Old sewing machine Rust removal

[North AL]

Hey guys. I dug up an old sewing machine today. It's in pretty rough shape rust wise. It had a plate on it that said "The New Family Machine" and had a unicorn emblem on it. How can I remove some of the rust without damaging the machine too bad?

 

[North AL]

 

[Sawyer]

Great find. I am newbie so I don't have any advice for you but I bet some of these folks will. I am learning a lot just reading the posts here!

 

[Tnmountains]

That is going to be a hard one to rescue. Not sure but am thinking it is cast. Maybe some experts will chime in. I do electrolysis but not sure how it would do on that. You might sand blast with shells maybe but imagine it is pitted. I have an old singer red eye. They are cool pieces of technology.
Welcome to t-net.

 

[North AL]

Thanks for the info. This is the first big thing I've found. The emblem plate on it is still readable but barely. Just seems like a good keepsake. I live close to a Civil War battleground and hoping to dig up some relics, but no luck yet.

 

[urbanminer]

You might try navel jelly (any hardware store) on a small spot to see how it works. I used it on an old tin lid and ended up being able to see the birds that were painted on it. Navel jelly only cleaned the rust, did not remove the paint.

 

[North AL]

good suggestion. Thanks

 

[HutSiteDigger]

I've dug old early and mid 20th century sowing machines before around old burnt down or demolished 20th century house sites before, brought one back home with me and it never did me any good since it was more rusted than most civil war iron relics I dig. The others I just left where I dug them, There is about a $150-$400 value on non-dug sowing machines like ones you find in your grandma's attic from the early/mid 20 century. Kewl find though...

 

[creskol]

I think I would invest in a gallon of Evapo-rust from the Rust Store
Evapo-Rust Gallon

 

[North AL]

Yea I'm thinking more keepsake than monetary value. It's the first big thing I've dug. Thanks everyone

 

[stefen]

If you haven't already, try using a high pressure hose or jet and get rid of some crud.

Now you can see what the future task will be...the possibilities are endless...

When you reach the level of maximum frustration, tie a rope to it and use as a boat anchor...maybe a door stop...maybe even digg a hole and rebury for another MD'er in the future...

Let us know what happens...

 

[creskol]

Here is an old stove I dug that was in equally bad shape. It could use a bit more Evapo-Rust cleaning, but I sorta like the rusty look.

 

[Southern_Digger]

Use ospho--apply with paint brush--wear rubber gloves. This product used in auto-body industry to dissolve rust by converting it from iron oxide. Once available at Home Depot, and most likely at some auto parts stores. Clear coat with a satin finish spray.

 

[North AL]

Awesome guys. I'll try both if one don't work.

 

[Twinkletoes]

Restoration is an art not a science. Learning to restore finds to what I call "display grade" is fun and educational. Use the Internet before you try anything and then use the technique on a piece where it won't show. The trick is making a show piece and not always restoration. Below is a 1950's belt buckle cap gun that was made of white metal and severely deteriorated. I worked with various cleaning methods and then used glue to give it integrity. It will never shoot again, however, it is good enough so I can let people hold it.


View attachment 739047

 

[White Akuma]

I agree with the evaporust Idea. It does work wonders, but it will cost a little.

 

[ace1968]

I use oxalic acid on my stuff.... started using it a kid on beer cans. It does not eat the paint. You mix with water and soak. you would need a big bucket.