Let’s clean a case!
So the first thing I like to do when I start working on a new machine is clean and polish the case. It gives me an idea about the condition the machine might be in (moldy cases mean rusty parts!) and provides a place to store finished elements.
I start by emptying the case and sorting the parts into trash (all those old needles and thread) and treasure (vintage attachments and manuals). I keep the bits that need cleaning in a plastic bag so I can take care of them along with the internal components.
For the body of the case, I vacuum it out, scrape away any stuck feet (that happens a lot!) and then follow that up with a wipe down with very hot water and a small amount of soap.
One that’s done, I wipe it dry and inspect the cover for fixable tears. I fix those with some wood glue being careful to wipe away any excess.
The hardware is cleaned and polished - removing rust and grime. I like to use a combination of metal polish, toothbrush and t-shirt material to clean these up.
Then, using Kiwi black shoe stain, I go over the etire exterior of the case. It’s important to wipe this away quickly if you get it on your hardware or you’ll be polishing those again.
I follow up the shoe stain with Kiwi black shoe polishing wax. Massaging that in with a small brush then using the buffing brush and another scrap of t-shirt to finish really get it to shine.
This machines case needed a new handle so I removed and replaced it. It also has a broken spring on the right latch that needs to be dealt with.
When all is said and done, the case looks so much better! I would still always advise against carrying any featherweight case by it’s handle unless it has been completely re-built or you know it’s be reenforced.
