Domestic Rotary
07-27-2024, 05:29 AM
#1
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2021
Location: Yellow Springs, Ohio
Posts: 66
Domestic Rotary
Someone brought me this Domestic Rotary. There is no bobbin holder or bobbin. I found one online for over $40. It uses a drive tire, which has flat spots and makes the machine rattle a lot. It came with a button hole attachment, and carrying case.
Does anyone have any experience with these machines? To me, it is not worth the price of the parts to find out how it sews.
I hate to throw it away....Attachment 649060Attachment 649061Attachment 649062Attachment 649063Attachment 649064
Does anyone have any experience with these machines? To me, it is not worth the price of the parts to find out how it sews.
I hate to throw it away....Attachment 649060Attachment 649061Attachment 649062Attachment 649063Attachment 649064
Last edited by Joe Ayres; 03-31-2025 at 12:01 PM.
07-27-2024, 08:48 AM
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: southeast Idaho
Posts: 532
I have one. It is in a cabinet. Got it at a yard sale about 12 or 13 years ago. Wanted the cabinet, but was surprised that the machine was in it. Has tons of bobbins, zig zag, button holler, feet etc. Even has the manual. Got it for $40. Have used the ruffler attachment several times and have made a Christmas tree skirt with it. I like it, but if it went south, I don't think I would get it fixed. It weighs a ton 
. Would keep the cabinet though.
. Would keep the cabinet though.
07-29-2024, 01:37 PM
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2020
Location: South of St Louis
Posts: 862
I have not had one of those, but from the looks of it I think it may take the same bobbin case as a Kenmore 117 series, made by White. Maybe Janey will come along and tell us this machine was made by White also.
There are some posts on trying to deal with the drive wheel flat spots. I have used rubber tubing, something such as vacuum tubing from an auto parts store, it can take some worth to fit a piece over the drive wheel but can work wonders.
There are some posts on trying to deal with the drive wheel flat spots. I have used rubber tubing, something such as vacuum tubing from an auto parts store, it can take some worth to fit a piece over the drive wheel but can work wonders.
07-29-2024, 03:36 PM
#4
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 3,015
If you love sewing machines, it's hard to trash one. That said, I don't think I would put much money into it.
It doesn't have a lot going for it. It's not pretty. It's not likely that it's going to become a nice quiet sounding machine with that drive wheel. You aren't going to sew on it. It's not likely that you can to sell it for what you put into it.
But..it's a challenge.
Maybe Janey will have some good ideas.
bk
edited to add: There is this sewing machine repair shop here. The old man retired and one of his techs bought it. They used to have an attic full of old parts, but they have moved and may not have kept those parts. I might try contacting him. It's Mr. Sewing Machine in Dallas.
(They had a part I needed for a Montgomery Ward machine.)
It doesn't have a lot going for it. It's not pretty. It's not likely that it's going to become a nice quiet sounding machine with that drive wheel. You aren't going to sew on it. It's not likely that you can to sell it for what you put into it.
But..it's a challenge.
Maybe Janey will have some good ideas.
bk
edited to add: There is this sewing machine repair shop here. The old man retired and one of his techs bought it. They used to have an attic full of old parts, but they have moved and may not have kept those parts. I might try contacting him. It's Mr. Sewing Machine in Dallas.
(They had a part I needed for a Montgomery Ward machine.)
Last edited by bkay; 07-29-2024 at 03:42 PM. Reason: new idea
07-31-2024, 11:25 AM
#5
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Denver, CO
Posts: 4,650
Just a quick note. I agree about it being similar to Whites of that era. As catsden indicated it is a good machine. Unlike modern machines, these can take a licking and keep on ticking. It looks to be in good shape and it should make a good machine with some TLC and parts. Definitely do not throw it out.
JoeJr is correct about using tubing. From another forum someone wrote -
This is the hose recommended https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/c...ose/gaa3/28410
You have to buy a whole foot, but will have extra for others and not very expensive to quiet that wheel down.
JoeJr is correct about using tubing. From another forum someone wrote -
You use a small (about 1/2") piece of 1/2" ID heater hose from the auto parts store to restore the functionality to the friction pulley. Shave the hardened, dented old rubber on the pulley down and slide the piece of heater hose on.
The original friction wheels used a rubber that hardened over time. The modern replacement ones use a much harder plastic, that is noisier than the original rubber and has less grip. With the heater hose it's very grippy and so much quieter.
The original friction wheels used a rubber that hardened over time. The modern replacement ones use a much harder plastic, that is noisier than the original rubber and has less grip. With the heater hose it's very grippy and so much quieter.
You have to buy a whole foot, but will have extra for others and not very expensive to quiet that wheel down.
07-31-2024, 04:36 PM
#6
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2021
Location: Yellow Springs, Ohio
Posts: 66
I tried to find a bobbin holder online. There are Kenmore one and White ones, and I don't know if the differences would be an issue. Prices from $33 to $70. The machine looks like it might be okay, but I can't try sewing on it without a bobbin and bobbin case. I too don't want to throw it away. I have 6 machines in my from hallway begging for adoption, and not including the two treadles, 6 more that I use.
Anyone near SW Ohio want a project?
Any help finding an affordable bobbin case?
Thanks for all you help and support.
Joe
Anyone near SW Ohio want a project?
Any help finding an affordable bobbin case?
Thanks for all you help and support.
Joe
