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Originally Posted by irishrose
(Post 5319379)
Is yours a U?? - J? If it is it is a Juki machine like mine. Like Sears, MW badges a lot of machines made by other manufacturers. You had to do more than I did. My biggest problem was figuring out how to get it apart to replace the belt.
Our other MW machine the 7 Jewel is also a HAPPY machine. The chart I found over on the Yahoo Japanese site that lists these as made by HAPPY. So I'm sure that's why it's going to be a really great machine. Joe |
Pat,
Most of the machines we got from GW have been good. Perhaps they needed cleaning and oiling but that's just normal. Most of the time I've been able to look at the pics and tell pretty much what is wrong with the machines and what they will need. I've only been snookered a couple times. I usually go for the under dog machines. Those that are in need of something. Those that are "perfect" bore me. Remember the Minnesota and Wilcox & Gibbs. Those are a challenge. So, I'm not worried if they need some fixing. As for the packaging we've had a couple arrive damaged. But most arrive in great shape. I don't do business with eBay, so I'll take your word for their shipping. Joe |
I don't say they're "snookering" anyone on purpose...they just don't KNOW if something's missing or not working right. I enjoy working on 'em too...BUT I want to know in advance if I'll have to look for a part that could very easily be hard to find! And, I'm absolutely anal about things being packed properly. Most of the workers in the brick & mortar Goodwills can't put books on the shelves without messing up the bindings...can you tell you're talking to a long-time bookseller?
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I don't have a problem fixing anything...been fixing, adjusting, cleaning machines, replacing parts, & refinishing cabinets for close to 30 years. I really enjoy it! Just saying I want to know exactly what I'm paying for BEFORE I hand over the money. I don't want any unexpected surprises when it arrives....
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If im getting a decent looking machine for 5 bucks im not concerned with how much work it might need. For that price im not crushed if it ends up a bookend. I won one from gw yesterday but due to the fires in Colorado springs cant get anyone to the store to pick it up because their road is closed. Gotta call them tomorrow to see what they suggest.
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Originally Posted by J Miller
(Post 5318607)
http://www.shopgoodwill.com/viewItem...temID=10204397
This was a spur of the moment thing. We really didn't plan on bidding on it, but it's so ... so ... utilitarian looking. And it has cams! Whooo Hooooo We'll go pick it up today or tomorrow. :D Joe |
Caroline,
This is a nice machine, you should have gone for it ..... ha ha. The GW pic makes it look cream color, but in reality it's a light teal blue. She's all together now, except the needle bar thread guide and screw, and sews very nicely. The strange thing is on the handle is an old Bekins tag and on the side of the case side near the top is a yellow tag marked: Lot No. AA16563 234 New World Van Lines. So this old machine has traveled some. In side we found almost three full packs of new needles, a business card from Siesta Pools, ( wee tried the web site on the card but it came up some kind of blog), a quarter, a bunch of straight pins, and lots of lint. I'm beginning to really like these Japanese ZZ machines. Most of them we've acquired are very good machines, and sew beautifully and quiet. Only one has given me trouble, and I just haven't gotten to it to work on it yet. Joe |
OK, I think I'll name this one Patrica. She's really persnickety when it comes to thread, tension and fabric. And the phase of the moon too I think. But when she's in the mood she sews really nice. I don't think it's the fault of the machine though. Many things make the believe the problems lie with the previous carbon based units that owned her.
After cleaning her up I took some pics. Ain't she purty? http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o...s/IMG_3927.jpg With her top open. http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o...s/IMG_3928.jpg With all her cams and goodies. http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o...s/IMG_3929.jpg About the only things missing from the accessories box is a straight stitch foot, the screwdrivers, oil bottle and brush. Quilt squares done with her: http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o...s/IMG_3933.jpg It took a lot of lubing, and quite a bit of cogitating on my part to figure out one of the biggest problems. The linkage that works with the cam drive and ZZ linkage was binding. If you know how these types of machines work, the ZZ lever, the shiny horizontal one on top, is also connected to the follower on the cam. So as the follower tracks around the cam the lever moves back and forth in it's slot. If you are doing simple ZZ stitches you set the lever at the width you want and lock it down with the tab on the right, and the nob on the left. As I was sewing the machine was loosening up but I was having horrible tension problems. We finally came to the conclusion this machine requires major tension readjustments if you use the C&C Dual Duty XP Heavy thread. Most don't but they are all different I guess. Buy the time we had that figured out I was out of 3.5" squares so I decided to fancy up some of the 6.5" squares. I messed up quite a few because the machine just wasn't cooperating. Mostly because of the binding problem. The ZZ lever was dragging on the bottom of it's slot. I had the top off and was checking out the screws to remove it or adjust it because it was really interfering with the formation of the patterns. Finally since all the screws to remove the lever were underneath other things I had an idea. I use a set of channel lock pliers and bent the lever up. It took a couple bendings but I got the drag removed. By the time I had the quilt squares done she was working good. So then I did a stitch pattern felt for the record. http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o...s/IMG_3934.jpg http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o...s/IMG_3935.jpg So, do you think this machine is worth the price I paid and maybe $10.00 worth of parts I put in it? Joe |
:thumbup:YES! Well worth the price and the education you received. Pretty stitches.
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My wife and I have thought on this machine quite a bit as we work on it. We believe it sat in a storage locker, or someones basement/garage for many years. Before that perhaps it was dropped and the ZZ lever bent, or someone didn't work on it right.
At any rate it was dry dry dry inside. And it took nearly 6 hours of sewing and working with it for the Tri-Flow to get into the needed places. I'm going to see if my wife has something to make with it before we put it in rotation with the others. Joe |
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