MY FAVORITE SEWING MACHINES SERIES #1(PART 2): Look at All the Steel! Opening up a Kenmore 158.1941

[@marciam7301]

Perfect timing for this video! I love Kenmores, and have been looking for a 158.19xx that did not have to be shipped to me. After a long wait, finally found a 158.1947, and it appears to be in wonderful condition. I am looking forward to cleaning my latest vintage machine, and putting it in rotation with the rest of my collection.

[@Kim-xg1vm]

Thank you for sharing your expertise, would love to own one someday. 🧵

[@ethanmcendarfer48]

Your videos are very informative and helpful. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and expertise!

[@jonlouis2582]

It looks like you needed a third hand for that sequence! I rescued one of these from the dump recently, this was a big help, thanks!

[@MrCount44201]

Hi great machine and fun, informative video. I wanted to comment on the metal screw rings underneath the machine. While you can put washer on the spots, the screw holes are actually there to screw the machine down to a cabinet bed; so that it of course won't fall out.

[@maria2400]

Great video. I’m looking forward to part 3.

[@maryannecadd796]

Very interesting. Lots of great info! I much prefer vintage machines than new.

[@christineguo2001]

Absolutely love this video!! I am a Kennie Gal myself and love to fix them up and repurpose them to Sewing and Quilt Guilds. Love to learn new things about these machines. Thank you for your great video!

[@ccreel64]

I hate to do this here, but I really don’t know where else to turn to ask. I inherited the Kenmore I learned to sew on in the 70s and I love that machine! I have no idea where to source parts or feet. Can you give me some suggestions on where to go, since you are a fixer upper gal. I am too.

[@colleenacourtney]

Can’t wait to see more on this. I have a 1941 and a 1931 I need to work on.

[@FriesOfTheDead]

I have 2 old all steel Kenmores, I love them! They are basically industrial machines by today's standards.

[@kathymcguire8287]

Began collecting vintage machines. Nice machine. ❤😊

[@dblambson-calhoun802]

I have one of these machines, and yes, it is a very good machine. The quality is amazing, and it purrs right along. While I love the standard foot that comes with this machine, I really, really don't like the other feet that this machine uses, so I changed out the needle bar with one from another Kenmore machine that allows mine to use standard low shank feet. I wish they'd put as much effort into the aesthetics of this machine as they did to the engineering. It's not ugly, but it's not pretty. It's utilitarian at best. When I'm spending hours in front of a machine working on a project, it's nice if it is pleasant to look at, so even though this machine's performance is great, I'm more likely to pull out my Singer 401 or Necchi BU, because they're great machines both functionally and aesthetically.

[@user-rh4zw3ih4h]

I have a 158.1703 and a 158.1040, and as you say they are fabulous machines. Although I must say that I am not a fan of the clutch on the 1703. Thanks for the great info.

[@cje5908]

I don’t believe you are missing a screw on the bottom, as mine is the same. The four rubber pads are sufficient. Regarding the numbering, I have read elsewhere that 19410 is low shank, 19411 is high shank, and 19412 is super high shank.

[@lindasherman4365]

I lov we this! I gave mine to my neice. Does your's have the decorative cams? It is one of the greats! Was this made by annother company under the Kenmore lable?

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Hi Linda. This machine is a 158.1941 and it did not come with extra cams as it was made to sew with only the built in stitches (mostly utility stitches). However, the 158.1941, as well as other Kenmore models, DID offer the use of decorative stitch cams which were often sold as 'extras' or used to incentivize a customer to make the purchase (very expensive purchase I might add!). As for who made them, for this series of machines, Marusen in Japan made these for Sears. Kenmore was always a 'store brand' or 'House brand' for Sears. Sears was only a retailer and so they never manufactured anything.

[@kevinh5024]

Quick question. Aren’t the two white metal female screw bases for the two mounting bolts for a cabinet? (I dont believe that a rubber foot is missing, so it doesnt need to be replaced. Love the videos. Im a big fan of the Kenmores from this era too. Thanks!

[@nancycat2588]

What could be wrong if the belt near the motor is locked up? I have a 158.17600, but the lock up is on a Kenmore Ultra Stitch 6.

[@mariogoyette8896]

I need your help on that question, because it is either that model or a singer 401A..

[@miriambartley6622]

My sister just gave me this very one.

[@mrupholsteryman]

I see I'm wanting (and seeing a need) for a long reach set of tweezers. I have started working on a few of the vintage machines (much to my wife's dismay it turns out...but I hate giving up on things and I am determined to finish what I've started...and I did tell her whatever I don't sell by the end of this month... I will donate... Do you have a resource for a machine shop to make a steel gear to replace one I have that was made of some kind of fiber? This is from a 1953 Necchi Nova BU. The piece that is detrimental for the zigzag to work... I'm wondering if this is a common issue? OR if this was repaired before I obtained the machine. The gentleman that sold it to me said his mom bought it IN Italy... I'd hate to scrap it...but on the Facebook forum... I guess it caused quite a stir as this maybe not original to the unit?? I have no clue... I got everything else to work except the zigzag deal... I was finally able to remove the gear from the underside of the shell after separating the various needle position guide handles out of the way and a slight bit of leverage was able to get this gear out...but I hate to think that it isn't repairable...but I can't seem to find any online either... so I am asking you as I'm sure you may have some connections... I live in York Pa...so Monday before work I'm gonna take my broken gear to a machine shop and see how much it will cost for 1...and then maybe (depending on price) maybe I'll order 20 more?!? 😅🤣😂

[@mariogoyette8896]

I have a question? Does the 158-17811 model is a good model to buy, because some people says that the drive gear is in plastic underneath and it cracks sometimes and there is no part available , should I buy that model #?

[@longingfortheharpazomoment7743]

Where can I buy one?

[@pattyellen1954]

😊 Peace I enjoy all types makes models sewing machines. I need to find a trustworthy shop with people who care. Lancaster county

[@newnormal1841]

📌. 1:35 Just a dollar more. Lol Im looking for a deco-stitch machine Thread art. Finding specs, for me, is a gauntlet maze -e-illiterate. Do you have recomendations ? I do like the automation, yet yfi is way over the top esp at $22,000. There are so many selctions, choices. I have to take a nap, its so mind boggeling. And the functions, out of this world creations. So much plastic - decintegration, flexing, tourquing? Ive been eyeing bernette b77. Sale $999.99 all the bells and whistles, at affordable price. My concern All the electronics - heat - burning out before the rest of machine. Nice vids 🤺💐 Ps. Where do discontinued machines go ? Recycled? Are they sold until sold out? The Bernette b70 emb. Is being discontinued 1/2 sale. yet in few years where does one buy parts ? Even at $999.99 (orig $2,000) thats a lot of money, esp if company knows of a defect. Im in a quandry. Should I take the chance? Or pass it by ? I thought about saying to dealer buy one b77, $1,000.00 and second one b70, 1/2 off $450. ? where do unsold discontinued machine go ? Tu 🤺💐

[@ccreel64]

I’d say ask the dealer about where unsold discontinued machines go. I suspect they don’t get returned but sold. You can always make an offer like the one you described. If they’re not willing to take the buy a new one, buy discontinued at half off. You can always ask the follow up, well what would you take on the discontinued? Speaking as someone who’s bought several machines, it’s my money and I choose how to spend it. I don’t HAVE to buy anything, regardless of what I want. The worst thing they can tell me is, can’t take that offer. The only money I MUST pay is my taxes. 😉 Just something to consider…