I needed to relax with some mindless work today. I chose to clean this machine. There is a new definition of grime in my book. I was able to get the machine turning nicely. I sprayed tri flow every where I could. No motor to worry about and the cosmetics are shot so now I am focused on getting it stitching.
Then I had a call from a friend who has a friend who needs a machine. So I serviced an eBay purchase a nice little Kenmore 12 stitch
I think this may be a keeper. I am not sure why. I have the Keatherweight for classes should I need to haul a zz machine. But I may want to build an inventory of my own machines, should I ever teach classes myself.
Or maybe I will just sell it.
The machine is very clean inside. Too bad the seller did such a poor job packing it. The machine sustained only minor damage to the extension table and spool pins. The case, on the other hand was significantly damaged.
I had emailed him/her and asked that the machine be wrapped in bubble wrap inside the case as well as outside. Stupid me. The machine arrived in a box with one sheet of bubble wrap next to the cased up machine. It wasn't even enough to wrap all the way around the machine. Fortunately I had some money refunded so that helped. Stupid idiot moron.
I think I can tell you why there are four different threads wrapped around it. People used to use every inch of thread they had, and rather than winding a bobbin with the machine, they would wrap several short lengths of thread around a bobbin by hand. I can't figure out why they would want to try to go to the trouble of stopping, starting, fishing the thread up through the throat plate and start again, but I didn't live through the depression, so there's my answer. Ever get bobbins with 4 different colors of thread on it?
ReplyDeleteI am trying to fix a Kenmore with the reverse lever on it just like this machine. It just flops, and the feed dogs are not dropping, so the fabric just rocks back and forth. I have done everything I can think of, and it just is not budging. It's dripping with oil, I have oiled it so much. Have you ever had a kenmore that the reverse lever didn't seem to be doing anything? I think the two are connected...one not working is affecting the other. What do you think?
I have told my friend she's going to have to take this one to the shop. :(
Michelle, but WHY would it keep stitching after it got the first thread lock? That's what I don't understand.
DeleteI had a Monty Ward that would not got forward. It got stuck in reverse. It was a gunked up problem. Heat and oil to the reverse lever and moving it manually finally freed it up. I went at it from the top.
I had a Kenmore 8 stitch. It was a nice machine. I sold it to a friend.
ReplyDeleteThe Kenmore 12 Stitch would be a nice machine for classes. I should have kept my 8 Stitch.
I love Kenmore sewing machines.
Currently I'm using a Singer Merritt 4530 for sewing classes. I think it's was made in 1988. It was a thrift store purchase.
I hadn't used this machine & decided a sewing class would be a good test to decide whether keep it or sell it.
It's not all metal but it has a great set of utility stitches. Takes a class 66 bobbin.
I think it's a keeper.
The best part...It's just a quiet as the new (plastic) electronic Husqvarnas they use in my sewing classes.