Hi,
We’re at the in-laws (who take a dim view of cleaning sewing machines in the lounge) so progress has stopped... however I’m taking comfort that the Triflow is sinking in.
I’ve used baby wipes on a lot of machines, their combination of alcohol, moisturiser, light fragrance, gently abrasive but tough ‘tissue’ works wonders on dried oil, stuck lube, general grot, foul smells, mould, dust, etc, and doesn’t seem to damage decals, I think it’s because the ingredient are very diluted. I also patch test before I crack on, on the enamel on a hidden edge or similar.
The paint work of this machine was very sticky and dull, which is a stark contrast to the workings which are really well maintained and clean and free running despite not being used since 87 I reckon. The machine smelt strongly of smoke, so I think it was tar and soot. After a bit of a wipe (not a scrub) I got to the enamel, which is hard and shiny. So it looks polished now, the yellow I think was tar, and the black disintegrated belt dust.
This machine definitely has a clear (slightly yellow) layer on it that might be shellac, but it would be quite late for shellac. I actually have lamp black and shellac that I keep handy for older machines.
I agree that old machines should have some sewing scars, but at the same time I do like a smooth bed, and don’t like catchy bits of varnish. I like to get them to their best and take care of them a bit
When I’ve encountered capacitors in the past in old machines, they tend to be silver tubes/cylinders that are on an additional spur of circuit.
I’ll do some pics of all the parts so we can play spot the accessory...
I need to get a new belt for it, but I need to do a stock take of anything else it might need first.
Next I need to finish cleaning the case, and start on the internals to get any lint and dried lube.