The Eater-Of-Hands

[gmcttr]

Ok. Thanks gmcttr (gemcutter?...huh.) I just got it soaking in turbine oil now. I will look around before I dig in.

Yep...gemcutter. I think you're the first person to get it. I used to cut faceted gemstones as a hobby.

[Ramblinrev]

On the off chance that it is worth several hundred dollars + (or a thousand) to a collector, you might want to look into that before taking a chance on lowering it's value with a well intended "cleaning".

That's a good point. My only comment is there is a difference between a restoration and a "cleaning." As it is it is not operable. Do you want to use it or sell it? To use it you need to do _something_. To sell it you may or may not want to do something. That depends on the state of the market. You'd need to do some research on that. To restore it would be time consuming and potentially expensive to replicate the decals and such. That would be a true restoration. Anything else would undoubtedly reduce it's value. But if the value is in the using... that's where I would the priority.

[Pipsissewa]

Granted, yours is a long way from this one and "asking" is not "getting" but still, see:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Original-Singer-...item3a67569d41

Proceed with caution!

[hippofeet]

Bummer. After a few minutes, I found 2 for sale, 1200$ and 1650$. Both were nicer than mine. The expensive one had the table. I was gonna use it, but If I sold it I could maybe get a less collectible machine to beat up... I will email some pics to places and see what they about it "as is". Thanks all.

[oldgringo]

hippo, it's already used...you're not going to wear it out, and it will only appreciate. Slow down, friend.

[hippofeet]

lol, roger that.

I AM gonna sell that stupid 6235 singer. Whoever thought that "auto-disaster" bobbin threader up was TOO smart.

[Catavarie]

Did Dr. Frankenstien use that to stitch together his monster?

[Doctari]

I'd like to add that the "yellow" paint (the Singer name & the decorations) is actually gold leaf! At least it is on mine.
I have a home version of that machine (different model, slightly less factory looking) & it actually still works very well. We don't use it, got 4 other modern machines with motors. I would bet that you could find a period stand for it in a antique store or yard sale, as many of them were turned into dressing tables after mom got a new electric model. With the foot treadle still in place.

[hippofeet]

I had a treadle stand. 2 in fact. I got rid of them when I went overseas least year. From what I have seen (which is not much) the stand doesn't seem to raise the price that much. I am just surprised that the machine is all about one decorative stitch. I have never done gold leaf, but the paint on this appears to be white something on black something. I think if it sews heavy tarp, like oiled canvas tarp, I will keep it. If not, it can go.

[Ramblinrev]

I think if it sews heavy tarp, like oiled canvas tarp, I will keep it. If not, it can go.

According to the manual it has a gizmo that pre-pierces heavy materials. That beastie should be able to stitch through tin cans. Not that you'll ever need to.