White Rotary Sewing Machine | Refurbishing a 103 year old Electric Model

Can I get this 103 year old electric sewing machine running again? Let's do a "Refurbishment" not a restoration on this White Rotary sewing machine. Most old sewing machines, if they are complete and not totally rusted up, will function. The old cloth wrapped wire and carbon filled rheostat are going to be the biggest issues with this machine. A really good cleaning, polishing of the nickel plated parts and a little adjusting will see this old beauty sew once again!
SINGER 2131E All Purpose Machine Oil, 4-Fluid Ounces (Amazon):
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GOJO ORIGINAL FORMULA Hand Cleaner, Fragrance Free, 14 fl oz Crème-Style Hand Cleaner Canister (Amazon):
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Check out some of my favorite channels dedicated to the "Old West" and other firearms related stuff!
Arizona Ghostriders
/ @arizonaghostriders
Guns Of The West
/ @gunsofthewest
Chuckin'
/ @chuckintv
Squib Load
/ @squib1911

[@budlite8207]

My great Uncle was Vice President of Singer Sowing Machines. Back in the '70's he gave us a portable machine, much like yours. It worked perfect. Years later, I looked for it and nobody in my family could find it. I was hurt because that little machine is what I learned to sow on. It was old and I was really hurt.

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

You'd be amazed at how many of these machines were just tossed out with the trash. People used to make their own clothes and mend them when needed. I don't know if you'll ever find YOUR machine again, but there are still thousands of them out there. Go find one and make something, it might just make you feel better. Thanks for watching!

[@4486xxdawson]

It was probably a 221 featherweight , i have 2 , the one you had was probably a school bell model early design , i have one .....sad it got lost in family clean outs , i often buy from families that have passed it down then nobody young wants it and they sell , i always make videos and tell the last owner come see how i bring it back to life and it brings them comfort knowing its getting love in my collection and they can show family how it runs ....there are lots of 221 models but it will not be the same , i understand ....sorry for your loss on both ends ......

[@seniorLu48]

I always get sentimental when I pick up an old sewing machine to work on. The history of these machines is incredible. Thank you.

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

I do like to think about what those machines have seen. Who was their owner. What did they make? Did they procrastinate and take as long as I do to finish a project? Thanks for watching!

[@peacedujour]

Very awesome. Those old machines are so satisfying to hear running. I have an electric Singer date of birth 12/13/1923! I love it.

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

I agree! Thanks for watching!

[@beakytwitch7905]

I bought and fitted a motor kit from Ali Express to a New Home 1913-made sewing machine. As a 220 Volt motor it runs too fast, so I used my Variac transformer and found the ideal setting is 115 Volts. This antique sewing machine is amazing ! ❤😊

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

Very cool!

[@mikethomas5412]

These old machines are amazing examples of craftsmanship.

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

I agree! Works of art too!

[@4486xxdawson]

As a collector i love all the different sounds , no 2 machines sound the same ...great video ........

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

I only have about 12 machines, but I agree, they all sound different and amazing. My favorite, I believe, is my Wilcox and Gibbs! Thanks for the comment and thanks for watching too!

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

That is about the coolest thing!

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

I sure do love some antique machines! Thanks for watching Santee!

[@dtalon92]

100 years old. Made in America. Built to last. Congratulations on becoming the next caretaker.

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

Should be pretty easy, it looks as if it was neglected for a long time and it still runs after a little love. These things were built before the "throw away" society was created. Thanks for watching!

[@ralphwatten2426]

I started sewing with one of those, the treadle model. I then got a Singer plastic gear machine and now I have a Singer 404 and a Singer 503. Both all metal late '50's early 60's. I've made cordura dog boots and a fleece robe and 5 cordura day packs and a western shirt. All great "hibernation" projects. Sewing is addictive!

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

Very nice! I've been sewing off and on for years. (Mostly off) I know what you mean. I've got a few Western clothing projects I'd like to get working on soon. Thanks for watching!

[@ralphwatten2426]

@@SmallCaliberArmsReview McCalls has a nice western shirt with yokes and cuffs. My wife helped me with the terminology on the pattern but I cut it out and sewed it myself. I used really heavy denim and I'd use chambray or something lighter like that.

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

@@ralphwatten2426 I have some of those patterns as well as some from Buckaroo Bobbins (Historically accurate patterns) and bags and totes full of fabric to go with them!

[@MommaNanaKay]

Thank you for the details on cleaning this machine. I have a non-electric one that I am trying to tear down and clean. It’s pretty gunked up but in decent condition. Your video is the most informative one I’ve found!

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

Glad I could help! I have taken several other machines apart for some extensive cleaning and reconditioning but I don't always film them. It's hard to figure out what people want to see! I really appreciate the comment and thank you for watching too!

[@131dyana]

Loved to see that machine running so smooth thanks.

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

Me too. Thanks for watching!

[@snappers_antique_firearms]

That was fun to watch. Congrats on another beautiful antique sewing machine

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

Thanks so much! I know it's not a firearms video but, there are a lot of things I like to tinker with!

[@snappers_antique_firearms]

@@SmallCaliberArmsReview i think thats how most of us are as well. I I'm interested in a lot of other things. And love almost everything that's antique

[@karenvoyles3013]

I have inherited my Grandmother's White 15 sewing machine. It was in my grandfather's house and then in my sister's house for years. Do you know anyone in the Oklahoma City area that works on machines like these? The patent is marked 1937, so it is not quite as old as the one you are working on. I would really love to get it running!

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

I really don't know anyone at all who works on them, anywhere!

[@janethodel5683]

Great video, I would like to see one about restoring the case also

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

Hopefully I'll get around to it someday. While the weather is nice, I really like to take care of the outdoor projects. I hope to get around to it this Fall or Winter. Thank you for watching!

[@spektr540hemi]

That is awesome ! I have several old Singer treadle machines.

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

They can be addictive! Thanks for watching!

[@pamhammond6577]

I have a very similar White Rotary that I am just starting to clean. Thanks for this great video.

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

I hope it was helpful! Thank you for watching!

[@6thmichcav262]

White rotaries are great machines. The bobbins will hold more than a Singer or Class 15 machine, and they have a great amount of space under the arm and foot. They will sew through really thick material if you use the proper needle and thread, and work easily with or without the motor. I have machines that will do fancy stitches and reverse, but when I want easy, fast, strong work done, I pull out my grandmother’s 1926 FR.

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

I do not have a White treadle machine.....yet! I love those wonderful works of mechanical art. Thanks for watching!

[@u007foshay]

Awesome job. I have a machine just like this one on a shelf. Could I add a NEW modern motor that runs with a BELT instead of the rotary rubber wheel? And if so, is there a particular model motor you'd recommend? Thanks!

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

I'm sure you probably could. I don't know of any specific motor, but I'd look for a Servo motor. The control of servo motors is pretty cool, plus, they have great torque at nearly any speed. Someday I hope to switch my Pfaff machine from a clutch motor to a servo motor. Sorry I couldn't be more help. Thank you for watching!

[@ziptiejedi5658]

I recently inherited 3 Singer sewing machines. 2 are electric and 1 is a manual one that's on a desk with the foot pedal and everything except a belt. They all fold up into their own little desktop. They are pretty cool and seem like they are complete. I just don't know what I should do with them. I hate to let them sit in my pole barn and get ruined.

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

There are a LOT of people that collect them, you just need to let people know you're looking for a new home for them. I'm still looking for some mid to late 1800s machines but I keep coming across pretty good deals. I'm going to run out of room soon!

[@shannonnoel3]

How did you get the front plate off where the needle goes up and down? I have a machine and it is seized and I'm trying to assess the situation

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

There are two screws on the back side of the head that hold the front side on. Be careful when removing it, if I remember correctly, a few parts can fall out. Good luck and have fun!

[@ElizabethHansbury]

I have a "Free Westinghouse" model ALB rotary machine. It requires special needles - CC1221. Can you suggest where I might find these needles? ~ Thank you

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

I couldn't say for sure. I have seen many different kinds of needles available on ebay from time to time. Those older machines can be tough to find parts for.

[@bluescatreimer]

Really interesting video Richard, always look forward to them.

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching!

[@sasquatch885]

Wow! That cleaned up real nice!

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

I think so too! Thanks for watching!

[@bobkin611]

Are you sure its 1920? Serial numbers and product ends at 1918

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

I said "about" 1920. I couldn't verify it 100%. Thanks for watching!

[@Squib1911]

"Less crap should function better." I agree with that. Same could be said about removing cosmoline from a milsurp.

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

Cosmoline can be a PITA to clean up, but HOT water and Dawn dish soap always worked for me. Diesel helps with removing it from aircraft engines!

[@pmrich7035]

All Whites rotate the drive wheel clockwise

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

Good to know. Thanks for watching!

[@jill552]

I wanted to see the motor get done.

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

I'm sorry! It was pretty dirty and it's kind of hard to film with just one person.

[@RedProg]

Incredible find. Congrats.

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

Thanks!

[@user-hx6wt9dh7w]

So awesome good job.

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

Thank you! Thanks for watching too!

[@joemorganeatmyshortschannel]

Very cool dude

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

Thanks Joe! I know it's not a firearms video, but there's a lot of things I like to tinker with. Thanks for watching!