I LOVE Kenmore machines and I LOVE your posts. I always get tips and ideas that are new to me. Along with about 14 or 15 others (I haven't counted recently 😁}, I have 3 new-to-me machines: a 1941 which is fabulous, an 1802 - beautiful, fast and strong, and a 1755 which I've wanted for a LONG time. I've been cleaning, oiling and testing them. The 1755 is a marvelous machine and it's just about done; I was able to mend some clothing with it yesterday. The 1802 is looking very good and with the help of some friends who are VSM experts like you (and they love Kenmores too) a problem with the 1941 has been fixed, so I'll soon be putting the finishing touches on that as well! I recently watched your Maint. Series #12 about lubricating hidden parts. That was immensely helpful and you posted it just when I needed it! I'm still an amateur at this but it's so fascinating that I almost can't stop buying machines. My husband is rather perplexed, so he asks me how many machines I need - my response is to ask him how many golf clubs does HE need? End of conversation. 😉😊 I've been sewing for 60+ years and love it. Fixing machines and sewing make me happy and are a great retirement hobby. I'm certain that I'm not the only VSM fanatic who is extremely grateful for the clear and consice instructions you offer us. We love our machines and consider ourselves victims of VSMAD (Vintage Sewing Machine Acquisition Disorder), there is no cure! Thanks again, you're terrific!
I like the info you give us on the Kenmores. They are easier to find than the vintage Singers and can be made to work great again. Thank you for doing these.
I just bought one in mint condition for $60Cdn and was so glad to see this video! I was looking for a Bernina 830 Record, but after seeing your video on the 158.1941, and the price asked for the old Bernina, I found this beauty. I have a Bernina 770, but it has the nesting problem at the beginning of each sewing project and I wanted a good old mechanical machine for perfect topstitching.
Do you know where one can find out about Canadian vintage singers? I have 5 treadles that came in from the farm (pre and post war): 3 are model 15’s and 2 have the ‘bullet’ bobbins… also an old Kenmore 58.17572. Some will need parts - and accessories for sure. I’m very excited to start ‘waking’ them up… and carefully watching your awesome videos.
Try joining an online group such as those on Facebook that are dedicated to Singers and then branch out from there. Most Canadian models shared the same designs as those from other countries but not all. St. Johns was a major center of Singer production, but its not always simple to get production numbers as St Johns record keeping was not as great long term.
How does the model 1980 compare to the 1931? Thanks for all your informative videos. You are so thorough, and I enjoy them all...even if I do not own the machine! Thanks!
The 1980 was built after the 1931 and was sourced out of Taiwan. While the 1980 is a great machine and superior to most modern sewing machines, I would still give the nod to the 1931 as it is all metal. That is not to say that the 1980 cannot be a great working machine for you. Just be aware that it has a plastic gear in its stitch selector up top (underneath the lid I believe) Be extra careful with that as there are almost no replacements to be found.
Hello. I have been gifted a 158-19312. The cam which you removed to install the specialty cams does not seem to want to come out on mine. I do not want to force it. Should it just lift off or is it possibly stuck. I just had it cleaned but did not think to ask the fellow who services machines in our small town. Am I missing a step. New to sewing so have little knowledge at this time lol.
Be sure to refer to your User/Owners manual or procure a PDF copy of one. When you do, make sure you are following the directions on how to remove to the letter. If you do and it is still stubborn, it may require some gentle heat and oil/lubricant cleaners to unfreeze it. Be patient and remember that it might have not been removed since the machine came from the factory.
I have been looking for this one for ages. Still can't find one! I guess they get snatched up pretty quickly. Definitely interested in purchasing this machine if it is still available. I have all the cams. but not the machine. LOL
Hi Christine. This machine sold fairly quickly. But don't give up hope. While not as prevalent as some of the other models, Kenmore still sold more of these than many of the European makers did.
I was just gifted this one tonite! There’s no manual with it, and the fancy cams aren’t with it or the bed piece that goes around the arm. ( not sure of the names of the parts. Not sure if they still have it. Do you have other videos on this machine? Threading etc?
You can purchase PDF's of the manual online. The manual will go a long way in helping you understand how the machine works including how it is to be threaded. Items such as cams and even the 'bed' attachment for the Free Arm can be found on sites like Etsy, Ebay, etc.
I just found a 158.19311 in poor shape. Took no time to get machine sewing well. need to work on reverse mechanism more. would love to find a bed extension but I need the release button on the extension.
Hi may I ask you a question? What do you think of a 158.19461? I currently have a 16250, but thinking of also getting the other because feet are easier to get.. thank you!
Compared with modern machines, the 1946 versions were well made. But they do have some plastic parts including the top stitch selector. If you don't already own a 1946, I would search for a 1941 or 1931 as these are all metal and prices for all of these should be similar.
Hi! I was sewing on this machine last night. I made a memory bear from my late husbands’ flannel shirt. Anyway, it was finished and I decided to use the collar and I cut it to fit the bear and was sewing it back together and for some reason it couldn’t handle it, the needle jammed and broke, which was nothing to replace , but the bad part was the presser foot lever was knocked out of place. It now sits on top of the little post that it needs to be under in order for it to lift the presser foot up and down. Is there a way to get it back under? Or did I just kill my beautiful new to me sewing machine? It’s the most beautiful old machine. I’m so angry at myself I could cry.
Purrs like a kitten. In my opinion, it and the 158-1941 are the best zigzag machines ever. With minimal care and maintenance they will probably last for hundreds more years. Still looking forward to your 158-1941.
I'm looking forward to it as well Ronald. This summer, I plan on one 'last go' at bringing it back before I salvage it. I need outdoor air/ventilation to make that attempt!!
@@VintageSewingMachineGarage Best of luck with it. I would still consider an industrial site with chemical decreasing. Carbon tet or something similar but safer.
I own one without the cam feature. The modified stitches aren’t doing all the stitches they’re suppose to and I suspect it’s because the machine isn’t feeding the fabric both directions like it was designed to. Is this a common issue I can fix? I might need your services!
Do you have any contact info? I have a kenmore e-6354 I’ve used for years and all of a sudden when I plug it in the motor starts running without the pedal being pushed. Not sure if this is a common issue with older machines
When you press the pedal, does the light turn on? The plugs might be in the wrong outlets. This happens with my machines when I unplug and reply them wrong. One outlet is for the light and is always on and one is for the motor.
As I learn more and more about sewing machines, I find out that why things were done certain ways. A lot of people look at these and go. It's old oo. Yuck but they're new funfangled stuff. They will not pass down to their kids. Their grandkids definitely won't be getting it if it even still works by that point. My mom bought a new singer 44S never got to use it. Saturn storage for a couple years and it was ruined completely. Totally ruined. Can't use it. The part to get it working can be found for about half the cost of the sewing machine so it's over in a corner as a parts machine and we'll end up in trash. These old machines like this can be fixed up. Restored cleaned up and there are even people that are making 3D printed models of parts for some of these machines, some gears and handles and things like this that are amazing
I LOVE Kenmore machines and I LOVE your posts. I always get tips and ideas that are new to me. Along with about 14 or 15 others (I haven't counted recently 😁}, I have 3 new-to-me machines: a 1941 which is fabulous, an 1802 - beautiful, fast and strong, and a 1755 which I've wanted for a LONG time. I've been cleaning, oiling and testing them. The 1755 is a marvelous machine and it's just about done; I was able to mend some clothing with it yesterday. The 1802 is looking very good and with the help of some friends who are VSM experts like you (and they love Kenmores too) a problem with the 1941 has been fixed, so I'll soon be putting the finishing touches on that as well! I recently watched your Maint. Series #12 about lubricating hidden parts. That was immensely helpful and you posted it just when I needed it! I'm still an amateur at this but it's so fascinating that I almost can't stop buying machines. My husband is rather perplexed, so he asks me how many machines I need - my response is to ask him how many golf clubs does HE need? End of conversation. 😉😊
I've been sewing for 60+ years and love it. Fixing machines and sewing make me happy and are a great retirement hobby.
I'm certain that I'm not the only VSM fanatic who is extremely grateful for the clear and consice instructions you offer us. We love our machines and consider ourselves victims of VSMAD (Vintage Sewing Machine Acquisition Disorder), there is no cure!
Thanks again, you're terrific!
Thank you for sharing. And yes, you are correct; once you fall in love with these machines, its hard to turn any of them down!!
I like the info you give us on the Kenmores. They are easier to find than the vintage Singers and can be made to work great again. Thank you for doing these.
Bonjour, Bonsoir...I'm from Québec,Canada....I love your Videos...It helped me a lot for restoring My Kenmore Sewing Machines. Merci a lot...
Wonderful!
Thank you so much fir the detailed information. I gave this machine and exact cabinet. The very best of the last great Sears machine
Great to hear!
I just bought one in mint condition for $60Cdn and was so glad to see this video! I was looking for a Bernina 830 Record, but after seeing your video on the 158.1941, and the price asked for the old Bernina, I found this beauty. I have a Bernina 770, but it has the nesting problem at the beginning of each sewing project and I wanted a good old mechanical machine for perfect topstitching.
Very nice!
Do you know where one can find out about Canadian vintage singers? I have 5 treadles that came in from the farm (pre and post war): 3 are model 15’s and 2 have the ‘bullet’ bobbins… also an old Kenmore 58.17572. Some will need parts - and accessories for sure. I’m very excited to start ‘waking’ them up… and carefully watching your awesome videos.
Try joining an online group such as those on Facebook that are dedicated to Singers and then branch out from there. Most Canadian models shared the same designs as those from other countries but not all. St. Johns was a major center of Singer production, but its not always simple to get production numbers as St Johns record keeping was not as great long term.
Thank you so much!!
You're welcome!
Nice machine. Y also love Kenmores.
Thanks 😊
Thanks for watching!
Do you have any tips about inserting the little plate into the stitch length knob of a Husqvarna Viking 21 because mine somehow fell out?
How does the model 1980 compare to the 1931? Thanks for all your informative videos. You are so thorough, and I enjoy them all...even if I do not own the machine! Thanks!
The 1980 was built after the 1931 and was sourced out of Taiwan. While the 1980 is a great machine and superior to most modern sewing machines, I would still give the nod to the 1931 as it is all metal. That is not to say that the 1980 cannot be a great working machine for you. Just be aware that it has a plastic gear in its stitch selector up top (underneath the lid I believe) Be extra careful with that as there are almost no replacements to be found.
Hello. I have been gifted a 158-19312. The cam which you removed to install the specialty cams does not seem to want to come out on mine. I do not want to force it. Should it just lift off or is it possibly stuck. I just had it cleaned but did not think to ask the fellow who services machines in our small town. Am I missing a step. New to sewing so have little knowledge at this time lol.
Be sure to refer to your User/Owners manual or procure a PDF copy of one. When you do, make sure you are following the directions on how to remove to the letter. If you do and it is still stubborn, it may require some gentle heat and oil/lubricant cleaners to unfreeze it. Be patient and remember that it might have not been removed since the machine came from the factory.
I have been looking for this one for ages. Still can't find one! I guess they get snatched up pretty quickly. Definitely interested in purchasing this machine if it is still available. I have all the cams. but not the machine. LOL
Hi Christine. This machine sold fairly quickly. But don't give up hope. While not as prevalent as some of the other models, Kenmore still sold more of these than many of the European makers did.
I was just gifted this one tonite! There’s no manual with it, and the fancy cams aren’t with it or the bed piece that goes around the arm. ( not sure of the names of the parts. Not sure if they still have it. Do you have other videos on this machine? Threading etc?
You can purchase PDF's of the manual online. The manual will go a long way in helping you understand how the machine works including how it is to be threaded. Items such as cams and even the 'bed' attachment for the Free Arm can be found on sites like Etsy, Ebay, etc.
I downloaded it and had it printed off at Staples! I will look around for the bed! Thanks so much!
I just found a 158.19311 in poor shape. Took no time to get machine sewing well. need to work on reverse mechanism more. would love to find a bed extension but I need the release button on the extension.
I teally like this machine. I have 2 of them.
Hi may I ask you a question? What do you think of a 158.19461? I currently have a 16250, but thinking of also getting the other because feet are easier to get.. thank you!
Compared with modern machines, the 1946 versions were well made. But they do have some plastic parts including the top stitch selector. If you don't already own a 1946, I would search for a 1941 or 1931 as these are all metal and prices for all of these should be similar.
@@VintageSewingMachineGarage thank you!
Hi! I was sewing on this machine last night. I made a memory bear from my late husbands’ flannel shirt. Anyway, it was finished and I decided to use the collar and I cut it to fit the bear and was sewing it back together and for some reason it couldn’t handle it, the needle jammed and broke, which was nothing to replace , but the bad part was the presser foot lever was knocked out of place. It now sits on top of the little post that it needs to be under in order for it to lift the presser foot up and down. Is there a way to get it back under? Or did I just kill my beautiful new to me sewing machine? It’s the most beautiful old machine. I’m so angry at myself I could cry.
Purrs like a kitten. In my opinion, it and the 158-1941 are the best zigzag machines ever. With minimal care and maintenance they will probably last for hundreds more years. Still looking forward to your 158-1941.
I'm looking forward to it as well Ronald. This summer, I plan on one 'last go' at bringing it back before I salvage it. I need outdoor air/ventilation to make that attempt!!
@@VintageSewingMachineGarage
Best of luck with it. I would still consider an industrial site with chemical decreasing. Carbon tet or something similar but safer.
I own one without the cam feature. The modified stitches aren’t doing all the stitches they’re suppose to and I suspect it’s because the machine isn’t feeding the fabric both directions like it was designed to. Is this a common issue I can fix? I might need your services!
Do you have any contact info? I have a kenmore e-6354 I’ve used for years and all of a sudden when I plug it in the motor starts running without the pedal being pushed. Not sure if this is a common issue with older machines
When you press the pedal, does the light turn on? The plugs might be in the wrong outlets. This happens with my machines when I unplug and reply them wrong. One outlet is for the light and is always on and one is for the motor.
As I learn more and more about sewing machines, I find out that why things were done certain ways. A lot of people look at these and go. It's old oo. Yuck but they're new funfangled stuff. They will not pass down to their kids. Their grandkids definitely won't be getting it if it even still works by that point. My mom bought a new singer 44S never got to use it. Saturn storage for a couple years and it was ruined completely. Totally ruined. Can't use it. The part to get it working can be found for about half the cost of the sewing machine so it's over in a corner as a parts machine and we'll end up in trash. These old machines like this can be fixed up. Restored cleaned up and there are even people that are making 3D printed models of parts for some of these machines, some gears and handles and things like this that are amazing