Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Made in Korea

Yesterday I was at the Salvation Army store.  There were two machines.  A plastic Singer Something or other and a White.  The Singer weighed about 15 pounds.  The White weighed about 40.  I looked at both of them and called Betsy

"Do we want another White end loader? It looks just like yours."

"It is a very nice machine but do we need it?  How much?"

"24.95"

"We should sell one more machine before we get another."

I agreed.  But secretly I decided that if it was still there today when I had to be in town anyway, I was going to buy it.

The Salvation Army opens at 9 AM.  I was there at 9:05.  Serendipity, I assure you.

I lugged it over to the counter and without a word the woman attendant handed me the extension cord.  The motor sounded fine.  Then she asked me if I liked sewing machines.  She had one in the back "in a green metal case."  I said I would look at it, though I knew it was likely not one I wanted.

She brought out an Elna Supermatic.  She "tested" it.  Plugged it in and ran the sluggish loud, sounds like a 747 motor. 

"No thanks." I said.  "It needs a new motor pulley and they cost 25 bucks plus labor." 

I brought the White home.  Steven congratulated me on my restraint.

It is a lovely machine.  I was so pleased with how quickly I serviced it and got it all ready to test.  The bobbin winder didn't work quite right.  Maybe it needs a new BW tire.  I took the handwheel off, cleaned it up and put on a new tire.  When I put the sucker back together, it sounded fine in operational mode, but when I released the clutch knob, what a racket.  Something is very very wrong.

I had to give up, it was supper time and the dogs were whining for dinner.  Plus, Betsy had called and told me to stop NOW and go in for supper.  I always do what Betsy says.

BUT when I was cleaning out the case I found a label.

 I guess I didn't realize that Korea was also in on the sewing machine manufacture.  I find no date on the manual and no copy right.  Well.  I learned something new today. 


6 comments:

  1. Very nice. Can't say that I have seen one like this one, at least in that color.

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  2. Thank goodness you're back at it. I was having sympathetic withdrawl.

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    1. Let's put it this way. Everyone's needle is going up and down and stitches are almost perfect !

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  3. I bought a free arm Kenmore. I was so excited to find it I didn't look it over as good as I should. It was made in Taiwan. BIG difference in how they work between Taiwan and Japan. New rule here: No taiwan Kenmores, only Japan. I bet you find out the same thing with the White from Korea!

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    1. Oh I don't know, Ann. I have some really fine Taiwanese made Kenmores. This White is very heavy and sounds great. I think I just disturbed some dirt....

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  4. It's a cute machine! I like the color & the paint appears to be in good condition.
    And you have the instruction manual!

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