help identifying CL machine (kenmore)
 

Can anyone help with the age and features of the machine in this ad?http://fairbanks.craigslist.org/atq/4885364352.html

I don't know but I think I would go ahead and get it. It looks sew interesting.

greywuuf,

It is a White made machine, looks like a Kenmore 117-812 or similar. They are excellent machines. They use the White rotary style bobbins, still being made. 15x1 needles also. They use a drive pully that is still being sold to drive the hand wheel.
The only oddidity is they turn opposite most Singers. Clockwise rather than counter clockwise.

My two sew beautiful straight stitches, smoothly and quietly. Of course the drive wheel must be without flat spots to do this.

The only thing I'll say is be careful with the machine base. The box looks like it got wet at some point so the base might come apart. Mine fell apart in shipping. All it needed was to be reglued and all is well.

Here's a pic of my two:
[ATTACH=CONFIG]517732[/ATTACH]
117-720

[ATTACH=CONFIG]517733[/ATTACH]
117-812 made in 1948


Joe

for age range, they were introduced in 1933 IIRC

I was going to say it looked like a 117.552, except it looks brown instead of green.

I wonder what other differences there are in these 3 models mentioned, except for color?

CD in Oklahoma

Between my two, the 117-720 and 117-812 there are differences between the two bobbin winders; the 720 does not have the latch screw through the front of the bed; and there is slight differences in the thread guide at the top of the needle bar housing.

117-552 = 1954
117-720 = 1957
117-812 = 1948


Joe

Thanks for the info guys & gals, I will probably just let this one slide as I all ready have 3 whites that I am not doing anything with currently. I got my eye on a necchi right now anyway and shipping on that beast will tear up my discrecionary account for some time.

I don't own that model (or a variation of it) yet but it is one I'm interested in due to the art deco styling. Any of those old White made Kenmores will be a good sturdy machine from what I've seen.
For any new people reading this: Any friction drive machine will benefit from releasing the pressure on the rubber drive wheel when you're not using the machine. IIRC most of the Whites and Kenmores have a spring loaded motor mount. You can just stick something between the motor and machine to relieve the pressure on the drive wheel. Prolonged pressure will result in flat spots on the drive wheel. Also from what I've seen count on replacing the drive wheel on any old friction drive machine you buy. The examples I have have all had flat spots and the rubber has hardened with age. I consider the drive wheel to be a maintenance part, much like replacing the belt or a needle or light bulb on a machine.
Rodney