Antique Singer Sewing Machine Table Makeover

After looking for an iron sewing machine base for months, I finally found one, that needed work, at a great price.
The base still had a lot of the original parts on it, but some of it was not salvageable.


The base was complete with the treadle and wheel and I was anxious to make a new table top for it.
I will be able to use the drawers and the original sewing machine for future projects, but everything else attached to the base was trashed.
I cleaned years of dirt and neglect from the base before priming and painting it black.
It was quite a bit of work to get the wheels rolling smoothly again, but the base turned out beautiful. I chose a reclaimed walnut board to make a new table top out of for the base.
My husband cut the board in half and glued the long edges together to create the top.
He planed and sanded the top before oiling it to give it a nice smooth finish and to protect it.
I love how it turned out. The dark grain in the walnut looks nice with the black base. There are a few more photos and details on my blog. Just click the link below.
Adina Johnson @ Simply Country Life
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
Go
Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
  1 question
  • Mro31963217 Mro31963217 on Nov 30, 2017

    I would love to know how to screw a top to the base. There is a reference to wood screws but I myself could use lots more detail. Not as handy as the Adina and husband. I can see that there are holes in the base for a top but how do you keep from sending the screw through the wood top?


Comments
Join the conversation
 2 comments
  • Hannah V Hannah V on Jun 17, 2015
    Wow that before pic is no joke! You definitely gave this a new life!
  • Sandra R-J Sandra R-J on Jun 08, 2019

    I was given an old Singer sewing machine cabinet and I'm looking at restoring it. The walnut top looks beautiful. Great job!

Next