and knew from the potted motor, lack of tension on the end cover, and light shade that this was a 201 and there was also a 66 Redeye in the same auction. Now, I have too many straight stitch machines but I REALLY like the 201 and I need a Redeye to install in my parlor cabinet so I headed to the auction.
I had figures in mind for both machines before I went to the auction but when I got there, I saw that the 201 was missing the terminal block
and part of the tension assembly,
so my mental number decreased. I should have tipped it over and seen the rust underneath but didn't want to appear too interested. When the bidding was over, I walked away with it for the princely sum of $12.
The wires are hooked directly to a two-prong plug so as soon as the plug is energized, the light comes on and the motor runs full speed. I don't believe anyone sewed on it that way.
Surprisingly, the motor did run and the needlebar went up and down, so I set to cleaning and lubing. A few squirts of oil and the speed increased but the machine was quite noisy for a 201. One look at the gears told me why - they were totally dry, looked like they had never been greased.
I spent an enormous amount of time trying to remove one of the rusted screws holding the cover over the gear set below the hook. I used liquid wrench, heat, vibration and finally ended up drilling the last screw out.
The terminal block is going to be a challenge. I have a terminal block from some machine I stripped in the past but it doesn't have the box for the light switch. Lowe's carries a switch that looks very much like the original (although silver vice white) with enclosed wiring.
I will need to fashion an 'L' bracket to mount under the terminal block to hold the switch.
I didn't stay at the auction long enough to bid on the Redeye. The photo showed just a table top and the sewing head but when I got there, it included the rest of the treadle stand and cabinet - all in pieces - so I thought the price might go higher than I was willing to pay. Besides, it was going to be one of the last things to go up for bids and I didn't feel like waiting that long.
Here is one of the photos for this Friday's auction. In the early days, I would have been salivating all week but now, I think I'll skip this week unless something more interesting comes along.
Much of my collection has come from local auctions. Probably the best was a nice Pfaff 130 in a cabinet with the chair for $5! I love local auctions.
6 comments:
An auction is where I got my Raymond treadle machine. My husband and I discovered that we are aution junkies quite early on and when he spis and ad for one I have to be the strong one to say "NO! Remember the piano?!!" We just get too caught up and then buy stuff we really shouldn't. Like a piano. We couldn't play a piano and two pre-schoolers with dinky cars spelled doom for the ivory but oh it was a beautiful piece.
Hi,
I just discovered your blog. I think that 15 in the picture has RAF decals!
--Sheila
Sheila, Thanks for participating. You are correct on the RAF decals. That auction is in the past and I did not attend so I don't know the level of interest or the final selling price. I would be surprised if it brought over $20. - Ed
The 15 looks rusty, too. And it's missing its stitch regulator lever. I really like the maroon and white case that the 66 is in. Vintage cases are becoming hard to find.
Does anyone know where I can find used sewing machines in Florida? It would really help me out.
That is awesome. It's a good thing I don't have an auction house like that by me. Me and all my machines would have to find a new home.
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