Deepika
 
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MA USA
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Date: 12/6/11 10:51 PM I only have one machine (Janome 4800) which I've been very happy with. I needed another solid machine which I could use for topstitching when sewing jeans so I don't have to go back and forth between needles and threads.
I've been wanting the 3/4 size vintage kenmore for about 5 years now and today when I wasnt even looking for it, I found it on craigslist!
Just picked it up.
I do love it. But the stitch selector seems to be stuck. I can't move it. Any idea? Should I take it to a shop or try my hand at it. I should mention that I have no experience with vintage sewing machines and I am not mechanically inclined.
Photos
Stitch Selector Stuck
Case
Any ideas? I've searched the manual on troubleshooting but it doesnt mention it anywhere. ------
- Deepika
Founder, PatternReview.com
Blog: http://www.deepikablogs.com |
Betakin
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AZ USA
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In reply to Deepika
Subject: Kenmore 15.10400 Portable sewing machine Date: 12/7/11 0:39 AM Hiya Deepka. I see the S is set in the 2nd picture, what is that dial?. Is that for straight stitch or for stretch? I was thinking that the big dial was the stitch selection dial but I don't know this machine but some of the older machines would not allow stitch selection if the machine was set on ZZ and not set on anything other than straight stitch middle position. So maybe if set on a stretch it will not move.
I don't know if it makes any difference but I would also check that the clutch is engaged and that the bobbin winder is in the off position but I don't know if that would really make a difference but some machines have their own little quirks and I have never used one of these models but I remember when they were sold years back. Maybe it will be an easy fix like pushing something in or down while turning the dial.
I hope you love using it after it is up and going.
-- Edited on 12/7/11 0:45 AM -- |
tourist
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BC CANADA
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Subject: Kenmore 15.10400 Portable sewing machine Date: 12/7/11 0:49 AM Adorable, isn't it? I have a 1045 (I think - it is at work). The thing I know about Kenmores is that all the dials have to be set just so, as the previous poster mentioned.
The case on mine is slightly melted, but I got it for $5, so I can't complain. I will check in and see if I can offer any more help tomorrow. Off to sleep now.... ------
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Betakin
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Subject: Kenmore 15.10400 Portable sewing machine Date: 12/7/11 0:55 AM I see that the Relics site has manuals for this machine and also downloadable if you do not have one. |
Sonoma33
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In reply to Deepika
Subject: Kenmore 15.10400 Portable sewing machine Date: 12/7/11 1:15 AM Congrats! I have this machine too--it was my grandmothers. BUT, mine is missing the accessories box, and is not in such nice condition. I hope to get her cleaned up and find missing parts. I think it is a fun machine. ------
Berninas 830LE ♥ Artista 630PQE ♥ 930 Record ♥ Juki TL2010Q ♥ Pfaffs Creative Performance ♥ Passport 2.0 ♥ Singers 221 ♥ 301 ♥ 500a ♥ Kenmore 1040 ♥ Elna 'Grasshopper' ♥ Tacsew T500 ♥ Babylock Evolution |
beauturbo
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In reply to Deepika
Subject: Kenmore 15.10400 Portable sewing machine Date: 12/7/11 3:09 AM That is a cute machine. You could probably just take the top off of it, and at least oil it, and everything connected to the stitch selector dail on the top, and do some wiggling of it. Also then maybe you could see why it seems stuck. It probably needs oil anyway. I can't see where the screws are that hold the top on if so, because of the angle of the picture though.
You could actually look at a parts schematic of it, on the sears parts website, if you wish, but to do that you need to know the model #.
http://www.searspartsdirect.com/partsdirect/index.action?psid=26128388&sid=PSx20071217x00001a&OVMTC=Exact&site=&creative=5934912264&OVKEY=sears%20parts&url_id=26128388&adpos=1t1&gclid=CIeAp8HA76wCFcfd4Aodwjo0Ng
You typed model 15.10400, but I think you are at least missing one digit before the decimal point, as I think that there would be most likely 3 characters before the decimal point in the model #, not just 2 of them. Have fun with your new machine.
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sewfrequent
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TX USA
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In reply to Deepika
Subject: Kenmore 15.10400 Portable sewing machine Date: 12/7/11 7:23 AM Oh that's an extremely nice specimen there!! I love the way these look! You are going to love this machine...the smaller foot print, better visibility, solidity of it while sewing will have you turning to it more often than just for hems! I say await some further answers re your problem from owners and then if needed, go ahead and take the top off as suggested...oil the area. If no luck there, then do take it in for service. Its surely an easy fix and then you'll know from now on its right and will probably never need formal service again.
-- Edited on 12/7/11 7:24 AM -- |
Deepika
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Subject: Kenmore 15.10400 Portable sewing machine Date: 12/7/11 9:20 AM I was trying to take the top off but I cant find the screw holding it. I'll keep looking. ------
- Deepika
Founder, PatternReview.com
Blog: http://www.deepikablogs.com |
Sew Jane
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KS USA
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Date: 12/7/11 11:53 AM The top just pulls off, you may have to open the side panel on the left first. I had one with a stuck stitch selector too. Don't force it, the dial can crack at the base (ask me how I know) Anyway a couple of years later I found the part and re-homed the machine and now have another. To unstick - oil the cams etc. copiously, heat with hair dryer or sit in sun for a few days (if using hair dryer be careful not to melt plastic). Gently try to move parts. It should free up, but might take a few days work. Just leave it out and work on it here and there when you pass by. These are wonderful little machines! Enjoy! - Jane
-- Edited on 12/7/11 11:56 AM -- ------
"The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes."
- Marcel Proust
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lisalu
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GA USA
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Date: 12/7/11 12:32 PM Super Cute, I love it! I can't help you on your problem with the knob that is stuck (sorry!) but I love to see pictures of vintage machines. Hope you get the knob working so you can enjoy your new toy. :) ------
Margaret (Singer 201-2), Betty (Singer 15-91), Bud (Singer 503), Kathy (Singer 221), Liz (Singer 221 Centennial Edition)
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