How To Remove A Sewing Machine From The Cabinet
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The old time sewing machine in a cabinet is easy to remove. It just takes a little time.
I should have counted the screws. There are a bunch of them in those old sewing machine cabinets. The JTS was sick so I took it upon myself to tackle removing the sewing machine from the cabinet. It’s not difficult. Just one screw at a time.
I paid $2.50 for the sewing machine at an auction a couple of months ago. No one else would bid on it, so I did. The veneer on the top was peeling off.
It made it easy for me to slip a putty knife between the veneer and the cabinet top and pop off the veneer.
It came off just that easy. If the veneer is still well attached to the furniture you can use a heat gun to warm the veneer and peel it off.
I started the sewing machine removal by taking off the two round metal inset pieces that attached the machine to the cabinet. I lifted the machine out, and after that, it was just a matter of tackling one screw at a time.
There were several parts to remove, like the foot pedal and holder, the swing arm, the knee “pedal”, and the spring attachment. You can easily spot the screws and attachment points.
One thing to remember is not to remove the screws that hold the legs on the table. I did remove one of those screws before I realized it.
These are all the parts that came from the cabinet, including the curved wood protective bottom piece. I plan to remove a few parts from the sewing machine itself and then take the machine to the recycle bin.
Not sure how I will paint the sewing machine cabinet yet. I may not paint it. What do you guys think about polishing it all up and leaving it as it with the two tone wood look?
Moving on to my latest auction buys. The auction this past Saturday was awesome. I got the twin bed above with the rails for $10. Steal.
The iron bed with rails was $5. Another steal.
I paid $30 for 7 six foot tall blue shutters. I love them.
I need this vase like I need a hole in my head but I fell in love. The vase was $5. I’m not sure if it is collectible or what the pattern is. Can any of you help? It’s hard to see in the photo but the details below the rim are flowers with three leaves and a roundish bloom.
I don’t know what the deal was Saturday because I’m usually not a cut glass fan but I also had to have the sugar and creamer……$5.
The 1960’s-70’s floral bedspread was $6 best I remember.
The wood box is one of two I got for $2.50. They are part of an antique dresser I believe.
The wood bell was purchased at auction by the JTS. It was in a caddy of tools. I’m not sure that the wood clangor will ring very loud against the wood bell. Cute though.
The metal step stool was $2.50. You can never have too many step stools.
The bar stools were $3 each. I got some good deals didn’t I?? It was one of those days when the buyers just weren’t paying much. Works for me.
I may share an update on my parents in the next week or two. I’m in Arkansas right now for my second trip in the past month.
Thanks for being here and have a great day, Kathy
Author: Kathy Owen
Kathy Owen is the founder of the home decor blog Petticoat Junktion where she shares tutorials on painting furniture and upcycling thrifty finds into unique home décor. Her DIY projects have been featured on the Home Depot Blog, Plaid Crafts, Behr Designer Series, and in numerous magazines.
Red River Auctions Clarksville, TN. They have live auctions online too.
Wow, what great, cheap finds. Where did you go for this auction? Please take me, tge next time you attend this one.
Kathy, I could see the sewing machine table painted all but the bare top. Then the top sanded and stained with a medium to light stain. What do you think?
My heart is racing thinking you will trash an old Singer machine. Please don’t.
Oh my goodness. I’m hyperventilating while reading about the sewing machine! It’s a very common model 15-91 that would most likely take very little to repair and make an excellent machine. My everyday machine is very similar and was passed down to me by my mom. Please don’t trash it.
I think the white with the stained top and stencil will be so pretty. I didn’t think about taking the machine to a repair shop to be recycled!
I have an old sewing machine cabinet very similar to the one you show here. I’m going to paint it on the bottom with white chalk paint, lightly distressed. The top I will sand and restain and then apply a French script stencil. The machine that came out of mine isn’t cute like yours. I’m taking it to a machine repair shop so they can use it for parts.
Wow, really good finds for cheap! Congratulations. Hope all is well with your parents and you enjoy your visit, even though you are probably working more than resting there.
you always amaze me
Kathy, couldn’t the sewing machine be sold instead of going to the recycle bin (whatever that is) ? Surely someone would like to have it as garden junk, or a seamstress might like it in the sewing room. No?
Kathy, I am always amazed at your finds because you see beyond the obvious … I am convinced you either have that gene or you don’t. I don’t. That being said, I admire you working on the sewing machine without the JTS. I bought an old sewing machine cabinet and bench from a lady who was an Annie Sloan dealer and was closing her shop. She had redone it in red and used a black and white fabric on the bench. It is gorgeous, very similar to the one you are working on, and was really inexpensive (don’t think I could have done it). I have it as a nightstand. Love the glass vase and the bed frames …. you are so inspiring! Hope the JTS is better!
I’m coming to the auction with you!!!! HAHAHA!!!
WOW!!!!!!!!
Love a good auction! Great buys!
I am a fan of the natural wood look for the cabinet! Do not put the machine in the recycle bin. Someone could use it in the garden for a focal point. Hope everyone gets well soon.
My best to you and your parents.
I hope JTS is feeling back to 100% great quickly.
Great finds and the sewing cabinet would look great with a medium stained top and a white base with very light distressing. 🙂
Love your finds. 🙂 Thanks for taking us along. 🙂
Please do paint the sewing machine table, please!