White Rotary Treadle Antique Sewing Machine - Sewing Machine Refurbishing

Refurbishing of an antique Treadle Sewing Machine - White brand. Over 100 years old. Tips on Cleaning and maintenance.
I originally purchased this at a garage sale and got it for a very good price. All it needed was a little TLC.
The cabinet will most likely have to be refinished but that will be another video for another day.
Getting to know this machine and create the video of all the work that was done to clean and oil it was definitely a labor of love.
References:
Check out the following KZbin channels which I found very reputable and helpful, for extra advice and tips.
FiddleyBits
She restores a lot of antique sewing machines and had a nice video on restoring a 1908 Rotary Sewing Machine (White)
Lizzie Lenard
She does a lot of sewing videos using a treadle, but had a great two-part video on How to clean and oil a vintage sewing machine.
ISMACS International
This is the International Sewing Machine Collectors' Society where you can look up and find more information on your specific sewing machine, and if they have a pdf of the manual for it, you can download it for free.
I believe they will also price sewing machines.

[@tinkerbell2939]

This is such a nice video. Thank you. So many people talk so loud and/or fast. You are so relaxing. Beautiful machine. My older sister taught me to sew an elastic waisted skirt on our meme's White! It was an old black one like this, but plain black and electric.

[@user-cz6zo8pn3b]

THANK YOU!!!! I too recently acquired this same machine that was in really good shape - and just needed some oiling and general cleanup. Your explanations and video were juuuuust the ticket to get this beauty up and running. Thanks also for the guidance on patience and practice as I had difficulty making her wheel run in the correct direction for the White machine. I'm just starting to practice and after the good oiling as you described she's muuuuuuuch happier as am I!!!!

[@okiemarket]

Love seeing your video. I just got a model that looks identical to this. It was converted from treadle to electric. The electric wiring is shot. I'm going to try to get it cleaned and working and add a hand crank to it, unless by some miracle I find an intact treadle cabinet for it. Thanks for sharing!

[@FaerySeeker]

This video is so informative. I learned how to tell the age of my machine and also how to clean it with just regular machine oil. Thank you!

[@brooklynqueen125]

Great video and thank you for the links and info! I can't wait to get my White Rotary going!

[@rhondaroberts9581]

Thank you sooo much for sharing this video! Just like 2 hours ago I bought a 1913 White treadle machine and it's beautiful but needs refurbished. Thank you again!

[@sarahdannunzio5068]

Hi there! I just purchased a 1926 White just like this one for my 10 year old and myself. We have been having a great time with it. The treadle had a learning curve, which my husband and daughter mastered right away. I was a little slower, but now I have it down. I have drawers with many pieces and bobbins. I have the instruction book which has helped so much. I would love more videos! My daughter just started American Girl Doll clothes on it and does not get frustrated like she did on our newer machine that always broke down! Thank you for the great video!

[@stephenvinson6474]

I was luckey to find one exactly the same model as yours ..in really good shape...just the same...I have been intimidated by taking it apart...so I've oiled it as is...I admire your bravery and confidence in doing it...great job.

[@violetlavender637]

I really enjoyed watching you working on this beautiful old machine. I love old sewing machines as well, have 2 treadles but not as old as yours. I also have the portable old singer with the wooden cover etc. I am going to go bring my treadle in and have a good time cleaning it and sewing with it too! thanks for subbing and for the inspiration...off to watch more of your videos! all the best Violet also in Canada - on the prairies...

[@tommygamba170]

Thanks. For showing me. I got a 1908 that needed cleaning. But I'm converting some of the areas synthetic automotive brake grease.

[@ehernandez9570]

I’m picking up one tomorrow - I’m so excited!!! Great video

[@oldtimerlee8820]

Enjoyed watching your clean up. Have a head (brand unknown) much like the one you showed. Looking forward to cleaning it up & putting it back into use. Thanks for the various tid-bits of info that will be helpful.

[@valeriejoyc]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video and for the kind comment.

[@mya514]

It's a beautiful machine.. I just purchased one I was trying to figure out a couple of things on it...unfortunately someone put a motor on the one I purchased...thank you for this video

[@IvyRosethebus]

Thank you for your hard work on this video. I have the same machine. Excellent information. Thank you for the links also.

[@HerbBaird]

I know this is an older video, but can you do another short video demonstrating how to thread the machine?

[@aspec42]

Nice job! Is there any thing to know about removing the side plate other than unscrewing the 2 screws? Is the tension assembly located on this part?

[@lindamorgan2678]

Nice clean machine . I just picked one up that had mint decals but it is rusty all over, but the decals are immaculate ( my other one the decals are worn ) ..Finally in seized it but waiting to take the bobbin case out and get the rust off that area also and work on getting the rust off the foot shaft etc. I like these machines. The date on the needle plate is just the last patent on the machine it could be newer the serial number could get it closer to the date. Lovely machine you have there Thanks for sharing

[@katberkeley5015]

Thank you for this video. I just bought a White treadle machine today (Sept 3, 2022) I to live on Vancouver Island. I was wondering if you have a source for bobbins. Only 1 came with the machine. I am also looking for a repair manual.

[@valeriejoyc]

I don`t really know much about the different makes and models. Do check out some of the references I left in the description.

[@amysbees6686]

Great find! Beautiful machine! I have to hat very one in a more traditional cabinet. I'm missing the Head Latch (somebody used wire to contrive a fix). I'm unable to tip up the machine to work on the underside. I see you don't have one at all. I wonder if it's a critical part then.

[@lauralynneh]

I can’t loosen the piece that holds the feet on my White, any tips? Thanks

[@purpy102]

It's easier to put the t-shirt plate on, if you put the needle plate on first. Then it will go on.

[@bowtiemenswearllc7945]

I have the same machine and I had to do so much to restored. Glad you have the same machine ❤️

[@valeriejoyc]

It is a nice machine. So far I have been really happy with it.

[@bowtiemenswearllc7945]

Valerie Critchley I'm happy for you

[@lauragreggain7767]

That's a beautiful machine it reminds me of my grandmothers old Singer treadle

[@valeriejoyc]

Laura, me too.

[@gailcarter1954]

I have one exactly like this and am curious to know more about it. I've had it for 30 years have never even treaded it

[@meganm3270]

I had this exact same one but I lost the wood case part in the 2016 flood :( it freaking sucks

[@FancySassy80]

I love mine and still use it..

[@amandalaren4359]

Very beautiful! I am hoping to get both of my great grandmother's machines from my mom in Michigan soon and this was a great help. Did you plan on refinishing the wood with mineral oil or anything? I saw that you hadn't posted a video of it, so thought I would ask. Good job!

[@valeriejoyc]

Some of the wood is so far gone, it will require a complete refinishing. It will have to be a long winter project.

[@jafinch78]

@@valeriejoyc I'm debating patching the veneer on my cabinet or replacing the whole surface. My first instinct was marine grade spar finish poly to assure a longer lasting waterproof performance. Still not certain.

[@pmeers2]

I know this video is older…. However was gifted a white machine marched 1913, took it apart to restore it and had to change the back panel, belt and curved brace. Now it will not close correctly. Any chance you could show me exactly how your machine opens and closes? For mine once the tension is off the belt the machine flops and tries to fall… please help!

[@ninasharma6809]

Old is gold. I m in Love with that treadle machine of yours

[@amandaleslie7194]

I have my family's white sewing machine. The bobbin winder doesn't stay in place, just pops down. Do I need to do some oiling or do you have to hold it in place to do the bobbins?

[@valeriejoyc]

I'm trying my best to remember. Seems to me I had to hold it down a bit. Next time I'm on the machine I'll have a look at that.

[@dimostziger3328]

can you make a video how you work the pedal with foot?thanks!

[@jafinch78]

Thanks for the inspiration to go ahead with a very shaddy looking White FR with the six drawer treadle cabinet. That and the now other in a carrying case White FR are stitching. The carrying case one as well as another parts one came with motors... though of course the nicest newest of the bunch is the parts machine missing the most... oddly a bunch of set screws and lock I guess screws for the set screws... plus missing screws in general and the bobbin case. Thankfully the one motorized came with bobbins so I didn't have to wait and order. I'm going to invest in some more to restore since amazing to me how rusty and bad looking they can be and sew just great after adjusting the tensions for the sew task. Very quiet compared the the Singer VS-2 fiddle base treadle I picked up the same day I purchased the White FR treadles. I think the sound is what sold me, now I'm hooked on that design until I have my goals met. Appears the Singer presser bars can be fit in also, so to use other shank design feet. Was inspired to try to get a Singer zig-zag attachment to go and that led me to finding certian models might be a direct fit that's close enough. Now... the distance is more on the White... so I am wondering about the needle position and if like a slant shank foot would have the needle in the center more of the foot. We'll see when I get another presser bar and try out in the one. Thanks for sharing! Kind Regards.

[@angelaakers7692]

I happen to have this exact machine that was my great grandmothers I followed this video yesterday and am waiting for the strap to come in but its also electric so waiting for a new belt also my question is do you happen to have a video on just the bobbin part? thank you in advance :)

[@valeriejoyc]

No I don't yet. But you are not the first person to ask about bobbins so I'll try to do a video in the future

[@theoriginalkeepercreek]

Very informative video, well done. Can you tell me anything about a 1879 New Home Treadle sewing machine. I have searched on line and pretty much come up empty handed. Are they well made, can handle heavy fabrics, and are they known for any specific problems? Thanks in advance.

[@sweetolyve]

keepercreek check Ismacs.net, I think.. Katie Farmer is who you should speak with. She is most knowledgeable about these machines.

[@theoriginalkeepercreek]

Thank you!

[@kristiedcox1971]

Thank you so much for this video! I just acquired a machine it’s exactly like you use in this video can you help me date it I’m working on restoring it and how much it might be worth right now I would like to use it some day but it needs some parts fixed I am sure and also I’m gonna use it for aesthetics decoration in my eclectic house of antiques and modern stuff Thanks so much for any help you could give me!

[@kristiedcox1971]

Though mine is one with a motor

[@kristiedcox1971]

Is electric

[@patsmith5236]

I've been looking for info on a very similar model- Thank you. Do you know anything about the upper tensioner?

[@valeriejoyc]

Hi Pat. I must admit, it was difficult even to learn how to thread it properly because the old manual that you can download for free, doesn't have a very good picture of how to thread it. But, do go check out the manual, if you haven't already. There may be some information there about the tensioner. Basically, I just tried different methods of threading until I found one that worked.

[@patsmith5236]

Yes, I can see threading being a problem but do you know how to clean corrosion in between it's layers? Can"t for the life of me get it apart. Might be best not to!

[@romeliamacias7853]

Hola una pregunta su máquina camina asia delate isiatras yo tengo una igual pero tengo esa duda lamía camina asia tras y porque gracias

[@alp-1960]

I recommend not to take it apart, it's a chinese puzzle you need three or four hands to solve. You can try using dental floss with a bit of sewing machine oil on it to clean the tensioner, draw it through like thread. You may need to do this several times.

[@jeremiahsgrotto9156]

I know this video is a couple years old, so hope you see this. Those keys are available on ebay for around $10

[@sarahs8650]

Hi Valerie, I hope you are still keeping up with comments here. I was very impressed with the video. I am working on a machine with the latest patent date of 1913. I was all set to try to remove the left end of the sewing head, took off the two screws you indicated, but it now slides up and down and doesn't come off. You didn't show this part. I don't want to force anything--is there another trick here? Can you or another viewer by any chance point me at other resources? I have two copies of original instruction manuals but have not seen any maintenance manual--they must have existed? Thanks so much.

[@valeriejoyc]

I'm glad you enjoyed it. I still hope to put a new finish on the cabinet one day.

[@LedgerAndLace]

SO COOL! Thanks for sharing! :-)

[@valeriejoyc]

You're very welcome. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@raymondacostajr875]

Are you still out there I need help finding parts

[@jimmyross8315]

que maquina mas bella quisiera tener una igual

[@loriwiemann9836]

Any tips on how to tip the machine backwards? Mine seems to be locked in place

[@valeriejoyc]

You need to remove the cable first. Skip ahead to when I do that so you can see how it it done. That's probably what's holding it in place. If that doesn't work let me know.

[@MRVICTORCRAFTER]

I use a similar sewing machine so far. It is somewhere from 60-ies. But it works fine.

[@valeriejoyc]

Hang on to the good ones.

[@bethpritchett]

Too funny. I'm cleaning up and restoring my electric 1927 white rotary, and there was a sampler scrap in its machine cavity, too. Along with decades' worth of dust and grime. I'd really like to put the machine in a treadle base, the cord is pretty frayed and wrapped in electrical tape and I really don't want to plug it in at all!

[@PatriciaCollette]

question: i just got a 1927 White Rotary Sewing Machine, question i don't see a power button anywhere is this a manual machine.

[@ramrod175]

Patricia Collette does it have an electric motor in back of it that turns the main wheel.? If it does then the motor switch is usually underneath in the cabinet so you can push it with your knee. If it doesn’t have an electric motor then it Is used as a threadle machine .,meaning that the cabinet has the foot operated pedal and a leather belt goes up from cabinet to the machines wheel which has a machined pulley looking area where this belt goes on. If it doesn’t have a motor or a treadle you can probly put a knob on the wheel and turn it by hand.

[@gailcarter1954]

Mine has the drawers that somehow locked. It wasn't always locked and haven't figured out how it got locked. It has all the essential parts to it.

[@strayblackcatsmeow]

They are most likely not real locks. The shape indicates that a small flat screwdriver is used to "lock" the drawers to prevent opening when moving. Vibrations can cause random locking.

[@sophiauldriks8198]

The key for them is a triangle. There is a few places you can buy them or have them made

[@valeriejoyc]

Thank you so much for that information!

[@brittniesmith8201]

You can get new belt on esty from trudlelady . She speachel in truble. Bobbin needle. Books ext. I have same machine.. your video helpful tell were oil gose

[@jeandominiquerosene4147]

Have got a singer i woode like to reapare

[@brittniesmith8201]

As I did have all assores.with my grandmother trudle. It was her grandmother before that.. today machine are over priced never now if prices or itam get money out of I would put money on trudle and hand crank. Orange oil restorfinsh will help wood.

[@donnamoreau8998]

Thats a belt