Hi Rob,
You have said that you wish to keep your Ransomes Minor in original condition, but to have it in good serviceable cutting condition, the cylinder reel and bottom blade (bedknife) will need attention.

The reel and soleplate, complete with the bedknife attached, need to be removed from the machine.
The reel should have all the rust removed....sand blasting is a good option and then a protective coating applied....if you do not wish to repaint it...otherwise it will rust again very quickly. wink

The reel and soleplate complete with its bedknife need to be taken to an engineer/machinist for re-sharpening. The reel bearings need to be checked for serviceability and replaced if necessary.

Once this has been completed, we will step you through the adjustment procedure to achieve a good cut. wink
cheers2

Please do not PM me asking for support. Please post your questions in the appropriate forums, as the replies it may receive may help all members, not just the individual member.
Kindest Regards, Darryl grin