SYork Posted September 29, 2008 Report Share Posted September 29, 2008 I know someone has discussed this before, but I can't find anything on the subject. I bought a featherweight and it was delivered today. (not totally as described) It has some residue that looks like scotch tape has been applied to the machine base and needle plate. The black finish is perfect with no wear on the decals so I want to be careful when cleaning it. How do I get the residue off? Could I use WD40? Sharon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elkayr Posted September 30, 2008 Report Share Posted September 30, 2008 what about rubbing alcohol? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnmach Posted September 30, 2008 Report Share Posted September 30, 2008 Use WD-40 on a rag. Let it sit on the tape for a few minutes and then pull the tape off and gently use the rag to remove the residue. Johnmach Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MCramer Posted September 30, 2008 Report Share Posted September 30, 2008 There is also a product called Goo-gone, it is oil based. I use it to remove stickers all the time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
busybee Posted September 30, 2008 Report Share Posted September 30, 2008 This is what I was told to do with cleaning up an old machine. Use steel wool extra fine and 409 or fantstic. And if it is cleaned and you want to make it shine. Use Oil and cloth. This is from a machine repair man. Been in business 35 years. I guess I would trust him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mary Beth Posted September 30, 2008 Report Share Posted September 30, 2008 I don't know if you are a member of the vintage singer yahoo group, but they have tons of information on their chat area. Also, there is a featherweight yahoo group that might help you too. Both groups would be good to be a part of, especially when you own one of these beauties. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
belquilt Posted September 30, 2008 Report Share Posted September 30, 2008 Check out this website... I use it extensively with my featherweight questions. http://www.singer-featherweight.com/siteone%20pages/site1-2.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lym95 Posted September 30, 2008 Report Share Posted September 30, 2008 I'm not sure I would use steel wool of any kind on this finish. It'll clean the residue, but it will also grind away some of the paint. You might try Avon Skin So Soft. It gently removes many types of gummy residue and not only is easy on the finish, it leaves your hands "so soft". mrmargie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bonnie Posted September 30, 2008 Report Share Posted September 30, 2008 I totally agree with Mr Margie...his fingers were just a bit faster with this than mine were.... Any vintage machine I not sure I would use steel wool even if it did come from a experienced person telling I can, I would to scared I would be to heavy handed and mess it up.....and I'm not to sure I would use an alcohol based product either...that could take off the shiny finish that some would call a cover coat.... Congrats on your new purchase....I know what you mean it not being totally true in the advertising...I just got my second one a couple of months ago...machine is great, but the box wasn't worth the shipping...had to throw it away, and get another one... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
diane c Posted September 30, 2008 Report Share Posted September 30, 2008 Hi, I have a lot of old Singers. They're something I like to use and collect! The only thing I use on residue that's left on the machine from old tape, is sewing machine oil. I put several drops of oil on the residue and just let it soak. Then, wipe it off and repeat this process. It will take a long time! The glue will eventually soften, and you'll be able to remove it. The oil won't hurt the finish on the machine at all. I wouldn't trust some of the other methods talked about here. You don't want to cloud the finish on your "new" baby! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
victoriasews Posted September 30, 2008 Report Share Posted September 30, 2008 If you need to mark the 1/4 mark on your throatplate and don't want to use tape again, I use a static tape in orange. It stays put and picks right up if you want to move it and it leaves no residue, so no future gunk. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sammi357 Posted September 30, 2008 Report Share Posted September 30, 2008 uh-oh... I wouldn't use steel wool or a scotchbrite on anything but the mechanical parts underneath the machine, for example, if they were showing rust or something, and even then, I would use it very gingerly. Those are abrasives. Even Mr. Clean pads are abrasive. I bring poor little waif sewing machines home from yard sales and stuff, and it is always interesting to clean the puppies up and get them stitching again. I have used WD-40 for cleaning and goo gone and 409, but test a spot first to make sure that whatever you're using is not going to spoil the paint, and try to stay away from any decals or designs on the machine. And, be sure if you do use WD-40 on any of the mechanical parts, that you do re-oil with good machine oil again, because it's not good for machine lubrication. hope this helps. sammi Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jacksong Posted September 30, 2008 Report Share Posted September 30, 2008 I had an actual repairman/store owner at the Long Beach Quilt Show tell me to use WD40. Let it soak for a few minutes and wipe off. He assured me it wouldn't take the gold off. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SYork Posted September 30, 2008 Author Report Share Posted September 30, 2008 I was afraid to try sand paper or the alcohol, so I tried the WD40 and it worked perfectly. Tape residue is gone and the machine is shining. I haven't tried to sew with it yet. I want to do a good oiling before I try. Thanks everyone. Sharon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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