TOOLS & EQUIPMENT SERIES #20: Waking Up a Sewing Machine After a 30 Year Nap. Frozen Machine Parts!

[@lornadavis476]

Craft stores have heat guns for scrap booking. They have a bit more heat and have smaller openings to focus the airflow. Since they're meant for paper, they're not as hot.

[@billminckler6550]

I revived my Viking Husqvarna 190 1982 through a heat gun to soften the old oil that turned into a gummy varnish. FOCUS the heat (hand-made aluminum foil funnel) with lubricant and gentle movement and stay AWAY from the plastic, wires, and rubber. Success!!!!

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Congrats on your success!!

[@dutchgirl2]

Dealing with the same problem with my 'new necchi bu nova'.

[@stephanblack4558]

Applying heat to metal and the metal will swell (expand) so that's not good for moving parts.

[@stephanblack4558]

Hi, I bought and old Brother from the 1095's for $40. set in a cabinet, it was all dry so i oild it and now it works super fast. than you.

[@wdtaut5650]

Another consideration for heat guns: mine also has a high and a low setting. On mine, the low setting is hotter than the high setting because the switch is controlling the fan speed not the temperature. I think more power goes to the fan and less to the heat element on high. Maybe it's just defective but I have to be aware of it. Have you told the model of that machine? It looks very much like my 1757.

[@historygradstu]

I have the same kenmore 158.1516 its in the orginal cabinet, the machine and cabinet are 1971, in that cool pistachio green...its a great machine but it aint a singer 201!

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Well, yes, the Kenmore does not have the same lovely 'rotary style' straight stitch that makes the 201 so legendary. But then again, the 201 does not possess the Kenmore's own redeeming qualities. It sounds like you have a great machine. Many sewers love having more than one model so there is always that option if you don't already own both.

[@helpfulnhappy]

I'm waiting on the Necchi power cord that I ordered to come. Then I will wake up my old Necchi Nora. Thankfully, she's not frozen up. Do you have any recommendations for getting off melted old power cord off the paint? It's right where you sew on the bed of the machine. Thanks for making these videos and helping us.

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

I might try hand cleaner (Brands such as Permatex, GoJo, etc). Be sure to only use one of these that has NO PUMICE. Some come with pumice added as the products were originally created to clean hands of grease and grime. Always try anything on a small area on the back at first to ensure compatibility. Here is one video I made using such a product. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pIq1qXSurrd0abM

[@helpfulnhappy]

@VintageSewingMachineGarage thank you so much! I'll check it out.

[@elizabethclaiborne6461]

I just resuscitated a dead Kenmore 95, after a week of irrigating oil ports and bushings I opened the gear box. 😱 it was locked up in the hook gears and after digging filthy lumpy grease out, hit it with Pb Blaster and it started hemorrhaging some evil crud. And after a lot more clean up it turns like butter. So try the hook gears on that boat anchor, I don’t recall you doing that. Old 3 In 1 will always go to the worst possible place.

[@gergemall]

Great tips . Thanks

[@jimargeropoulos8309]

Have you ever tried using a soldering iron held to a housing for very point heat?

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

I have thought of it and I do own one but I found the heat gun is faster given that it blows heat off of its elements. Although, now that you mention it, your idea might be helpful when trying to avoid soft materials in a tight space. Thanks for the suggestion!

[@elizabethclaiborne6461]

The color is Celadon. Nothing like an avocado.

[@janet4735]

My stitch knob broke😢

[@stephanblack4558]

It sounds painful.