Thrift store find old Kenmore machine
03-25-2010, 10:55 AM
#1
Super Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: South Carolina
Posts: 3,155
Found a older model Kenmore machine model 148 12500.
Looks good but sews very slow. No rust, I looked under the machine it clean. Also has a cabinet that needs a little shine.
Does anyone know anthing about the model? Not sure if I should get in and have repaired. It would be a look at lady, with a little using.
Looks good but sews very slow. No rust, I looked under the machine it clean. Also has a cabinet that needs a little shine.
Does anyone know anthing about the model? Not sure if I should get in and have repaired. It would be a look at lady, with a little using.
03-25-2010, 11:29 AM
#2
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Illinois
Posts: 5,142
It may just need to be cleaned and oiled. I had an old machine (not that model) given to me because the woman said she bought one that would sew faster. Once I cleaned, heavily oiled it, let it set over night and then cleaned and oiled it again it worked like a dream. Sometimes the oil will soften up old build up and it's important to clean them the second time and put fresh oil on.
03-25-2010, 12:57 PM
#3
Power Poster
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Western Wisconsin
Posts: 12,930
Yup. What she said.
Sometimes the lube on the gears congeals. You may need to scrape that off and apply new lubrication. (Lube is not the same as oil; it is thick and comes in a tube.) However, that would probably be the last thing you would try.
With older machines I take out any screws that are holding the top on so I can see the moving parts, and oil all of the moving parts (just one or two drops of oil at each spot). Usually the left side can be opened so you can also oil all of the moving parts in there. Sometimes it's possible to take the bottom off and oil those moving parts also.
Once you are pretty sure you have oiled all of the moving parts you can see, it's a good idea to "burn in" the oil by running the machine at full speed for 1 to 3 minutes. Be sure to remove the needle before doing this! It helps get the oil distributed.
Does this machine have an exterior belt? Sometimes those are loose, and sometimes the motors that run those belts have worn brushes inside. These problems can be fixed at home, but it helps to have some knowledge of mechanics and motors.
Usually the older machines are not worth taking in to a repairman because of repair costs. I routinely buy old working machines in thrift shops for $30 max, which is much less than what a repair shop around here would charge for cleaning, oiling, and minor repairs. That's why I do all of that myself. (I donate the machines to a local charity.)
Sometimes the lube on the gears congeals. You may need to scrape that off and apply new lubrication. (Lube is not the same as oil; it is thick and comes in a tube.) However, that would probably be the last thing you would try.
With older machines I take out any screws that are holding the top on so I can see the moving parts, and oil all of the moving parts (just one or two drops of oil at each spot). Usually the left side can be opened so you can also oil all of the moving parts in there. Sometimes it's possible to take the bottom off and oil those moving parts also.
Once you are pretty sure you have oiled all of the moving parts you can see, it's a good idea to "burn in" the oil by running the machine at full speed for 1 to 3 minutes. Be sure to remove the needle before doing this! It helps get the oil distributed.
Does this machine have an exterior belt? Sometimes those are loose, and sometimes the motors that run those belts have worn brushes inside. These problems can be fixed at home, but it helps to have some knowledge of mechanics and motors.
Usually the older machines are not worth taking in to a repairman because of repair costs. I routinely buy old working machines in thrift shops for $30 max, which is much less than what a repair shop around here would charge for cleaning, oiling, and minor repairs. That's why I do all of that myself. (I donate the machines to a local charity.)
03-25-2010, 02:11 PM
#4
Super Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: South Carolina
Posts: 3,155
The machine has a belt that you can see from the bottom. I turned the wheel on the right side and it was stiff felling. Machine had a loud hum. I think it just a good cleaning.
My other question is would like to know date this model can out.
My other question is would like to know date this model can out.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
