Kenmore Rotary Sewing Machine 117.55 FULLY SERVICED!

[@notesfromleisa-land]

I have a 1946 model which is brown. It sews perfectly. Perfect travel machine for quilters who prefer not to spend the heavyweight dollars for featherweight.

[@birdsnestcreations]

I have this machine! It’s so cool that you can sew on so many different thicknesses and types of fabric! I’ve been playing around with mine and it seemed to do anything so long as I was using the right needle, but this is so cool!! I’ve always used my grandmothers machine, it’s a big old plastic thing. Couldn’t handle anything. Only did cotton and stuff. This? Leagues ahead.

[@elizabethclaiborne6461]

I have a 117 552 I got a few hours ago at a house sale. Impressive what this sews - with a half amp motor. Haven’t tried mine, it needs new wires, but the show off videos are great!

[@micheleperronphd4927]

I have a 117204 - It runs great. Finally happy to find out when it was made. I keep it oiled and am very careful with it. I can't find much info on it.

[@just_me8796]

I love my art deco 117, looks just like that but not sure if it's the exact model #. She makes such a nice stitch and the motor was easy to service plus she's so strong. Was one of the early machines in my collection. It's super easy to replace the tire, if your's is flat, makes it run so smooth!

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Very cool!

[@deeg1943]

I just picked one of these up this week. It needs to be thoroughly cleaned, have all the gunked up oil/dust removed and re-lubed. What I'd really like to do is what I do to the vintage BMW motorcycles I get. Completely tear it done, clean, put it back together. Do you happen to have a tutorial for a machine similar to this one? Or know where I can get a service/repair manual???? Thanks! Dee

[@pambinion2375]

Where would I find your Craigslist posts? Love watching your videos!

[@rlsavage2]

I have a Kenmore model # 117-812 it has a clacky bobbin case when it runs it sews good just a bit noisy. Is there an adjustment to make on it to quiet it down? Oh it is also in a case, not a portable one.

[@fnelly8621]

A lady gave me a kenmore 117,813 and it looks like the power cord was pulled hard and is broken. I wondered if there is any way to change it because the power cord and the pedal are connected. The pedal is the original and I would like to keep it as it is (original)

[@Lisalee0_0]

I want to know how to thread this machine, can you please help? Thank you

[@gabihoffman2211]

Where do you find parts for this? I am currently trying to get one of these machines I have running but I’m missing parts.

[@1bmw23]

I was wondering if you still do videos, we just bought a functioning Ken more 117.25, and your videos are super informative, however our machine has this bolt on the top near the arm that seems spring loaded, that none of your machines have, they have what looks like a solid bolt Would you happen to know what that is for?

[@shelley7147]

I have the 117-812 similar but mine seems so much louder? Any suggestions? Oiled and greased motor

[@kitjernegan2807]

What is the knob next to pressure bar?

[@soverton7056]

where are you located? i have one i would like serviced?

[@arrowheadrox]

I just received one today and need more information about getting parts etc... Where are you located...?

[@billsovitsky121]

How do we find your listing on Craig’s list?

[@shalevhanamura]

What would the solution be to fix a machine that when the pedal foot is pressed on, the needle arm doesn’t move while the rubber pully spins well, the balance wheel remains stationary because pullys friction on the balance wheel doesn’t move it and the balance wheel can be moved manually by hand which then moves the needle although there is a couple parts in the rotation of the wheel where this is a resistance met that manually can be moved thru but the rubber pully isn’t strong enough. Just oiled the machine & it’s still not working so wondering if there are any ideas that can help, thanks!

[@evadynes9106]

How do i hire you to restore a vintage machine?

[@moni0919able]

I have this machine like new all the foots a box full , also I have th book , even the oil that come with the machine, my machine is on the original table not a case

[@connienatale7886]

I do to it was my aunt’s in a cabinet.

[@irismanfru6]

Esta máquina tiene zigzag? Agradecería respuesta. Me regalaron una exelente, pero no entiendo lo del zigzag.

[@yexcellgutierrez481]

Somebody knows how to fix the thread up when stuck?

[@springlynnbooth2201]

Where are you located?

[@gailwoods4269]

I have a kenmore deluxe zigzag, green, rotary, nz a20052, c877.60. Looking for instruction manual. Thank you

[@markfannin3975]

When using the hand wheel does the wheel turn toward your or away from you? I heard this class of machine turns away from you. I have a Franklin machine very similar and I'm starting the restoration process soon. Thanks.

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

On these, the hand wheel turns AWAY from you.

[@kathynohl3602]

Wondering if you can show how this machine is threaded. Someone gave me this machine, but no instruction book with it. Thanks!

[@katiel8993]

Here for the same thing!

[@blakelylinz874]

Hi there, I’m decently mechanical and I came across a Kenmore 117-552 that I would like to completely clean and repair. It looks like it has been decently abused and I’m concerned with running it before clearing some of the built up fibers and grease. Without having run it yet I can see it will at least need replacements for the rubber components. If you could help me out I would greatly appreciate it!

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Hi. Take your time in cleaning and reoiling the machine. Sometimes, they have sat for long periods and I often spend time giving them intiial cleanings before attempting to do test runs. As for rubber components, you fortunately can still get brand new replacement power cords along with the rubber bushing/wheel that is attached to the motor driveshaft which powers the handwheel. Search on Ebay for sellers. None of these parts are super expensive which also helps encourage people to invest in restoring/overhauling these machines

[@GHSMCJROTC]

i just bought one of these for 80 bucks but need a walking foot attachment and was wondering if you know where to find one or even a part number. thanks for the help.

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Hello. I am not aware that a Walking Foot attachment was ever made for this machine since its feet attach with a rear engagement, not the side loading style that most vintage machines had developed by early 1900's. For what its worth, I have found walking foot attachments to be of limited quality and use. They do not replace a walking foot sewing machine and they limit space under the foot considerably. I have used them and I was not impressed with their performance though some others enjoy using them.

[@deliacoronado7893]

hi i have a kenmore 117.552 every time i try to use it the needle breaks. I have no idea what to do and can't find someone in phoenix area to look at it. don't know if the needle is the problem or the thread. can it be the machine itself

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Don't panic if you cannot find anyone to work on it. There may be someone in your area that enjoys tinkering on these or you may find that you can correct the issue yourself. First, I would remove the thread, needle, and bobbin case. Often, if a needed breaks, it is often related to thread tension either above or below. Start over with threading the machine. FYI, the bobbin cases on these machines take a while to learn to thread mostly as they are not easy to visually see the thread going into the case. Be EXTRA careful to thread the bobbin case properly. Also, be sure your needed is inserted with the right direction as sewing machines are only designed to work with threading and needles in a specific direction. If you thread it backwards or install the needed backwards, it can cause what you are experiencing. Although timing can also cause your issue, timing issues on these machines are quite rare and so that would not be my first guess. I think you should try re-threading and installing a new needle and try moving the hand wheel manually to slowly test the stitch function, Also, remember that these machines have hand wheel rotation that is the OPPOSITE of most all other machines. Most machines have hand wheels that rotate towards you. On these, you rotate the hand wheel AWAY from you in order to perform a stitch. Try some of these corrections to see if that helps. Good luck!

[@richardroder8329]

Hello VSMG I have a similar machine the 117.252 Kenmore. It has the friction drive as well. The spring that tensions the motor is missing and I need to fix it. What spring can I use and how is it installed? I can not find any information regarding this. Perhaps a photo would explain a lot. Or could you help me out? Thanks.

[@veronicawilliamsom6266]

Richard Roder I have the same machine . Please can you demonstrate a needle change

[@rancelynch6514]

I have a kenmore 117-552 from mothers estate, it seems to be frozen in place, cant get it to turn. I have taken it off bobbin wind back to sewing. I know it is impossible to make online diagnosis but from a expert is it worth restoring?

[@RickySpanish168]

try oiling it before anything, then maybe its jammed

[@karonrandall896]

I just got one that says kenmore with a Franklin book. It has a 813-2 on the bottom. Is that the model number? I need the pulley that turns the wheel. Could you help me? It doesn’t have a reverse so I think it is an early 1930s

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

I cannot tell without seeing it up close, but the Franklin book/manual should guide you since those were very similar to the Kenmores. Many if not most of the pulleys are interchangeable, but when you purchase one, check with the seller to see if it will fit. The pulleys can be found at a number of websites including Ebay. Be sure to use the word Rotary when you search. I will be doing a video soon on a similar machine since I have gotten lots of requests for additional info on these great machines such as yours. Note that there are 2 sizes available and you select the "Pulley Rubber Motor Drive" based on the diameter of the pulley rubber area and also the diameter of the pulley shaft. There are a number of places that sell these. Not sure of your model but most machines like yours take one of two sizes which are available. Here is a link to where I purchase mine: shop.sew-classic.com/Motors-and-Motor-Parts_c21.htm

[@gerimesser7328]

How much does this machine cost?

[@mattharper7395]

Do you do restoration on these. I have one in a original cabinet. So far as I look at it , the machine needs a good cleaning and tune up. Would love to get it up and running. Any contact info or a recommendation for restoration if you don’t take on jobs. Thanks for any info

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Hello Matt. We restore machines for clients in our local area (Southern Ontario). If you are not local to us, try searching on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist for people who do this kind of overhaul work. For Facebook, search under Groups with words such as, "Vintage sewing machine" and you may get leads on who/where to take your machine to.

[@twinstar9]

So the handwheel goes clockwise instead of the way Singers go, correct?

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Yes, that is true. Singers (and almost all other machines) rotate clockwise or away from you when facing the machine. White made Rotary machines (including Kenmore Rotarys from the period) all rotate counter clockwise or away from you when facing the front of the machine.

[@susanalujan904]

hi, I just got a similar machine mine is a 117-552 model, my question is how do I know if there is something wrong with my machine? It turns on and I've been testing the stitching, but for some reason the bottom stitch comes out perfect but the top stitch doesn't come out the same. I've been trying to regulate the tensions but I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong, and I definitely don't want to mess the machine up if it's fine and it's just me. thank you

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Hi Susana. Thread tension in stitches has basically 2 places for adjustment. The top tension assembly is the one that affects your bottom stitches and the bobbin case adjustment impacts your top stitches. These both work in tandem to create what is referred to as a "Balanced Stitch". I would take out the bobbin case and look for a very small screw where you can adjust the tension. Go slowly and take care not to over tighten so you don't damage it. Tension normally only needs adjusting when you change thread weight or fabric weight. Be patient and keep at it since you have a great machine.

[@susanalujan904]

thank you so much

[@belindaleighfrazier8165]

Mine has what u call "a flat tire" where can I purchase that rubber pulley wheel?

[@lolocfmjpwp0kjcxsa]

Hi Belinda, I just bought mine on Amazon since we have Prime. Search for 5767 Rubber Drive Pully. Good luck

[@belindaleighfrazier8165]

Does anybody have the model 117.300???

[@Crownedbyredd]

I have this machine and I'm missing the bobbin case. Where can I find the parts?

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Hi. They are out there as these machines were sold in very large numbers. Check Ebay, Etsy, and also Bonanza for parts. Be sure to note that other Rotary brands such as White sometimes used a slightly different bobbin case. Good luck

[@Crownedbyredd]

+Vintage Sewing Machine Garage thank you.

[@Far2hip]

Vintage Sewing Machine Garage, the drive system is referred to as a friction drive rather than a pulley wheel set up that uses belts. Nice stitch! :)

[@901thuggin]

Can it do zig zag if an attachment is purchased?

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

If you can find a White compatible ZigZag attachment, this maybe. The Singer versions wont work on this machine. Just an FYI, ZigZag attachments; while well intended; don't always provide great results, but I admire your willingness to try. Personally, I've not seen one for these, but that does not mean that White/Kenmore did not make them. They were a huge competitor to Singer and so they did sell a number of accessories/attachments; often as upsells at the store.

[@hectorcan3923]

Cuantos años tendra esta maquina kenmore

[@carmennieves8343]

Porfa como en enhebrar ken more e-6354 explica en español gracias

[@shezamshazam9345]

What's the meaning in this machine for "rotary"?

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

'Rotary' is a type of shuttle type where the hook spins 360 degrees. The other primary sewing shuttle system is called 'Oscillating' and is found on many machines including the Singer 15 class. Both make for good sewing machines. Some sewers have observed that Rotary style machines make stitches that are somewhat more straight or consistent but others may not agree. Each type has their pros and cons.

[@debraalexander9567]

I have this machine can you please tell me what they are worth? I am looking to sell it.

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Hi Debra. Valuing most vintage sewing machines is not an exact science based largely on why people might currently want one For example, only a very few of the machines I have restored have been "rare" in the sense that there are very few of them. When I come across a rare model, I do price it higher, but even then, there must be a demand. Collectibility is based on popular demand which is why a machine like the Singer Featherweight, a model made for over 30 years and in the hundreds of thousands, can bring very high prices. To your question on the Kenmore, I have sold a completely restored/overhauled model for mourned $225. Note that this includes the many hours I spent to service it. It yours is running well even without service, you can try listing it for a price you think would work in your market. I can't give you an exact figure since I have not seen your machine. If you live in NYC or San Francisco, you might charge more. Also, if you live in a remote rural area, it is tougher to get people to travel to you and so that will affect pricing. In order to get the most for your machine, you might want to advertise it for WHY its great and what its good for. Those old Rotary models are very strong. As you can see in my video, it makes a very nice straight stitch and can sew thru heavy fabrics and even light garment leathers with the proper needles. I sell a lot of these to folks who want to sew furniture slip covers, hand bags, boat covers etc. It might also be worth your time to make a video of you sewing with it if you know how it works. I have found that taking lots of photos and sharing the great features of any particular machine helps me to get interest in anything I am selling. Good luck with your machine. It is a great part of history and definitely worth getting into the hands of someone that might wish to use it.

[@lorenajimenez3154]

Hola mi mon te es Lorena Ya que usted dice que está dispuesto a ayudar a mi me gustaría saber por qué mi máquina no cose la compré por qué necesitaba una y aparte me gustan las cosas de antigüedad y esta es una de ellas pero me dijieron que si servía y conmigo no cose solo el primer pinchaso se agarra y lo que se sigue no pasa nada el hilo se va sobre la tela sin aser nada

[@scvmbagbaby]

how do i turn it on how can i make it star

[@scvmbagbaby]

nvm figured it out smh didn’t know it had a knee peddle not a foot peddle

[@lauraarrieta2154]

Tengo esa máquina donde la podré vender

[@lauraarrieta2154]

Soy de México 6564005831

[@lauraarrieta2154]

Me podrían decir donde la puedo vender