Kenmore 158.19411
 

I found this machine in a local thrift store for $20 (about $20 more than I'm used to paying). I was sold 1. when I popped the top and the drive components were all metal, and 2. because the removable platform for making it a free arm is all metal as well.

This machine is from the mid 70s (that would be the 1970s, so as not to confuse it with Daselby's beautiful machines from the 1870s). I found a very good write up over here

https://pungolivinghome.com/2021/09/...ewing-machine/

(this person also has a write up about oil vs grease in Singer motors and how to tell which is which; I'm going to have to take apart some motors now).

I messed with the hand wheel for at least 5 minutes trying to figure out how to disengage it; turns out it moves in and out. This has the Kenmore super high shank with quick release lever; came with the ZZ and straight feet. There is an adapter available to make it a regular high shank for $15. There is a lever to lower the feed dogs. And it has the dual pulley drive belt system.

I had been looking for a free arm with non-rubber/plastic drive components, and I kinda like these era Kenmores.

They were well made. I have a couple models of Kenmore and they still sew like a dream. Good find for $20!

Interesting machine you got there! I 'm amazed at the drive belts.

I had that exact same machine in the 70's. Either my daughter or my sister-in-law has it now. It was a great machine.

Just an FYI, in case you are looking for a manual, there is one at https://www.manualslib.com/manual/85...l#product-1941

Janey - Neat people never make the exciting discoveries I do.
Not affiliated with off-site link(s)

Thanks Janey, that will be helpful.

This machine was surprisingly clean inside, really just needed oil. And it sews well.

I inherited a 1972 1410 from my sister-in-law and was gifted a 158.904 from a local person who was done making masks (it was her grandmother's machine). I am a bigger fan of the Vintage Kenmore's than I am of the vintage Singers.
Congrats on your awesome machine!!

The two belts multiply the force of the motor. I don't know by what factor, but if you still have your high-school physics notes or texts around, I expect the force multiplier can be calculated. These machines have 1.0 or 1.2 amp motors and with the double pulley system they have the power to sew through just about anything, and all the while maintaining superb control at low speeds. Kenmore made brilliant machines in those years.

Thank you for explaining this! I've always considered that my Kenmore purchased new in high school (for $187.59!) is the most reliable of all my machines and it has sewn anything I've thrown at it. and never needed to be serviced professionally.

I still have my Kenmore, my first sewing machine, which I bought around 1979 or 1980. I've like it best for making buttonholes, though I don't do much garment sewing anymore. They are marvelous, tough machines! You have a keeper!