New to me Singer 185k

[Bodgeitandscarper]

Having seen the price of motor and foot pedals, I'll stick to what I've got for now.

After giving the top pf the table a gentle wipe down with soapy water, it became apparent the varnish(?) was just dissolving/turning to dust and would just srape off with a finger nail.  Today I've sanded it all off.
I think I'll aim to keep it this lighter colour, but now need to work out what varnish/wax/stuff to put on it.

Before and after pics.
And yes, right at the end, I caught the edge of the veneer and took a teensy bit off 

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[Bumblebuncher]

Looking good! Amazing what a little TLC does.

[Bodgeitandscarper]

I now can't decide how to finish/seal the wood...

[coffeeandcake]

I now can't decide how to finish/seal the wood...

Danish oil, or a good quality wax Briwax or maybe pure beeswax. I generally use Liberon oil (if I'm going down the oil route) for sealing wood because that's what we have. If you do oil it you'll need to apply a few coats and wipe away excess oil before each coat dries and then wire wool when dry to get rid of 'high' spots.

[Sewbusy]

@Bodgeitandscarper  Is this useful.   
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/225473843836?hash=item347f49d27c:g:tTYAAOSwl~xj~h9J

[Bodgeitandscarper]

@coffeeandcake Thank you - Danish oil looks ideal!  Now ordered!  And I've found my wire wool ready.

@Sewbusy Well spotted!!  Bid placed!

I do love this forum 

[Sewbusy]

@Bodgeitandscarper  I'm not too au fait with what Singer parts will fit what machines but that one was easy. The ((K motor I've just bought comes with three light/lamps one of which is brown, was going to offer it you for postage if it would fit, however you've got one now.

I know slightly more about Berninas.

[Bodgeitandscarper]

@Sewbusy My machine actually has the brown light, it's really just the motor I need, so hope I get the ebay one.

[Marniesews]

Lovely machine of character but, my, that table is stylish!

[b15erk]

@Bodgeitandscarper , your table is looking amazing, you've done an excellent job!  Good find with the motor, your machine will look very co-ordinated.

How is it running?  I took mine out of its box yesterday, and although it was a bit dusty, after a bit of oil and a tickle with a duster, it still runs nicely.  Not as quiet as the 99k, but a lovely sound to my ears...  Unfortunately, my light isn't working and I have no means of fixing it, so my Ottlite is being used until I charge the little LED's.

Look forward to seeing how yours looks in it's swanky cabinet with its new motor.

Jessie

[Bodgeitandscarper]

The table has had it's second coat of Danish oil this morning, it's looking great.

@b15erk It is a bit noisy, and as you say, not quite a nice noise, so I'm wondering if the motor will make a difference when I get it.

[Bodgeitandscarper]

It seems I've cocked up.  The motor I've bought is the correct one and comes with a light too - but - I now need the foot pedal and lead to connect the two.  The motor I currently have has a different connection  so my current foot pedal lead won't fit

I have a solution pending on ebay...

[b15erk]

That's a nuisance @Bodgeitandscarper , I did that when I brought the 185k home - I brought the wrong lead, not thinking that they weren't interchangeable.

Mine is set in position now, on top of the 15k treadle which I have dropped down - wish I had a lovely cabinet for it

I love the narrow stitching foot which comes with the Singers, I do wish I could get something similar for the Pfaff...

Can you use the 185k as it is, until you get the right footpedal?

Jessie

[BrendaP]

It's looking good so far.

For parts Helen Howes is good.
The other option is Sew Lincs run by Graham who runs/moderates the Vintage Singer Sewing Machines UK group on FB where he calls himself Dave Dong.

There are two sorts of spool pins; screw in and push in, you might need to investigate the hole to know which one you need.

[Bodgeitandscarper]

I can use it as it is, @b15erk , but will leave it out of the table for now and get it all sorted before using it I think.

Thanks for the info @BrendaP , I'd forgotten about SewLincs.