Wizard Machine
 

Hi! My sister was given a Wizard sewing machine. It does say "Made in Japan" She was looking for feedback from anyone concerning this machine. I've researched it a bit, and it appears to be from the 50's. The serial number is 3KC 8844. Of course it needs work, but she is hoping to get it running. Missing the foot pedal and light socket. Trying to find a manual on it as well. I love getting an old machine working again! Any comments would be appreciated!

Sorry, no help but I just had to reply. I opened this thread thinking it was going to be a wish thread -- if you could have a wizard inside your machine, what would s/he do? But then I saw your pic -- gorgeous machine, by the way -- and thought "sewing machine, candy necklaces & a nearly empty bottle of rum: this lady is my kind of quilter!" :thumbup:

Hope someone else knows something about your machine. You might also try asking in the Vintage Machines forum. There seem to be people who know something about just about every kind of machine ever made there.

Thanks Bree123!!!! And you can see her crochet bag in the back of machine as well! Candy was for her granddaughter, and empty rum...well, we just returned from a cruise and we are trying to recreate a drink from Roatan, Honduras called "Monkey LaLa" Oh la la! Wonderful drink! Thanks for responding!

Somewhere on the base (probably have to look underneath) there should be a JA number - usually molded into the body. That number will usually help figure out who made the machine. There were several Japanese manufacturers that made machines under a variety of names for export to the US. We all depend on lists put together by enthusiasts to know which number corresponds to which manufacturer, and the lists aren't complete so you might have a mystery machine.

A lot of the Japanese zig-zag machines are VERY well made. Regardless of the manufacturer, you probably have a good quality machine on your hands. Plus it looks cool. :)

You should have maybe posted your thread here in this sub forum:

"For Vintage & Antique Machine Enthusiasts"
Post here to share your passion for vintage and antique sewing machines, tools and gadgets.
Exchange information and post your photos,

That the section where you will find the most help on older sewing machines.

Thanks ManiacQuilter2! I originally thought I had...(my mistake) when I noticed and posted there as well! Thanks!

Welcome Meliss. Great discovery.

You can find the cord block that can be rewired for the foot control at http://shop.sew-classic.com/Cord-Set...143-SCE143.htm

Some of the bits might belong to the machine originally in that cabinet. As mentioned in the other thread, the Wizard is a left homing machine - meaning that when it straight stitches the stitches are formed on the left side of the needle plate. The needles may or may not work. I got some in a box like that but they had a round shank and different length. If you should try the attachments, set on straight stitch and turn the hand wheel slowly to make sure the needle clears the hole.

Have fun with your new discovery and sewing endeavors.

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

Here is a pic of my Wizard. https://www.quiltingboard.com/member...53-556169.html

Meliss, If I am messing with a machine that has dangerous wiring and there is ANY chance of someone plugging it in, I will cut the cord, but save the ends. Highly unlikely that merely shutting a cabinet would have cut it.

This looks just like my mother's Wizard except hers was straight stitch and in a cabinet. Wonderful machine. I wish I had it or one just like it.

Thanks for the link Leonf, I can definitely use that. I suppose cutting the cord for safety reasons makes a lot of sense. Your machine looks just like mine.

Botanicat, I was considering selling it since I'm not really good at sewing and I'm not sure how much I would use the machine. Maybe it's too advanced for me? I would like it to be used by somebody who knows what they're doing rather than have it sit here collecting dust. I have my cheapy little singer from Target that I barely use for hemming. Realistically, I don't think I will be using this fancy vintage machine but I'm going to buy the new cord and then see if it works or if there's anything wrong with it. If I can't figure it out I would like to sell it. If you're in the Philadelphia region let me know and I'll let you know when it's up for sale.

Sorry, I wasn't getting notifications to the forums because I didn't click the thread notification button before so I'm late in replying.

I have more photos:
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Hey Meliss, Welcome back. Don't be intimidated by the machine. Most folks rarely use any machine to it's limits, even a toaster. We find what we like, and if we need something else, then we look it up. If you only use it for straight stitch hemming it will last long and give better results than a modern Target Singer. And you have the potential to do really cool stuff with it, should you choose to push yourself.

Meliss if you were closer to me I'd take that machine off your hands in a heartbeat. I do have to revise my previous statement about its age though, it's a 60s machine not a 50s like I said before.

Cari

leonf, Ok, thanks for the encouragement. Let's see what happens! Maybe you're right, it will definitely be better than the new cheap singer. I will give it a shot!

Cari, that's too bad you're not closer, I know some people would like to take full advantage of its sewing capabilities. But I'll give it a try for a year and see if I can report back here with any results.

OurWorkbench, thanks for the link to the cord earlier, I mistakenly thought it was someone else, greatly appreciated.

Meliss, Janey ( our workbench) is a great researcher and a nice person. We live 500 miles away, but I met her and John because of their postings on this board. She won't care that you gave me the credit.

:thumbup: I didn't want to leave anyone out. I'll make a separate post about this process. Maybe ask for cleaning suggestions.

It looks like everything likes up so that you could just put a treadle belt on there and have a treadle zigzag. Maybe that's what the previous owner was intending. (But like me, could never get around to it. lol)

Fixing a cut electrical cord is fairly easy. Just research and give it a try. As mentioned, you may need to get replacement components for the cord at Sew-Classic. It looks like most other items included are pretty complete,and your Wizard is a low shank, Model 15 machine which makes buying additional attachments easy.

That is a really nice looking Wizard zigzag machine you have there. Don't be intimidated by teaching yourself to do sew. I have five granddaughters and one grandson, all under 5 y.o., and I taught myself to sew with two friend lessons, a bunch of youtube videos, and a desire to sew some special items for my grandkids. Good luck!

That machine is almost cherry! The label on the bobbin cover plate isn't even worn off! Its a really cute machine. Start learning to sew the way I did as a kid- make square things, then branch out. Hey, everyone can use another potholder, right? :thumbup:

This is a very late reply, but I just obtained a Wizard "Custom", 3KC 8846, which you indicated you have. I am trying to locate a manual, but have only found one place online and the website says due to health problems they may be late filling the order. I'm a little leery of sending credit card info under those circumstances. Do you have any info on where I might obtain a manual. Any help is appreciated and I do not want to inconvenience you in any way. Thanks for your response (and I hope you see this since it's nearly 2 yrs. after your post. Ramona in Mobile

another option
 

I hung a Chinese handcrank on mine. Lots of fun. GF's granddaughter took it to a bra making class.


GF didn't need a manual. but she has sewn for decades.
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Oh and if you have more than one . Keep the boys from the girls... sigh.[ATTACH=CONFIG]594235[/ATTACH]

One more baby arrived last week and I don't have a picture yet. Fleetwood.