the Kenmore Call is strong-got another one
 

I picked up another Kenmore today, this time at CHKD, for $10. It's a Kenmore 10 (158.12511), and it's fairly clean, and runs.

It's got this weird thing on the bobbin though, and I can't decide if it came this was (although I really doubt it) or if this was someone's tinkering. It's a plastic ring, fits around the bobbin rim, and actually fits in the shuttle. Has anyone seen anything like this before?

There is no case, which is what makes me think this is someone's homebrew fix. It was threaded in the thrift store, and when I turned the wheel, it brought the thread up, so it works, or at least doesn't impede working. I haven't sewn with it yet, and won't until I'm sure this is A: supposed to be there, or B: not supposed to be there, and removed. Unless someone can tell me definitively that this is the way it's supposed to be, I'll find a bobbin case for it. Will a class 15 fit? The bobbins sort of look it. I found a manual for a 158.1252, which looks to be the upgrade from this one (and shows a bobbin case), so I'll start there. I'll likely hang on to this one until I run into someone who says "I wish I knew how to sew, but I don't have a sewing machine." I've already passed on the Dressmaker from my last Kenmore post.

I had a similar Kenmore. I think mine was the 158.1252. Loved that machine. In looking at your pictures, I can't imagine how that bobbin thingy would work. Doesn't look like it would do much to control the tension. Have you tried actually sewing with it?

I don't see how it would work either, and the manual (for the 158.1252) clearly shows a bobbin case, so I'm assuming it has one. Then I guess the question becomes 'what is this thing' and 'why is it there?' I haven't sewn with it, but will today-carefully. I'll also dig out my extra class 15 bobbin case and see if it fits.

I have the exact same machine from 1978 that is still going strong...I don't see a bobbin case? I have no idea what that thing is....does it take the place of the bobbin case...on your picture of the bobbin in it should show the bobbin case not the bobbin...does it sew?

Here's a link for free Kenmore manuals. You may be able to find the one you need.

http://homeappliance.manualsonline.c...duct_list.html

That is strange. It looks almost like they took the bobbin case from a top loading machine and tried to fit into a front loading machine. I am pretty sure you need a standard front loading 15 bobbin case because I see the place the little arm fits into at the top of the bobbin area. Hope you find the solution. :)

Pat

That looks just like my Kenmore 8 and it has the bobbin case. Never seen the little black thing.

My Kenmore 1756 from 1972 looks quite a bit like yours. Mine has the #15 bobbin and bobbin case with a one o'clock hook at the top.Have no idea what the black thing is either. sew-classic.com has the right bobbin case and bobbins to order.

Strong call of Kenmore
 

This machine has been in my sewing room for many years. I love it more than all my newer models. There is a bobbin case that the bobbin goes into. It has a lever type handle that keeps the bobbin in while you pull the thread into the groove for it and then recesses when placed into the shuttle. There is a tiny screw on the bobbin case that controls the tension on the bobbin thread. I do not know where you will find one. Ask around the web and you may find someone with one. Good Luck.

A class 15 bobbin case is the one that fits-I dug out my extra. I have no idea what the black ring was. The machine did sew with it on, but not well. I suspect the previous owner lost the case, used this as a stopgap, then ditched the machine when that didn't work well. That's a WAG, obviously, but the machine was otherwise clean and running well, so that's what I'm going with. *g*