Asked on Nov 15, 2018

How do I replace the base casters of an antique sewing machine?

How can or what can I use as a cost effective replacement for an antique Singer sewing machine base casters. Please help. This is project I am working on using in our Kitchen

  19 answers
  • Ana Bacallao Ana Bacallao on Nov 15, 2018

    I"m not understanding what you mean by base casters but this looks amazing. I love it.


  • Morgan McBride Morgan McBride on Nov 15, 2018

    Do you want wheels for the bottom? Caster wheels could be glued on using a super glue like gorilla glue, I would think.

  • Nancy Turner Nancy Turner on Nov 15, 2018

    Go to your local home improvement store and see what they have to offer in casters. I would try to avoid the plastic ones, they don't last very long, the metal based ones are stronger and the wheels don't fall apart the first time you move it. Make sure that they will be strong enough for the weight of the sewing machine stand. I make castor bases for all my really large plant pots to help move them since it really takes two to lift them if we want to move them and the only ones that really work are the better metal based ones. Bought a couple of the other stands and even though the pots on them were about half the stated weight limit, the plastic wheels fell apart the first time the plants were moved and had to be put back together to finish moving them.

  • Joanie Joanie on Nov 16, 2018

    I can't help you, but I can surely compliment you........This is going to be beautiful when you're finished.....I LOVE it!!

  • Bryan's Workshop Bryan's Workshop on Nov 16, 2018

    Are you missing caster wheels? Are they not working properly? The wheels are held on with a pin. Turn the machine upside down and remove the pins to release the caster wheels. You can find steel caster wheel replacements on EBay, but they are expensive! Awesome machine by the way!

    • Phillip Burch Jr Phillip Burch Jr on Nov 17, 2018

      I have all 4 casters intact I was wanting to update them. I got all 4 in working condition I will leave them alone other than putting some WD-40 on them

  • 34391982 34391982 on Nov 16, 2018

    If you find attaching the casters might be a problem , how about cutting a sheet of 1/2” plywood (good one side) to fit the bottom and then attaching casters to underneath using screws no longer than 1/2”.. Get the kind with a metal plate with four screw holes. Then just paint or stain the plywood. You have the option to just use the plywood sheet as a dolly and just sit the treadle machine on top or permanently attach if possible. Either way should work.

  • Diane Coverdale Diane Coverdale on Nov 16, 2018

    What a nice table. I've seen refurbished machine bases like your at retro restaurants.

    Are you thinking of replacing the little wheel or the actual feet for wheels?

    • Phillip Burch Jr Phillip Burch Jr on Nov 17, 2018

      I was thinking about replacing only the casters but I am going to do some work on them and leave the original ones

  • Diane Diane on Nov 16, 2018

    One comment; if you are wanting an antique look the never had red

    sewing machines long ago ; only black; I inherited one from my

    great grandmother

    Diane

  • John Biermacher John Biermacher on Nov 16, 2018

    This is a problem The original casters had to be touch on any surface they were set on. I have repurposed several sewing machine bases and the best one had a foot that I could screw a wooden stretcher on to. I see if I can find a photo. If the casters are the pin type that was mentioned in a previous post the easiest way is to cut the pin with an angle grinder. I then envision attaching a wood stretcher using two L brackets back to back at each foot and drilled to accommodate a replacement pin/bolt. Hope this makes sense.

    Once you get a stretcher your options for casters increase. You may choose not to have casters.

  • Deanna Nassar Deanna Nassar on Nov 16, 2018

    I doubt you will ever find a caster to fit. Crafty Lady has best idea except I'd go with a 1" sheet of plywood. More strength and give you a place for extra storage that won't crack under the weight. Also can up the screw to a 5/8 wood screw to hold casters on. Metal are best and check the mounting and axle for strength.

  • Lynn Sorrell Lynn Sorrell on Nov 16, 2018

    Are they broken? You just want bigger ones? These can probably be fixed up enuf to roll better by applying WD-40. I don't think I'd remove or replace because of it's age and character.

  • Ro Ro on Nov 17, 2018

    Try using a strip of wood on each side with strong casters, attach the stand to the wood

  • Phillip Burch Jr Phillip Burch Jr on Nov 17, 2018

    This is the butcher block top that will be on the top of it

  • Joanie Joanie on Nov 17, 2018

    Leave your machine RED.......it is country lookin', the color red is comin' back and if you like it......it's is your machine and your theme......GO for it!! The comments on here mean no harm, just placing their opinions. I personally would love to see the ending result.....thank you and good luck!!

  • ☘️ TxBella ☘️ TxBella on Nov 17, 2018

    Dear Phillip... oh please leave the machine as is! It’s absolutely gorgeous! I know it’s supposed to be black , eh.... it’s divine as Red! I adore red! Is there someway to leave it intact and just add on the the pieces you desire?

    I can’t help you with your question unfortunately.... I just had to comment on what an adorable and beautiful piece ! For myself I wouldn’t want to remove anything just add on.

    Good Luck 🍀!

  • Howard Lamhut Howard Lamhut on Nov 18, 2018

    I like the idea of making a custom dolly for the table.

    If you’re Artistically inclined you could reproduce the singer logo on the dolly.

    It’s just a thought...it depends on how much work you want to Put into it.

    And I do like it in red.


  • Phillip Burch Jr Phillip Burch Jr on Nov 28, 2018

    This is our table complete. I appreciate all of the comments

    • Joanne Walchak Joanne Walchak on Dec 09, 2018

      It's lovely. I have one also that I am trying to decide on the top. Red looks wonderful.

  • Virginia S. Virginia S. on Dec 14, 2018

    All those comments about the table legs!! What I am trilled to see is the checkerboard black and white floor!! I have one just like it. Do you love it? My floor is very old and needs replacement, and I am thinking of doing it in the same black and white. What is yours made of? I also have an antique Singer sewing machine that I have not converted into anything. I just display it as is. Are those yardsticks glued onto yours? What a great idea! Would love to learn how you did that. (p.s., I like the red.)

  • Stormy Burnett Stormy Burnett on Feb 17, 2020

    I am trying to fix my casters also. My Treadle singer sewing machine base is now topped with marble I hang my pots and pans from the wrought iron sides with s hooks. the foot holds a lid holder and all the lids are stored there. I will try the ED 40 to loosen the wheels Its my island between the sink and stove with a butcher block on one side and the wooden knife holder set behind it.