Sewnoma

I think I have to go back and buy it, but I'm not 100% sure why I'm so drawn to the machine.

It's a slightly boring looking machine; an older Kenmore. I went on Google this morning and found an example of what it looks like:

Not really pretty but definitely has a style of its own!

It's in a pretty nice cabinet; I couldn't find an identical one on Google but it looks sorta like this:


The cabinet folds out to the left and to the right, and on the right hand side when the top folds open there's a cubby there. This is at a thrift shop, they want $85 for it. The cubby in the cabinet is stuffed with goodies; I didn't look too closely because I didn't think I was going to buy it at the time, but I know I saw some bobbins in there, I think a manual or booklet of some kind, lots of misc threads & scissors & such, and some handwritten notes.

I didn't plug it in, but I spun the wheel and it was smooth as butter. I was amazed actually, it felt so good, like it just wanted to keep on spinning. The tag says "tested - works". It has a knee control attached to the cabinet.

I am going to go back on my lunch break and see if it's even still there. If it is, I'm going to plug it in and test it. And if it works, I think I'll probably end up buying it....my boss has a truck and has volunteered to haul it home for me.

No idea where I'm going to put it or what I'm going to do with it, but I CAN'T get this machine out of my head. I woke up an hour early this morning and found myself just laying there thinking about it.

Am I crazy? Is $85 a reasonable price for this machine, assuming it works?

J Miller

It's a White made machine, a 117 series, but I don't know what the actual model is.

When you test run it be aware that it turns opposite of Singers. Nuther words the hand wheel rotates away from you rather than towards you.
Also check the drawers for goodies if you haven't already.

I like the White made machines, they are equals to their Singer contemporaries.

Joe

Rodney

I like that style of Kenmore too. It was made by White for Sears and I believe it takes standard needles. Make sure the bobbin case and at least one bobbin is there. It says it works so you're probably good there. It uses top clamp feet. The ones for White machines are easy to get but don't expect to find a walking foot or FMQ foot for it. Does the store have any sales or will they negotiate? The price seems a little high to me but price isn't the only consideration either. You'll get the money out of it quickly enough in enjoyment.
Rodney

Sewnoma

Thanks for the feedback! I did read up on it a bit last night and saw the bit about it spinning the opposite direction - I thought that was weird but interesting. I also read that they get can get a flat spot on some drive wheel (details elude me) so when I test it I'll be listening; apparently if it has that it'll make a "whump whump whump" sound when it sews and I gathered that it's not a part that's easy to replace. Does that sound familiar/right to you guys?

The thrift shop does have sales but not that include furniture and this is tagged as furniture. This is a generally expensive area so I'm not surprised it's not a killer deal. The thrift shop benefits the local hospice system so I don't mind paying a fair price; it's a hospice system I myself have benefited from when I had my hip replaced. My insurance paid for it but I really appreciated the service so I feel good helping support them while at the same time getting goodies for myself!

I did check the other drawers, all empty except for a couple loose pencils. I think someone emptied it out before they donated it and just missed the upper cubby.

The machine appears complete - did have a bobbin case installed and I saw at least 2 loose bobbins; may have been a 3rd inside the machine. Weird bobbins - much flatter and wider than any I've used before.

I'll have to check it out in more detail today!

earthwalker

I think it looks great....not boring at all. Let us know if you brought it home Oh and we love pictures.

Sewnoma

Oh yes, if I buy it, there WILL be pictures!! I'm not even sure where it'll go...I just finished remodeling my sewing room but I've realized I have some problems to sort out!

mlmack

Should be an easy part to replace. The drive tires are readily available at several locations online.

You just have to loosen a screw, slide the old one off, slide the new one on, and tighten a screw.

Sewnoma

Good to know!! Thanks.

I looked it up again to try to find the right part name/description (drive tire is it, you hit that on the nose) and found two sites talking about the issue. One said the part was impossible to find and had a series of comments offering work-arounds, the other casually mentioned ordering a new one like it's no big deal. If it does have that issue, I'll probably risk being able to find a replacement; it doesn't sound like a huge deal-breaker.

If nothing else, someone here can probably point me in the right direction as to where to find good supplies.

I'll be heading over on my lunch break to check it out. (In about an hour) If I buy it, my boss is willing to let the two of us take off in the middle of the day to go load it up into his truck while they're still open and then he'll deliver it later tonight when he gets off work. (I have the BEST boss ever!!)

Thanks!

yobrosew

Some of us were talking of this machine a week or so ago. It is so streamlined, isn't it? Reminds me of a Gulf Stream motor home. Or a retro mixer. Way cool! And the cabinet is great, too. You are drawn to the machine because it is simple elegance, as well as a picture of classic engineering design. Or maybe because it is not the usual frilly. It is so basic that it oozes strength and dependability. (Geesh, maybe I wrote ad copy for sewing machines in another life!)

Rodney

White used a variety of drive wheels. Sew-Classic carries a couple different sizes. You need to know your shaft diameter and outside diameter to get the right one. That one should be an easy one to replace.
Rodney