I would first clean it with denatured alcohol and keep cleaning it until the
cleaning rags come up clean. After it drys do a test sanding and see how
much of the old finish is left. If the paper gums up then strip it and then
sand it.
Old and new sewing machines, require oiling with the oil bing spilled
dripped etc. all over the place. More than likely pledge or something
similar was used on it. I would recommend useing an anti fisheye product in
any stain, sanding sealer and clear finish.

Good luck
Joe M.
"Steve B" wrote in message
...
I have an old White's sewing machine. Some say to strip it and redo it.
I'm more for a light sanding, some staining and dark staining of gouges and
then a light finish coat of clear. Or two.

Either way, this brand is not going to be significantly improved in value
with a full on restoration.

My wife's hall tree wood hat/coat rack needs some work, both straightening
and finding one missing hat/coat hanger. It's very sentimental to us, and
I'd like it to look nice, yet keep it looking old, as to make it new would
destroy it's ambience.

When it comes to furniture restoring, where's the line?

I see all the time where TV shows say that "restoring" furniture devalues
it sometimes by 75%.

Steve