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FRBasil, where are you? (Moderated by Sharon1952, EleanorSews)
Posted on: 7/14/11 7:14 AM ET
I'm considering an older machine to keep at the cottage and since the vintage Kenmores are troopers, I was wondering which model FRBasil (or other Kenmore aficionados) would recommend from this list on Kijiji?
Edit to include: And what would be a fair offer? I find $100 a bit steep!
-- Edited on 7/14/11 7:15 AM --
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Edit to include: And what would be a fair offer? I find $100 a bit steep!
-- Edited on 7/14/11 7:15 AM --
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http://BendingPins.com
Bernina 550 QE
Janome 350E
Juki HZL-F600
Bernina 550 QE
Janome 350E
Juki HZL-F600
Posted on: 7/14/11 7:53 AM ET
In reply to tholtz
This one "Like New" is probably the newest model of those to choose from - it looks like one I got about 10 yrs. ago. But seriously, do they charge a LOT more for these in Canada? I paid $149 for mine brand new! The one that is advertised for $50 including stand is pretty good but looks to be about the same age as the one I got right after college (cough more than 20 years ago cough).
It would be a lot easier if the people advertising them for sale would put in the model numbers!
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It would be a lot easier if the people advertising them for sale would put in the model numbers!

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Sewing is my therapy!
Posted on: 7/14/11 8:08 AM ET
I think a lot of people selling machines are selling their grandmother's or mother's machine and know absolutely nothing about them or their value.
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http://BendingPins.com
Bernina 550 QE
Janome 350E
Juki HZL-F600
Bernina 550 QE
Janome 350E
Juki HZL-F600
Posted on: 7/14/11 9:29 AM ET
I would email and find out what's wrong with Ad ID 293097048.
The machine cosmetics look excellent and thats a super huge desk. If its belts that's a cheap home repair. I once got a Kenny where the woman said the stitches weren't locking (HALLOO- she had the needle in backwards) for free. If it needs nominal repairs I would offer $35 and feel I got a deal. Anything up to $50 would be reasonable, and un-regretted.
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The machine cosmetics look excellent and thats a super huge desk. If its belts that's a cheap home repair. I once got a Kenny where the woman said the stitches weren't locking (HALLOO- she had the needle in backwards) for free. If it needs nominal repairs I would offer $35 and feel I got a deal. Anything up to $50 would be reasonable, and un-regretted.
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Don't confuse accessibility with ease; just because anybody can pick up a needle and thread doesn't mean sewing quality garments is easy.
Posted on: 7/14/11 9:42 AM ET
In reply to DreinPA
Space is a precious commodity at the cottage so the desk is not important, it would either be left with the seller or brought to the Salvation Army.
A general tune-up is $60 in this area and that's the lowest price I could find. I'd take it for $35 if the seller were willing...
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A general tune-up is $60 in this area and that's the lowest price I could find. I'd take it for $35 if the seller were willing...
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http://BendingPins.com
Bernina 550 QE
Janome 350E
Juki HZL-F600
Bernina 550 QE
Janome 350E
Juki HZL-F600
Posted on: 7/14/11 10:45 AM ET
In reply to tholtz
I do love my vintage Kenmore! I don't know if you even really need it tuned up. Clean it and oil it yourself, and it will probably be working fine. Check underneath the machine and open the top up to look inside and make sure nothing is rusted.
I think the only other thing is, maybe you wouldn't want to get one of Kenmores that take super high shank feet. Replacement feet aren't as easy to come by and they have a weird left needle position. However some of the super high shank machine have lots of neat accessories, and if it comes with all all of them it could be fun to have.
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I think the only other thing is, maybe you wouldn't want to get one of Kenmores that take super high shank feet. Replacement feet aren't as easy to come by and they have a weird left needle position. However some of the super high shank machine have lots of neat accessories, and if it comes with all all of them it could be fun to have.
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Kenmore 158.14101
Juki MO-735
Juki TL2010Q
Juki MO-735
Juki TL2010Q
Posted on: 7/14/11 11:03 AM ET
In reply to edster
Thanks for the heads-up edster, I'm not as familiar with Kenmores as I am with vintage Singers. I thought I'd like to try one. 
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http://BendingPins.com
Bernina 550 QE
Janome 350E
Juki HZL-F600
Bernina 550 QE
Janome 350E
Juki HZL-F600
Posted on: 7/14/11 1:17 PM ET
In reply to tholtz
Try to find out the model #'s of those you are most interested in. It's usually found on the back lower left side of the machine. (As seen from the back.) A small set of 3 #'s will precede the other #'s. You'll also want those #'s as they are important (148, 158, or 385, likely) plus the larger #'s following.
$100. for a known "good" machine in excellent shape is reasonable. Mostly though I'd offer $50. Depending on use & age, the lubrication (grease) may need replacing in the machine. Otherwise, it should be good to go.
Do you want to use stitch cams or have dials with built in stitches? (Test built in stitch dials to make sure they are not frozen from sitting before you purchase.)
-- Edited on 7/14/11 1:18 PM --
-- Edited on 7/14/11 1:20 PM --
$100. for a known "good" machine in excellent shape is reasonable. Mostly though I'd offer $50. Depending on use & age, the lubrication (grease) may need replacing in the machine. Otherwise, it should be good to go.
Do you want to use stitch cams or have dials with built in stitches? (Test built in stitch dials to make sure they are not frozen from sitting before you purchase.)
-- Edited on 7/14/11 1:18 PM --
-- Edited on 7/14/11 1:20 PM --
Posted on: 7/14/11 1:19 PM ET
In reply to edster
Quote: edster
I think the only other thing is, maybe you wouldn't want to get one of Kenmores that take super high shank feet. Replacement feet aren't as easy to come by and they have a weird left needle position.
I think the only other thing is, maybe you wouldn't want to get one of Kenmores that take super high shank feet. Replacement feet aren't as easy to come by and they have a weird left needle position.
Some super high shank Kenmores have a weird left needle position. The needle position on mine (model 158.16250) is centered and not adjustable.
Cheryl
Posted on: 7/14/11 3:24 PM ET
In reply to tholtz
The $40 and $50 machines both look decent. I can't tell from the photo what kind of shank, whether the needle is left or center, etc. Try them out and see whether one works well for you.
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