miriam

Iris and I each found Domestic machines on GW auction recently. They are every bit as odd as that Kenmore 71. The case is a lot like that too. The machines are shaped different from the Kenmore but still that aluminum body. I shot pics but my computer doesn't like the new QB very much - Iris are you up for posting yours too? Maybe we can get an old aluminum machine thread going on here. My machine is pretty light weight but it is in a heavy frame and carries in a heavy suit case. Mine has the same kind of attachments as the Kenmore 71. My Domestic has a timing issue. Maybe I need to search and see if it takes normal needles or not before I tinker with it. That Kenmore has the side tension too. My Domestic has a tension knob on the front and the thread on the side. I'm thinking I saw a date on the machine somewhere too - seems like it was mid 50s. The bobbin is odd too - larger than usual.

MrsBoats

After some thought, I think it's not a timing issue--it sews well and doesn't skip stitches--but a needle issue. I wonder now if someone didn't put the wrong needle in at some point? There's a pack of original Kenmore needles in there, and they look like typical needles (the HA whatevers that are so common) but I haven't compared them side-by-side yet.

Your Domestic sounds interesting-I hope Iris can post a picture! The bobbins for this one remind me of the ones that go with my Pfaff 130-narrower/flatter, but bigger around.

An aluminum machine thread would be interesting-I didn't know there were that many out there!

Miz Johnny

I have a wonderful Japanese class 15 that I turned into a HC. It's great for travel; so much lighter than a Singer 15!

ThayerRags

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrsBoats

According to Ismacs, the 71 was designed as competition for Singer's 301. Like that, this one is aluminum, and therefore light-17 lbs. It was built by White, and is a rotary.

Some folks believe that the model 71 (120.71) was made by New Process Gear, a division of the Chrysler Corporation. Prior to the model 71, they made the model 49 (120.49) in 1950, and an updated model 49 (120.491) in 1954, which were also aluminum machines.

The first photo is the 120.49 and the second one is the 120.491.

CD in Oklahoma

miriam

I think my hand crank would weigh more than that Domestic's aluminum body. My Domestic's bobbins are also big around and flat and the bobbin case is funny looking.

There was an aluminum looking 15 on CL the other day, I emailed them but no reply - I can only wish.

Don't you just love how some times those old machines sort of do reflect the new cars of that day???

miriam

I found a Domestic on CL in St Louis like the one I have. http://stlouis.craigslist.org/hsh/2692049895.html The 'tension knob' on the front is not the tension - it is on the side of the machine.

MrsBoats

Wow. Kenmore was big with the minimalist look, weren't they? I always think it interesting how each company, and each era, had their own 'look'. Too bad today's 'look' is all sterile white plastic. Whatever happened to design? And yes, much like that era's cars; I always think the Morse 4400 looks like the Granddad's old Buick dashboard.

MrsBoats

Wow. Kenmore was big with the minimalist look, weren't they? I always think it interesting how each company, and each era, had their own 'look'. Too bad today's 'look' is all sterile white plastic. Whatever happened to design? And yes, much like that era's cars; I always think the Morse 4400 looks like the Granddad's old Buick dashboard.

BoJangles

ThayerRags, wow those machines do remind me of an old oldsmobile or nash or something!

Nancy

miriam

Anybody live in Pendleton Indiana??? FW alert http://indianapolis.craigslist.org/atq/2735663865.html