Look at the Kenmore
 

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Considering this machine. Who knows if nylon camstack? Owner not able to help me on this. Model number? If have one, how does it sew? Thanks.

Can't answer your questions but I like it! It looks old enough to me to be metal inside but I'm not in the know about Kenmores.

Cari

This is the model 89, the 'Lady Kenmore'. It has a nylon cam stack. Mine doesn't quite run yet (it's getting there):

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It's made in W. Germany by Gritzner-Kayser. There were versions for Pfaff, Gritzner, and Kenmore. It's a model that's considered desirable and the one you're looking at is in very good condition -- better than mine. I don't have a manual.

Someone told me once that nylon camstacks or gears won't break; it's plastic ones that do. I don't know whether it's true or not but I had an old Pfaff that the hook gear was supposedly nylon. That gear was worn down, not cracking or breaking just worn down from heavy use. The machine just kept on chugging away.

Cari

I had two Necchi Lydias, most wonderous and smooth machine, and both camstacks cracked; nylon. I get really attached to a machine and don't do change well; takes me forever to move on. Thus, I am shy about another crackup relationship.

KenmoreRulesAll, "Lady Kenmore" sounds so regal. What do you think about the gunk or whatever. in the one I have access to purchase. that is in the stitch dialer to the left side? Is it hard to get in their to clean? Oh, why nylon camstack!??

I'm shocked that it has plastic/nylon gears. I thought it was before that time. I would not consider it desirable for that reason. With so many old machines around, why bother with one that has parts that fail???? IMHO, anyway.

yobro, pop the top (it doesn't require a screwdriver -- just pull it off) and you'll see the stack. If the machine powers on, watch the entire stack do at least one full revolution. (If it doesn't power on, do this with the hand wheel.) Check for any cracks, etc. This is a music box design so there is a series of following arms, one for each cam. This is an interesting departure from the more standard traveling arm. Also, try to move all the dials and see if you can select any/all of the stitch selections in the radio display.

I got mine for $15(? -- or was it $10?) if I remember correctly. I think it's a cool-looking machine. I didn't buy mine for its sewing ability and if I can get it to sew, gravy. It powers on but I'm working on unsticking the entire machine but I haven't really touched it in months.

It is a cool machine, plastic cams or not. I was noticing the resemblance to an old car radio. I would get it just on looks alone.
Neat machine!
Rodney

Okay here's a Kenmore for you guys-
http://www.shopgoodwill.com/auctions...-17865508.html

Cari

Those are very nice machines. I let one go...

pickup only on that GW auction

Yes but there's enough of us PNW people here that it could be pony expressed very easily.

Cari

That's one of my favorite models. I don't have that exact one but I do have a close relative:

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Mine was $30 in a nice cabinet, found in a Lynnwood strip mall. These are great machines -- really quiet and smooth, 1.2 amps, built-in buttonhole drive, the dials have a high-quality feel.

The one I showed is at the Seattle store, and it was at 10 bucks this morning. It's calling your name...........LOL.

Cari

lol You're the quintessential enabler!

Hey, it's always more fun to spend someone else's money, hahaha.

Cari

I have three Kenmores and love them. Not that model. That is a beauty...

I just bought one at an estate sale exactly same machine! The cabinet is wonderful, lots of drawers and large extended tabletop! Only problem is — I got it home, hooked it up and noticed I got a slight shock when I touched it. When I tried to sew with it, the motor sounded but wouldn’t run. The light also flickered when it was trying! What do you all think? I also got a lot of assorted accessories with it. I don’t know what this one is! Can anyone tell me? [ATTACH=CONFIG]600489[/ATTACH]

It's a needle threader.

Re: what is this
 

Chris! Or anyone else! Could you tell me how to use it? It doesn’t make any sense to me! :rolleyes:

welcome aboard. Be careful with your machine. Unplug it look for breaks and bad connections If you can find your brushes you may want to clean or replace them. Use a powerstrip and it might be a bit safer for testing. 110 voltage can kill. or 220 depending on where you live.

The Cardinal rule of Vintage sewing machines: never plug the machine in without going over every inch of the wiring. Unplug the machine and physically inspect all the wires. This would include the wiring inside the front of the machine where the light bulb sits. Often... years and years of opening and closing the door to the light weakens the integrity of the fifty year old insulation where the wire bends. Make sure to check it for small breaks. That's what you're looking for when you go over the wires: any cracks in the outside rubber-like insulation that might expose the copper wire inside. Do this as well with the leads to the motor - especially where the wire may have had to bend back and forth - and always around the entrance to the motor.

The other thing you can do with the machine unplugged, is make sure the hand wheel will turn somewhat freely by hand. It shouldn't bind or be really stiff. If it is difficult, then consult your manual and oil it as it suggests. Avoid oiling the nylon if possible.

If you do find breaks in the wire, or even if you don't... if you're getting a shock from the deck of the machine... find an experienced or certified repair person or licensed electrician to examine and repair it. If it's a Lady Kenmore model 89: it's a fabulous machine. A real joy. Worth saving.

Thank you all for the advice! I am taking it to a sewing machine repair man and we will see what happens! I am having a hard time waiting for it to get fixed! So impatient to start sewing again, has been a few years now and am newly retired so have time to make stuff again! :D

A number of machines were made with metal gears but had nylon or plastic camstacks. I have a white 970selectronic with all metal gears and either plastic or nylon camstack. My Brother VX560 also has all metal gears but the camstack is either plastic or nylon. I would not rule out a machine with either nylon or plastic camstack unless it’s cracked. If you can’t get there to look at it in person ask the seller to open it up and take pictures of the camstack showing all sides.

Rob

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Janey - Neat people never make the exciting discoveries I do.