HERE’S AN AWESOME SEWING MACHINE-ITS A KENMORE-158 SERIES-FRONT LOAD -15 CLASS -PERIOD (video 466)

[@peggydid]

I enjoy hearing how good the Kenmore 158 series is. I have the 158 - 14311. It's wonderful.

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@peggydid indeed. They’re great machines. 😎👍🏼

[@shopwornbear1171]

Randy. I have ONLY one comment on your commentary. The motor brush segment. Now, while I'm with you on the brush cap equipped motors being the best for brush changes, the canned motors without those great ports are absolutely serviceable. I do motors quite a bit, and many of them are coming to me without the ports with not only Kenmore motors, but with most of the vintage stuff I've been working on. In a way; I'm kind of glad there are no brush ports (wouldn't matter to me, honestly, if they had them or didn't) as it gives me a great opportunity to fully service a motor. From cleaning the copper windings to polishing the commutator, I go over the motors that come in and get them back to new or nearly new condition with only the odd toasty motor being rendered too far gone to work on. I realize that you're there to give general service, and that cracking a motor can might not be cost effective for your customers. That I completely get. I just wanted to add that one can change the brushes on a non-ported motor, and that if anyone watching these fine videos you produce (and every one of us watching is grateful for your efforts) can absolutely do a brush change on these style motors. I'll add one more thing. When comparing a vintage Singer motor to a Kenmore motor (or most universal motors), the Kenmore motors run circles around their Singer counterparts (I'm not talking about the direct drive style motors, just the outboard type) in terms of longevity. The Singer motors tend to go bad with the bearings far more often than the Kenmore motors do. Add to that the fact that the Kenmore motors can go decades without ever being oiled (and they really should be done a lot more than they are) whereas an old Singer motor (with a whole lot less amperage I may add) will go into carbon soot and eventual bad bearings/cooked copper windings/ground and scored commutator failure while being treated in that same manner. The point I wanted to make is that with these new power plants they're bandying around being such piles of crap, preserving an old or older motor; especially these canned Kenmore motors can give a machine the right heartbeat for more decades to come if they're properly cared for; brush port or no brush port.

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@shopwornbear1171 I agree with you and admire your skills and input. On a scale of ten, your motor knowledge and abilities are 100, while the average DIY sewing machine novice is about a point nine. (.9) I don’t want to get into showing taking motors apart to the extent that you do because that inevitably leads to the total destruction when the newby attempts it. Then they bring it to me. Oops. Too far damaged at that point. Where’s the rest of it, I ask. I don’t know. I think I lost some of the parts. As Clint Eastwood would say, “Sometimes a man has to know his limitations”. Everyone can’t be the motor guru. I’m going to leave that to you, and save myself lots of anguish and disappointment. 😂😎👍🏼

[@shopwornbear1171]

@@randyyoursewingmachineman9954 You're a total standup comic...ROFL. One that speaketh da truth! You're right, not everyone is capable of refurbishing a motor, but it still is true that they can be taken and refreshed. The difference in performance is night and day sometimes. But, some would not know where the shaft washers rolled off to; or where what washer went. Others would likely grab a piece of 60 grit drywall sandpaper and ground the commutator into oblivion. Then there are those thtat'd end up breaking the connector wire from the windings to the motor board...yup, I completely get it. I've only had to toss three motors to date; and all three were Singer motors from the 50's and 60's. The idea of replacing these motors with a junk Chinese motor that is designed to spin so fast that they're next to impossible to control at the pedal while having maybe 1/4 of the torque of a vintage motor...can't do it. As par usual, your vids are a great bit of useful and relevant information. Thank you for your efforts, sir.

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@ you’re welcome and I appreciate the conversation. 😎👍

[@dbiberdorf]

I have a very similar machine. It's smooth and quiet and never lets me down. In reverse, it will put every needle hole exactly in the place made when going forward. It's heavy because the body is cast iron, and it helps with the vibration. I love the Maruzen/Jaguar (158 prefix) Kenmores. It's hard to imagine the appeal of these new models.

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@dbiberdorf you’re spot on in your assessment of their performance. Precision is a wonderful thing. 😎👍

[@Idaho-Idaho]

Great video, thanks. I rescue machines then re-home them. Two days ago, I had a lady arrive to look at a new Janome Magnolia (10 year-old plastic machine). I had it sitting next to a Kenmore 158.1341 in perfect condition. It was an experiment to see if see was an experienced sewer or was just attracted to bright shiny stuff. She took the Janome. Fail. The Janome had a number 7 recycle sticker on the back. I'll see her again in 2-4 years looking for another machine. I love Kenmore machines.

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@Idaho-Idaho that’s all you can do I guess. I give advice only when asked for it, knowing that half of the folks will do the opposite. It used to bother me, but now I just accept the situation as it is. 😎👍🏼

[@sonopoly]

I have this machine - it's a great basic machine which is pretty much all most people need!

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@sonopoly you are correct. I have customers who spend thousands of dollars for a machine that they will only use to sew a straight stitch. Bless them and their good fortune, but it’s not necessary to spend big bucks to get a basic reliable machine. 😎👍🏼

[@sonopoly]

@@randyyoursewingmachineman9954 Randy, I believe you've caused a huge uproar by saying the 1941 is the best 158 machine - people are stampeding to get one! I got one myself, and love it, but also have 4 other 158 and you're so right - they are all awesome!!! Thank you for your great work to inform us of these great machines!

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@ I know that you’re right on target with your observation. They’re getting scarce and the prices are rising. 😎👍🏼

[@MRrwmac]

“RHPS” the quintessential Randy maintenance comment! It’s my favorite and I havent’ ever seen one. Haha.

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@MRrwmac I may have to get in the merchandise business with a T-shirt that says : rotates hinges pivots slides. 😎👍

[@janemartin229]

A lot of the Kenmores didn't have the drop feed button. I have 3 and none of them have it. Luckily the one I bought new in the 1980's had a black plate that you put on top of the feed cover plate for free motion sewing--it fits in the 2 holes on there so it fits all of them.

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@janemartin229 you are correct. I showed that feature in an earlier video. That was the beginning of the elimination of all the necessary features. It was done in order to lower costs and increase profits. It’s been a slippery slope ever since. Thanks for your enlightening comment, and thanks for watching. 😎👍🏼

[@engelbob8402]

Right on Randy. Thanks to your videos and my good fortune at finding your channel, I purchased a Kenmore 158.13511 earlier this year. I hit the jackpot at GoodWill with this as it is in like new condition. With the shipping it was a bit over $50. When you say it is a good buy at $150 - $200 my spirit is lifted. I've been looking for another one for my daughter and they seem to be harder to find. Perhaps the word is out on these things. Thanks for passing all this along.

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@engelbob8402 yes, I believe the word is out. The prices are rising and the availability is decreasing. Get them while you can. Thanks. 😎👍🏼

[@Roxy0405]

I love these old Kenmores, too. I haven't found one in a few months now, but I did find a Husqvarna Viking with the cabinet for $80. It's an 8E model. I cleaned and oiled it and it runs like a dream. Unfortunately, i cannot find a manual so I watched a lot of youtube videos and figured it out.

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@Roxy0405 😎👍🏼

[@dank-365]

Awesome

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@dank-365 😎👍

[@drb_tn]

Great video. Question, is it true it's bad to turn the handwheel backwards.

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@drb_tn when sewing, it’s correct and proper to always turn the hand wheel forward, even when just raising the needle after completing a stitched seam. Turning it backwards will cause the thread to lock up and cause a problem. If the machine is unthreaded, turning the hand wheel in any direction will not be a problem.

[@Widespread-Panic]

I'm about to buy yet another Kenmore with some yellowed plastic, as I see on this machine. Do you have any tips for whitening the plastic? I love these classic Kennies.

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@Widespread-Panic that’s one I haven’t figured out either. I’ve seen people remove certain panels and repaint them in some interesting combinations. Mr. Krylon makes many colors to choose from. Get creative and your machine will be unique and “one of a kind”.

[@lisakennedy1087]

Hi Randy, I've scanned your channel and haven't found anything on the Kenmore 158.14001. I found one for a good price and am trying to decide if I should get it. What do you think of that machine? Thanks.

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@lisakennedy1087 if the Kenmore you are considering buying is: A FRONT LOAD, 15 CLASS BOBBIN, 158 SERIES MACHINE BUY IT BUY IT BUY IT 😎👍🏼

[@lisakennedy1087]

@@randyyoursewingmachineman9954 Thank you so much for the quick reply.

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@ you’re welcome and thanks for watching. 😎👍🏼

[@tanyajones5821]

Are you still selling the tool you had made to access the area to set the timing? If yes i need to purchase one please!

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@tanyajones5821 it’s still being sold by the machine shop that made the first batch for me. Accurate manufacturing machine shop in Fort Worth Texas. The contact info is 817-924-8811 they are at 3332 South Grove street Fort Worth,Texas 76110

[@lawrencethompson465]

⁠Which video is the one you are referring to about the timing tool? Thanks and Merry Christmas!

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@tanyajones5821 “Set the timing on a front load Kenmore“ is the title of the video. At the end I give the information for Accurate Machine Manufacturing in Fort Worth.817-924-8811 ask for Allen