There used to be a lady who frequented the quilting forum and went by the name of Damascus Annie. Whoa boy, did she know her treadle machines. She would have been able to tell you anything you wanted to know about it. I have an old Ohio Farmer Machine, and it is very like yours in the tension design and it wouldn't surprise me if it were made by the Reliance Company either........who did make machines under different brand names. Mine also comes with a host of accessories and I use it and in fact learnt to sew on a treadle machine. It's what we had in school....sort of like learning to drive on a stick shift. Does this one have a round or shuttle type bobbin? The cabinet looks more modern than mine and I'd guess my machine is a late 1800s model by the ornate gilt designs and wrought iron gingerbread. Your's looks like it may be as late as early 1900s and it is in quite good shape. Can't tell you more than that, but a serial or model number would help. It should be somewhere on the sewing head, and engraved in.

I don't spin, but I sew all the time on treadle sewing machines. Sounds like you need a bit of PRACTICE! First of all, make sure that all the treadle parts are clean and lubricated. Vintage thread, pet fur, and household detritus wrapped around the bearings make for difficult treadling. Also make sure the machine is similarly clean and lubed. And lastly, have the belt as loose as you can without it slipping on the drive or hand wheels. Now, unthread the the machine and put your feet on the treadle and make it move. Make sure you rock the treadle ALL the way forward, then ALL the way back. You should quickly pick up the rhythm. Once you can start and stop exactly where and when you want, you can begin sewing (or spinning).

Some cleaners work without damaging letters. Pledge will probably work. I've used car wax on old machines with a nice result. Be careful if you use old car wax. It could be abrasive. Just guessing the newer stuff wouldn't be. DON'T use 409. It's famous for taking words and numbers off of stove parts, and may damage them on other things. Test any cleaner on a small area first. Depending on the condition of the bottom metal, I would do a quick once over with a wire brush, just to make it hold new paint better. It can be spray painted or painted with oil base (alkyd) industrial paint, which will hold up much better than spray paint. If you find the paint you need at a Habitat Restore, it will be about 70% less than the price at the hardware store. Hope that helps. Linda

Actually, it is solid wood, but it has a veneer on both sides, which is pretty common construction. You can ask around, but it will be fairly expensive to do a good repair. You can try to reglue it, if there are no chips of veneer missing. It is pretty common to see the top damaged, but the closed portion in excellent shape.