, does the same to most wood finished. Redid cabinets this way, I am imagining this smells much better lol.

[@SewWhatMaryborough800plus]

Yes works on Just about any wood surface. Just need to prepare the surface correctly before starting. It even works on scratches on floor boards , fills that scratch beautifully.

[@jeanburgin160]

This is very impressive. Like your technique... This is a beautiful machine cabinet.

[@10AntsTapDancing]

Thank you for that, you've given me the knowledge I need to clean up the frame. It's the same model as mine :) It's in very good shape apart from veneer on top of the lid peeling off so I only need to give it a good clean. I have a machine mechanic near me that restores the machines to working condition and so I will soon be able to use mine.

[@sunnasmilieu]

Mine wasn't in such bad condition. I used paraffin oil on a paper towel and it bettered the look of the whole table very quickly. For such detailed furniture as this I'd use a toothbrush too. I've repainted the treadle pedal, taking some creative freedom with it while staying true to the original paint and style.

[@theresemcateemcatee3607]

I have this same cabinet bought at yard sale love it

[@944gemma]

I'm very grateful for your speedy answer to my conundrum. I will definitely try the machine oil as you advised. Here in the states, I'm not sure what Butch might be but I've plenty of machine oil and plenty of time. Again, thank you so much.

[@SewWhatMaryborough800plus]

Once you find BUTCH the whole world changes. It's amazing what a difference a bit of butch makes. ROFL

[@esk8jaimes]

This is a very useful video, just what I needed to know!

[@colvinator1611]

Thanks a lot ! I've just bought one of these.

[@944gemma]

Beautiful job.

[@roseannecarratkinson4271]

I have 2 treadle sewing machine and 2 1800's end tables, that were my great grandpa's that I want and need to refinish. Thank you sew much for all of this great information. Do you have one on how to refinish the metal under the cabinets?

[@SewWhatMaryborough800plus]

Roseanne. Thank you sew much. Yes we do have a few on treadle bases just have a look thorough our clips. This method is not the original nor the best but we Believe it is a very adequate method which will give a very attractive outcome without ruining the original charm. Basically a non expensive alternative which looks Great, Good Luck.

[@roseannecarratkinson4271]

@@SewWhatMaryborough800plus Thanks, I'll go look. I also have an 1800's rocking chair I would love to fix it and refinish it too.

[@aiela4886]

Buena noche. Gracias por el video. Por favor me indica con que limpia el frente de los cajones. Gracias

[@ramloganfracic5761]

Thank you for sharing this wonderful video Blessings .

[@Noniinthebush]

I think my machine is exactly the same, it’s in the storage shed so I can’t just go look. But I want to get it out and do what you’ve done.

[@markayw]

Great job, and a fast one too. Just a tip or a suggestion if you run across irons that are not rusty, after washing and drying them down. Then use mineral oil, you will be amazed at how black and shiny they are when finished, They look amazing. Give it a try and let me know what you think. Great tip on the Pale Boiled Oil, one question where do I find it? I mean do they sell it in the hardware stores? I have never heard of it. Oh and another question do you have a tutorial on how to apply veneer to the top of a vintage sewing cabinet. I bought one and the veneer is peeled up and broken in pieces. Thanks in advanced.

[@SewWhatMaryborough800plus]

Love having different idea's Markay. Thanx very much for that. Yes works amazingly.

[@markayw]

Me too, and your welcome. :)

[@SewWhatMaryborough800plus]

Markay hi. sorry for the delay. Here, down under, we are bale to purchase the Pale Boiled Oil at Hardware or paint store. Good Luck with that.

[@amysbees6686]

Do you clean the surface before applying the oil?

[@Janine-pu4lh]

Really appreciate watching this. Do you use the pale boiled oil on its own or mix it with turps please?

[@TheTonialadd]

I’m afraid mine is way beyond this point. Shopping on the interwebs for parts. Thanks for the video.

[@jaynemoore7488]

I just picked up an old cabinet and started researching. Your video is very informative and way easier than refinishing. Mine is veneer and has a few water ring stains. Will this help? Thanks for sharing.

[@shellysadventures2875]

I am hoping so, did you try it?

[@spencerlewis4291]

I restored my White machine per your instructions. It looks great! What should I do as a follow up to keep it looking nice? Thank you for your video. Carol from Texas.

[@claudialandon1423]

Thank you so much for your advice!

[@SewWhatMaryborough800plus]

Our pleasure

[@franrobertson9024]

Just the ticket for getti g off the old crazed shellac off Nana's old 66. Thanks! Do you follow up with 0000 steel wool and polish?

[@SewWhatMaryborough800plus]

Fran. I don't what I usually do with the last coat is wipe of excess and then polish intil shiny. '))))' probably would do the same thing. Well done.

[@MariaFerreira-sv4dg]

Hello My name is Clara Ferreira from Toronto Canada. I've been a seamstress all my life and no surprise i love sewing machines especially vintage ones. Awhile ago a neighbor of mine had to go into senior's care , and she offered me knowing i would treasured. It hadn't been used in years, and the dust accumulated. I really want to clean it as much as i can without ruined so i decided to search on KZbin, and check out what year was this machine from . To my delight the one you're working on is exactly like mine and now i can use your expertise to bring mine to it's former beauty. By the way, do you know the year ? . Thank you

[@idak12]

G'day mate my old machine works but it pulls the fabric towards me instead of away, whats going on.

[@SewWhatMaryborough800plus]

Stuck in reverse.

[@teripurdy4161]

What brand of rust converter primer sealer do you use? Is it a spray on? Do you need to apply anything after ? Thank you!

[@gregoryyoung8819]

Great video! Do you know how old the piece is?

[@SewWhatMaryborough800plus]

At a Guess I'd say about 1930/40.

[@jinnytripp9940]

I'm picking up the exact drawer and the machine...it has lost one of its ornate molding on the drawer...how can I get another one?

[@SewWhatMaryborough800plus]

Jinny. you can purchase some Plastic wood of the similar color and make a replacement molding. This is what I have done on may occasions. Good Luck.,

[@janetcw9808]

That's so helpful! Good work! Does anyone out there have any information on Singer treadle sewing machine in drawing room cabinet, model 27k pls? 🤔 Good wishes.

[@DevCreates]

Beautiful where can I buy that oil

[@SewWhatMaryborough800plus]

This is Plae boiled oil. Can be purchased at paint shops and usually the large hardware stores. Good Luck with that

[@leighannwinters1336]

I have a cabinet where some of the onlays are damaged/broken. Where would I look to have new ones made?

[@SewWhatMaryborough800plus]

Hi Leigh. Here in Australia we have a thing Called Mens sheds. Either approach a local Carpenters or repair organization or keep an eye online for some selling the timber or cabinet. Good Luck with that

[@seamlesslybeautiful767]

great video thanx! im just wondering if you used putty in the cracks or just left them? im about to start work on a treadle cabinet that has some water damage that has caused a crack. It has lifted 3-4mm.

[@SewWhatMaryborough800plus]

What we do if there are cracks with a concern is we put some wood working glue in the cracks and give it a Light sanding to put the sawdust into the glue which does an amazing joy. Just don;t sand too much, that veneer is quite thin. Good Luck

[@seamlesslybeautiful767]

that was a dam quick reply! thank you! i never even thought to use saw dust! i did consider taking the veneer off and putting new stuff on, but i want to keep it as original as possible.

[@nicpink12]

Hello! Great video! I've just purchased this exact table and there are some areas where the wood has lifted or chipped off, any ideas on how to correct this?

[@SewWhatMaryborough800plus]

Nicole. yes.. what you do is with a very fine blade scrape the dust and muck out from between the veneer layers, Then squeeze a wood working glue in between those layers, again with that blade spread as much of that glue under that veneer. then place a piece of cardboard on top of the veneer , then a piece of timber which covers the whole lifted area then clamp it. Leave for a day then remove the clamp then the timber. Finally lift the cardboard, some may stick to the veneer. that can be easily sanded off then back to re doing your cabinet. Good luck.

[@nicpink12]

Sew What Maryborough thank you! And what if the veneer is chipped and I don't have any extra bits of veneer to replace it with?

[@SewWhatMaryborough800plus]

If its only small amounts you can use a course sand paper to sand it ( with the grain) and create a grain while smoothing the ridges, then use a selected stain and carefully stain that area, But try it on a spare piece first. Adding the stain is something you will need practise with

[@SewWhatMaryborough800plus]

In a lot of cases its easier to look on Ebay or some sales outlets and find a complete cabinet/Timber and just swap it over. That is a much easier option.

[@zandrauseche9052]

Great video. Can you tell me what year that table is? I have the same one.

[@SewWhatMaryborough800plus]

Zandra I's say about 1930 ish. Hope this helps.

[@janicecrosby1986]

Stunning!

[@anitathomas4874]

I have a Wheeler & Wilson w9 treadle sewing machine in an oak 5 drawer cabinet. I found a serial number today on the plate beside the feed dog 3106636, also stamped there is Bridgeport, CONN and a patent date of Aug 1892,. My mother in law sewed on this machine until about 2005. I'm hoping to use it for piecing quilts. Can anyone give me more information about it. The videos here are very helpful in how to thread and use the bobbins. Anita Thomas

[@LilPrincessJus]

Hi there, awesome video and great job! Just wondering if you could tell us where you got the rust converter, primer / sealer? Thanks in advance 😊

[@bronwynjennings3783]

Jus McKnight i got mine from Autobarn

[@ralphmuscarelle3542]

HA just put them on the barbie and reuse

[@SewWhatMaryborough800plus]

JUs, sorry for the delay in reply. A Auto paint store or paint store should be able to help out there for the best product in your country.

[@rebeccaharp8547]

In Montana my hardware store does not carry pale boiled oil. Does it have another name, or, what else could i use? Thank you

[@smilingwoman1947]

How did you "prepare" the cabinet? Just a wipe down with damp cloth?

[@SewWhatMaryborough800plus]

+smilingwoman1947 . I wiped the Cabinet down with a soft cloth just to get The dirt and dust of. The fact that the shellac is already dry , no need to moisten it . The drier the better. I hope this helps. Thank you

[@odietarceo]

Hi! I’m about to tackle a singer cabinet and I have a very basic question: How much sanding did you do before applying the linseed oil? Did you completely remove the original shellac? Thanks!

[@SewWhatMaryborough800plus]

Steve, Basically the Only sanding I did with this was when I removed the molding to re glues. The Shellak was so crystallized it just sent to powder when hit with the steel wool. Mind you don't Get machines In this conditions . So Neglected, weathered and prime for this demo.

[@bluesuzuki4758]

Can you tell me the name of the oil you used for can I use any type furniture polish?

[@SewWhatMaryborough800plus]

Hi. The oil we use is Pale Boiled Oil. which is a linseed oil with an additive which makes it dry hard. I am sure it is made world wide. Good Luck .

[@fatimacanin777]

Amei seu trabalho Pena q não entendo sua língua

[@oldschoolwoolandweavingcen4060]

Just to be clear - you didn't do any washing or cleaning prior to applying the linseed oil?

[@SewWhatMaryborough800plus]

I do not. Not saying you don't. Please feel free to adapt it to your method. If you wash it please make sure it is completely dry before adding the oil. Good Luck with it.

[@diannemoyes1505]

Just beautiful results.i

[@SewWhatMaryborough800plus]

TYVM..

[@claudialandon1423]

I am unable to find how to treat the gold decals on the wood cabinet without taking them off. I have a Minnesota B with cabinet.

[@SewWhatMaryborough800plus]

Its almost impossible. I have used a a very diluted paint stripper and rubbed Very lightly. You will remove the darkened shellak just be extremely delicate around the decals. You can do it.

[@NeilaMaher]

He's just been watching a few video's on using pale boiled oil. What's scaring me is I'm hearing that your rags are highly flammable and should be disposed of properl. What did you do with you steel wool and rags once you finished?

[@SewWhatMaryborough800plus]

I kept them in a cool place until rubbish day and placed them in the general waste bin. They are only in danger of combustion if they are placed in a warm place. Really its being cautious. Kept in a cool well aired place.

[@NeilaMaher]

Do you think it would be ok if I left in a bucket of water. Want oil on Saturday but bin day is following friday

[@SewWhatMaryborough800plus]

Neil I have been using this oil for over 10 years and have had left the cloths in many different spots. I have never seen any of my cloths ignite, But one has to be very aware of its nature. Just always keep it in a well ventilated spot and as cool as possible.

[@jessicafroelich6813]

When you do the second coat on top, do you use the steel wool again or just a cloth?

[@SewWhatMaryborough800plus]

Hi Jessica triple o steel wool each time. You only use a Lint Free cloth to wipe over 5 mins after the second coat to remove streaks or excess .. The finer each coat the Better result. I hope this helps.

[@jessicafroelich6813]

@@SewWhatMaryborough800plus thank you so much for replying. I just bought a Singer sewing machine from 1909. She's a beauty, but she needs cleaned up. I'm going to try the pale oil and the rust converter.

[@944gemma]

I have a vintage Singer 66 treadle in a parlor cabinet. A new find for me. The machine sews just fine after a good cleaning and oiling. However the balance wheel clutch knob will not budge one way or the other. You just can't turn it. Any ideas?

[@SewWhatMaryborough800plus]

Gemma, Hi Yes.. Sometimes it may take a while , we had one which took three Months to get working. Sewing machine oil, again, again and again, saturate it and continually put pressure on it. It will eventually free. The occasional tap but just be patient. A bit of Butch can also help but use That within the boarders. It will free just don't be too impatient . Once you get a 1/4 of an inch movement, oil, pressure, oil pressure. It will free. Good Luck

[@claudialandon1423]

Do you think boiled linseed oil would work as well as a stripper lightly on the decals?

[@DARTHPLATITUDE]

What year is that machine from, I got one just like it from my grandma, can anyone help me with a little history please

[@MariaFerreira-sv4dg]

I have one exactly the same, i searched and it's from 1930 sh

[@shawnataylor7998]

Beautiful

[@tkarlmann]

I think you indicated that your cabinet was solid wood, not laminate. I've just acquired a Singer treadle machine (4 drawers) here in the US, and I researched the serial number to reveal that it was made in 1891. However, my machine is laminate everywhere -- even the drawers. May I inquire as the date your machine was made? Also, would you recommend the treatments sown here for a laminate Singer treadle cabinet?

[@SewWhatMaryborough800plus]

Hi. Thank you. I am sorry if your perception was "I indicated that these are solid timber". It was never my intention. Very few cabinets of this era and onwards are mainly veneer. As this cabinet is no long with us we are unable to place an accurate date on this machine. At a guess I'd say Circa: 1930ish.

[@cathyjames6229]

Have a 31-15 Singer Sewing Machine that hand pull has freeze I have cleaned and oil machine. The machine has a heavy duty motor in good condition. Have own machine for 30 Years and never had many issues I couldn't handle.Help!

[@Mr2clowns]

What is the name of the oil?

[@SewWhatMaryborough800plus]

Jeff. It's Pale boiled Linseed oil. This is not raw Linseed it's treated so it drier and doesn't stay sticky like Raw Linseed oil.

[@monapause]

I tried this on the case for my hand crank machine and I couldn't even get the dirt off of it. is that boiled linseed oil or a different boiled oil? I want to clean the wood case for my hand crank and my treadle.

[@SewWhatMaryborough800plus]

Mona Hi. Yes.. Boiled Linseed oil . Don't apply the oil until you have removed all the residue you want off your timber. Clean it properly first. If you miss a spot not to worry it can be sanded or scraped off after the first application of Pale boiled oil. This is the beauty of this Method, you can easily re do it without too much problem. Good Luck.

[@monapause]

what do I use to clean it off first?

[@monapause]

I just did the non pumice gojo hand cleaner on my Jones machine head and it worked beautifully. now I want to try out your cabinet restoring way.

[@SewWhatMaryborough800plus]

Good luck with it. Just Take your time.

[@SewWhatMaryborough800plus]

I usually use a scraper to initially get most of the heavy stuff off. I never use paint stripper, after scraping the cabinet back ( if it warrants using a scraper) maybe a Light sand with the grain. The initial surface is important to get it right before the oil. Get it right the first time

[@reynaldosulangi1861]

What is that liquid?

[@SewWhatMaryborough800plus]

Reynaldo the oil we used is Pale Boiled Linseed oil. which is Linseed oil with an additive in it which enables the external surface dry as Linseed oil does not. similar to snake oil,

[@yolandaloma2279]

that looks new

[@trisheklund721]

What do you do to prep the cabinet before doing the oil?

[@SewWhatMaryborough800plus]

Trish, Due to the shellac's crystallized condition there was no need for that. If the Shellac was not so crystallized you would Have to scrape it using a scraper or possibly lightly sand. After the first coat of oil you will see if it needs scraping or sanding. This cabinet had shellac not varnish. Varnish would Need to be removed prior. Good Luck.

[@SewWhatMaryborough800plus]

Trish with a cabinet in this condition what you see it what we did. If the cabinet needs scraping back you can see that in some of my other restoration clips. But this Is as you see it. The Shellac is very crystallized and the steel wool does the prepping.

[@trisheklund721]

@@SewWhatMaryborough800plus thanks for your help it turned out beautiful. We sanded it down so as to match new veneer on top.

[@SewWhatMaryborough800plus]

Trish.. Fantastic. So happy for you. Well Done

[@bella-bee]

I wondered about the prepping to, and I get what you say in response, but I was still thinking there’s a lot of dirt on there, especially in the draw fronts, they did look dusty. I wondered whether the oil is bringing out the colour beautifully, but hiding the fact that you may be loosening, spreading and then sealing in the dirt!? I think I’d want to brush and damp dust the whole thing first, if you’ll forgive my saying.

[@bronwynjennings3783]

I have bought two singers in the past couple of months and am looking forward to restoring them over the holidays. It's really great to get an Australian video so I know I can source the materials easily! My only question about restoring the desk is that mine has a veneer on it that has lifted and chipped off in a couple of areas - is there any easy way to repair it? Can i remove all of the veneer? Or should I just restick down what is left and enjoy my singer as is? Cheers Bron

[@Willow-hr8zw]

bronwyn jennings normal wood glue does it quite nicely but small cavities, cracks, chips fill with super glue

[@RACHEM-p9y]

Where can I find Information about the Singer sewing machine model number AJ068236, I look all over the internet and no luck at all. Please help me! I just got it from a family member as a gift!

[@Willow-hr8zw]

JUNITO ROSARIO its a singer 15 that one was made in 1949

[@alicesmithson4796]

Go to ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/serial-numbers/singer-aj-series-serial-numbers.html

[@tristau9138]

Did yo remove all the veneer?

[@SewWhatMaryborough800plus]

Trista , No the picture of the top looking all scaley is as we found it. Veneer in place, only needed a few spots to re glue . In this pix all veneer was retained . Good Luck

[@inekegaldeij846]

Where can I find Information about the Singer sewing machine model number F8054820. It's in very good shape and want to sell it. I am living in the Netherlands

[@SewWhatMaryborough800plus]

Ineke. From my research your Machine is a Singer 127 made in 1917. A 3/4 size machine. Keep this for future enquiries. ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/serial-numbers/singer-sewing-machine-serial-number-database.html

[@inekegaldeij846]

thank you very much :)

[@bella-bee]

A singer 127 or 27 is a full sized machine. 128 or 28 are the little ‘uns, that’s my understanding (as are 99 and 185)

[@kittenheels1958]

Outstanding

[@SewWhatMaryborough800plus]

Catalina. TY certainly not original not using the period method but this we fine is a very serviceable, affordable and easy method.

[@debrapolenz4962]

omg, It's driving me crazy that your using this teeny tiny piece of steel wool, lol

[@SewWhatMaryborough800plus]

Debra. Using a smaller piece , one uses less oil and It's easier to get into the tight corners.

[@nana31331]

I was disappointed. I feel like you wasted my time, because you did not restore a Singer Treadle Sewing Machine... which I was hoping to see, you restored a Cabinet that the machine is in!

[@SewWhatMaryborough800plus]

Nana, , I have several other clips in You tube with the restoration of sewing machines. Sorry if you where disappointed. Look in "Antique Sewing Machine head Clean up " or similar

[@pterrydactyl]

nana31331 The title said cabinet and that’s what he did. He did strip it down and take it apart but did restore thecab

[@hollygullet424]

This nana person I have noticed comments the same thing on everyones video...

[@bobgrassl1436]

Restoring a Treadle Sewing Machine "Cabinet" ..that is what it says..nothing about a machine.....excellent video !!!

[@suechapman6828]

Nana31331, you wasted your OWN time, because the headline SAID that he was restoring the cabinet. Don't blame the author if you don't read the directions. NOT FAIR.

[@janetcw9808]

That's so helpful! Good work! Does anyone out there have any information on Singer treadle sewing machine in drawing room cabinet, model 27k pls? 🤔 Good wishes.