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Member since 8/12/08
Posts: 5
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Posted on: 8/14/08 6:17 PM ET
I am trying to find a sewing machine. I will be sewing simple things, doing free-motion embroidery, mending. I am looking for a mechanical machine, and I admit I tend to like the older models, the heavier ones I grew up with. With the $100 I have I figured I would get more for my money with an older Kenmore then these new plastic Kenmores and Brother's....at least the $100 models.
Is there an online place where I can get more information about these older machines other than here?
This Kenmore is $80 and has been clean and refurbished, but I have no idea what kind of attachments went with it or where I would even get them.
It would be so cool if you could just have a site where you put the SM # in and it told you what came with these older models.
Any ideas?

  
Member since 3/19/06
Posts: 3847
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Posted on: 8/14/08 6:38 PM ET
In reply to dolores conrad
If you go to SearsPartsDirect.com and put in the COMPLETE model number with the three digit source code, you will be able to access a parts diagram that shows the included accessory package that came with the machine.

The complete model number for your machine is 158.12520. It uses standard low shank attachments. They don't need to be "Kenmore" brand, just low shank, screw-on feet.

I did check on the Sears parts site and this model is there.


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Member since 8/12/08
Posts: 5
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Posted on: 8/14/08 9:04 PM ET
In reply to SewClassic
Thank you very much. That looks like a useful place to know about if I do plan on getting an older Kenmore.
Is there anywhere I can get more info on this machine? Like how old?
  
Member since 3/19/06
Posts: 3847
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Posted on: 8/15/08 7:37 AM ET
In reply to dolores conrad
There is a PDF in the files section of the Old Kenmore Sewing Machines Yahoo group website which is a timeline, by model number, of the dates for various Kenmore sewing machines. Many models are listed, but not this particular one. But, based on my experience, this machine is from the mid-1970's- give or take.

I hope you enjoy sewing with your "new" machine.

If you are looking for an all metal machine, you should open this one up and inspect the upper gear that drives the cam stack. On the bobbtom of the machine, remove thecover over the hook gear and see if either of the gears down their are plastic. Right about the time that Sears started selling more free-arm machines, their suppliers started using plastic/nylon gears. So far, every free-arm Kenmore model that I have had come across my bench had at least one, if not more, plastic gears.

Now, this doens't mean you shouldn't buy the machine - AT ALL. I just don't want you to think that becasue the outside is metal that all the inside parts will be too. Since the machine has been serviced, I would assume the gears are in good shape at this point. If and when they crack or crumble, they can be replaced.
-- Edited on 8/15/08 7:56 AM --
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