It was missing the front drawer. (By looking inside of the structure, I could tell it was a single drawer.) It very well may have been a flip open as most were. The space allowed is narrow, because of the way the sewing machine lays when inside the cabinet.
It was also missing the two side drawers and its framework on the right.
Treadle Sewing Machine Cabinet Repair
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12 Hours
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When her father passed away, my son's fiancee had the painful task of going through his belongings. When she discovered this sewing machine that belonged to her grandmother in the attic, she asked me if I could fix it for her.
We both agreed, being a family owned piece, it should remain antique looking for memory purposes.
We both agreed, being a family owned piece, it should remain antique looking for memory purposes.
The top cover had a lot of veneer damage, right down to the under wood. It was also age stained.
Luckily, I had some parts from a previous treadle machine upcycle I worked on:
I could utilize the drawer framework and the front from my salvaged project for the missing parts.
The not so lucky parts:
I didn't have the extra side drawers.
I scrounged around everywhere on Ebay and Craigslist for some, thinking I'd buy four to make them all match, or even just two and make them match, but didn't find the right size, nor did I have the time for Ebay bidding, shipping and repairs in time to surprise Emily for Christmas. Thinking she would appreciate having this during her first Christmas without her father, I really wanted to have it done.
After several crazy drawer ideas swirling in my head, the best one hit me, why not cut into the existing drawer frame to divide the drawers to go on to each side of the cabinet? They would be original, but modified.
The not so lucky parts:
I didn't have the extra side drawers.
I scrounged around everywhere on Ebay and Craigslist for some, thinking I'd buy four to make them all match, or even just two and make them match, but didn't find the right size, nor did I have the time for Ebay bidding, shipping and repairs in time to surprise Emily for Christmas. Thinking she would appreciate having this during her first Christmas without her father, I really wanted to have it done.
After several crazy drawer ideas swirling in my head, the best one hit me, why not cut into the existing drawer frame to divide the drawers to go on to each side of the cabinet? They would be original, but modified.
I cleaned and painted the iron.
Cut off the frame work on the left.
And built the frame on the right side of the cabinet.
Added the leftover pieces from my salvaged parts: Two front pieces and a swing drawer.
Kept the machine antique by sanding and conditioning the wood. Painted the drawer pulls to match the iron.
And there was an elated Granddaughter. She loved the modification and was happy to have her heirloom restored.
And there was an elated Granddaughter. She loved the modification and was happy to have her heirloom restored.
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3 of 267 comments
Sharron Turnage-Smithon Jan 24, 2017Absolutely beautiful
Itsmemicon Aug 16, 2018what a wonderful wonderful job you did !!
Robin @ Redo It Yourself Inspirationson Aug 17, 2018Thank you!
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i cannot open the cabinet all the way. something seems to be stopping it. What can I do without breaking it?
What part of your cabinet are you having trouble? The lid, the sewing machine lift, or the drawers? Let me know which part and maybe I can figure it out.
I have acquired an antique Liberty sewing machine and upper cabinet complete with drawers. Its in fairly good condition. Have been looking for a matching metal base (legs w/treadle) with no luck, many Singer bases are available but want to keep all cohesive. Any suggestions where to look?
What did you do about the top cover where there was veneer damage? I have the same machine and case, The only problem I have is the top.
Here's a great video for you https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J8ezOI7QnGw" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J8ezOI7QnGw
Thanks. This would be great if I was going to paint the veneer after it was mended. However I want to replace the veneer to make the top look whole again.
I watched the video where she used bondo to repair the veneer. Is that what you used? I wouldn’t think you’d be able to get the wood grain. If you didn’t use bondo, did you put down a whole new veneer sheet on top or patch it?
Thanks.
Also, did you just use spray paint for the base?
I have an old 1905 white treadle. The cabinet needs some repair that I am not sure where to start. The lid broke on my way home but I'm not sure it gluing it back together will hold. The tension wire also could use a new on. Not sure how the repair. Any advice would be greatly appreciated
Hey you should also make a discussion about this so you can get more advice.
It's going to take gluing and clamping, then sanding to repair it.
i have this type of machine cabinet too . The veneer is splitting away from the top and edges of machine. How did you remove the veneer with out damaging the wood under it?
I layed a wet towel over the veneer. Once the remaining veneer started to get damp and ripple, I removed it with a putty knife. Most came off, but it took a few attempts, using a wet towel to eventually a damp towel so the oak underneath didn't get damaged.
Hi
Stunning transformation through a lot of attention to detail work and of course plenty of love!
Could you tell me how you cleaned the piece and, after sanding, what wood conditioner did you use?
Thanks
For the wood, I didn't actually clean it, I sanded every part of it. Then conditioned it with coconut oil. It works so well on wood.
To clean the iron, I used dish soap with very hot water and brushes. Towel dried, then air dried. Thank you!
How a bout just removing veneer and sanding and staining undelay. Thanks
Yes, you can do that.