UNBREAKABLE & INCREDIBLE MACHINE YOU’VE NEVER HEARD OF-JC PENNEY AUTOMATIC W/STEEL GEARS (video 398)

[@odalysflores6730]

Thank you! I got a similar machine in a yard sale for $10. I’m so excited to learn how to sew!

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@odalysflores6730 excellent. Be at the right place at the right time and it often works out well. 😎👍

[@Deb1Gilmore]

Hi Randy👋 Just wanna drop you a line and let you know I'm having a love affair with my Kenmore 158 15 class front load!! I'm making a denim scrap quilt with it right now and man it's a workhorse. Can't say enough praises on that machine. Hope you're doing good... keep passing us out here your knowledge!! Thanks, Deborah

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

You’re welcome and I’m glad you’ve got one of the great machines of our time. It will never let you down. 😎👍🏼

[@Lonestar-Buckeye]

Hello Randy, thanks for the video - I followed your advice and bought this same machine. Despite your warnings about buying from online auctions, I did just that and remarkably it arrived all in one piece considering they only packed it in a box full of packing peanuts! There were peanuts stuck in it everywhere but I think I found d them all and luckily they were the dissolving ones so they were easy to dispose of. The machine is running like a champ after I opened it up to clean out all the lint and threats that hampered it, then used a little penetrating spray and lightly oiled everything. I couldn't believe how much nearly solid hard fiber gunk was embedded in the feed dog, never seen anything like that before, seems like someone was sewing some really thick wool for a very long time without ever cleaning it. I really appreciate your tips, tricks and warnings :)

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@Lonestar-Buckeye great news. Glad it worked out. 😎👍🏼

[@shopwornbear1171]

As usual, an opus of steel and quality. Thank you for a totally steel machine gracing this screen. It's very nice to see something that doesn't make me want to drop it over a cliff, LOLOLOL!!!

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

These gems are out there and I love when they come in for service. Hopefully folks who want a good serviceable machine will recognize it when they see it.

[@shopwornbear1171]

@@randyyoursewingmachineman9954I've alerted my group to their existence. And...I'm pretty sure this is a Nelco rebrand. The machine's shape is unmistakable, and I've seen a few other big brick and mortar brands that are basically the same machine with different dressings that were confirmed Nelco builds. And I do love me a Nelco, almost as much as I love me Kennies!

[@amberwilhite776]

I just commented on one of your Kenmore 158.19411 videos an came across this video about a JCPenney machine. The other machine I received from my grandmother was. JCPenney 6923. I love it!! Now i have two machines that will out live my children!!

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

Excellent. 👍🏼😎

[@sorayaballeydier2307]

Hi there, Thank you for making this video. I just happen to find this exact model at a thrift store for $30. I think I'm going to love the sound of it! Give my fancy Bernina a run for the money...

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@sorayaballeydier2307 😎👍🏼

[@geminilove4682]

You just outed my secret ! I have been picking these up cheap whenever I find them. I also am partial to the J.C. Penney Pencrest models (they come in yellow) . They sew nicely and are home maintenance friendly. Thanks Randy!

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

Isn’t it amazing how many good machines are out there if you have a sharp eye and know what to look for? Your secret is safe. There’s only 12 thousand subscribers here, in a world of billions.😂😂😎👍

[@geminilove4682]

@@randyyoursewingmachineman9954 I know! Now the prices will go up 🙁🤣😁🤣. Enjoy them !

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@geminilove4682 😎👍🏼

[@jdhtyler]

:-) to join materials better than this machine you have to go for MIG or TIG welding :-)) and for old school Oxy Acetylene..... You would smile at some of the repair work we did in the blacksmiths workshop back 50y ago. Today people think sewing is women's work, but back in the day it was men that were Taylors etc. Most of my ancestors going back to 1800 were wool weavers and then cotton, my branch of the family Blacksmiths shop repaired cotton looms etc into the 1980s before they were scrapped or sold to India. As a lad I learned to spot weld / stitch weld aluminium coated steel for gas fire burners. I also learned to spot weld copper sheets (the trick is a sandwich of two layers of steel to create a resistance) Many thanks for your videos that reminded me of real work rather than the 1990s as a analyst programmer that nearly cost me my life. Today fit and well working with sewing machines some wood work and occasional welding ,

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

It sounds like you’ve been blessed with some awesome skills. It sure helps you appreciate something that’s well made when you’ve been educated in the processes. Hat tip to you. Thanks for watching and giving us some valuable insight.😎👍

[@kingkill440]

I'll definitely keep my eyes peeled for one of these, fingers crossed one comes my way!

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

To find one, you’ll have to go to where they are known to hang out. Thrift stores, estate sales.aunt Elizabeth’s closet, garage, or basement. They’re out there. Good luck.🍀😎👍

[@stillstitchin]

I just inherited my sister's Nelco that looks a lot like this one. Nobody in her family wanted it. I told them if they changed their minds, I would teach any of them to use it. I just couldn't let them donate it.

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

Good eye and well done. It will make for some awesome sewing for a long time. 😎👍🏼

[@singingtick]

I bought a JCPENNEY model 6520, Nelco, made in Taiwan for $25 with the original manual. It sews like a dream.

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@singingtick that sounds about right. Great machine. 😎👍🏼

[@claudiamiller7730]

Hi, Randy! Just happened to fall into your channel when searching for Penney’s 6936 help. I can’t unlock the wheel to wind my bobbin. Any tips? Found this at junk recycle/estate resale shop - didn’t even think to try to unlock the drive wheel before I bought it. Nuts.

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

Wrap a soft cloth around the release knob, and use a pair of channel lock pliers to loosen the knob.

[@claudiamiller7730]

@@randyyoursewingmachineman9954 …thanks so much - I’ll give that a try!!

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@claudiamiller7730 😎👍🏼

[@mariec.996]

Hi Randy, I picked one of these at my local Goodwill this past weekend. Thank you so much for making this video!! My very first sewing machine! The take up spring on the machine is completely extended and deformed. Do you have a video on how to fix this? Thanks, Marie

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

No I do not, but I’ve seen other channels that have.

[@mariec.996]

@@randyyoursewingmachineman9954 Hi Randy, hope you are well! The take up spring seems to be beyond repair... in my hands at least. I'm thinking about replacing it. Unfortunately, the spring doesn't want to come off the piece of metal it is sitting on (despite unscrewing the side screw). It just seems stuck..uh. Would you have any advice there? Otherwise, I'm thinking about replacing the whole assembly altogether. How to know which tension assembly to get for this JCpenney 6936? Would the MO-2052 that you used for the Kenmore 158 fit this machine (great video btw) ? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. That aside, I'm very grateful for your 3 part series video on "how to oil your Kenmore". Super helpful videos in getting this machine back to life slowly but surely. Thank you so much for all that you do and sharing your knowledge with us.

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@mariec.996 tension assemblies are generally “up spring”or “down spring”. Get one that matches and you’re set.

[@mariec.996]

@@randyyoursewingmachineman9954 Thank you so much!

[@mariec.996]

@@randyyoursewingmachineman9954 Hi Randy, my machine is now working like a charm. Just wanted to thank you for your many videos, you have no idea how helpful they were. So much satisfaction in fixing this myself with your help. Now onto sewing! With much appreciation =)

[@tinamagnuson2]

I have an early 80’s JC Penney model 6925 sewing machine. Any idea on how to repair Reverse button that popped off? The spring behind it cane out as well.

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@tinamagnuson2 some hardware stores have miscellaneous buttons and knobs if yours is broken. Otherwise JB Weld or similar might work. Use a strong tape to hold it in place until the hardening is complete.

[@itsleo9096]

Nice Randy, thing looks like a beast at first glance..looks like it was way ahead of its time as well

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

It was a quality steel gear machine, made at a time when many other machines were resorting to non metal components. While The other ones are in the landfill, this one is working as well as the day they made it. Truly a beast.

[@itsleo9096]

@@randyyoursewingmachineman9954 quality, a word hard to find related to things made these days. Glad this thing is up and running to its glory days.

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@itsleo9096 my customer will be pleased when she gets it back tomorrow. Her parents bought it for her many years ago. They’re gone, but she has this awesome machine to remind her of them whenever she uses it. 😎👍🏼

[@AngelaFalley]

I’m so excited about having my machine fixed!! I’ve held onto it forever thinking one day I would use it again! So thank you again! It was really cool watching this video and reading all the comments!!!!

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@AngelaFalley it’s like winning the prize. Congratulations on having an awesome machine full of good memories. Have fun with it. 😎👍

[@lauraann5427]

Thank you for the video Randy, I rescued a 6915 from a thrift shop a few months back. I cannot wrap my head around how to get the bobbin assembly back together after pulling it apart to see how bad it looked in there. Do you have a video or know of a good one? Thank you😊

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@lauraann5427 I have a video with over 800,000 views on how to reassemble the hook and bobbin case on a front load 15 class machine, which is what you have. It’s one of my earliest videos.

[@lauraann5427]

@@randyyoursewingmachineman9954 I had a suggested video you made 6 years ago. Very helpful, thank you!

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@lauraann5427 you’re welcome. Thanks for watching. 😎👍🏼

[@wellpleased1836]

Randy, where did you get those wonderful hand held screwdriver set with the black handles and the red spin butt? I have a few but like all tools they wear out or I damage them' The best screwdriver I have ever owned. Thanks, don out.

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

I bought them at a pawnshop here in town. I’ve seen them online with the stand and complete setup.

[@mariec.996]

Hi Randy, do you happen to know what kind of zipper foot would fit this machine? Hope you're well. Thanks, Marie

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@mariec.996 it’s a low shank, so a low shank zipper foot that fits a Singer, Janome, New Home, Necchi, Elna, and many others will fit . It’s the most common size out there. Try to get a “hinged zipper foot” if it’s available. Those work best. 😎👍

[@mariec.996]

@@randyyoursewingmachineman9954 You're the best! thank you so much!

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@mariec.996 you’re welcome and thanks for watching.😎👍

[@6thmichcav262]

It does sound like it is pretty quiet; there are some machines where the motor hum is unbearable; then again, quality maintenance will almost always make a machine work quieter and smoother!

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

😎👍

[@rickgardner-jr3le]

Hi Randy, I have a JcPenney 6801. Got off Craigs list through the bartering section. They needed a phone that would charge and i just love sewing and added another machine to my collection. Ive putbit through its paces and now ive run into a problem. When i step down to sew it acts like it locking up or trying to sew through to thick of fabric. The hand wheel make that hissy kind of sound. This makes me think of a clutch slipping on my old pickup. I have to roll the hand wheel back and forth then it will start moving. I have no manuals and have not been able to find any. Can you help? Id appreciate any help. Thanks Tonja

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@rickgardner-jr3le hand wheels need oil, as well as every other moving part on your machine. The first thing that you must do when acquiring a new machine is, service it completely. If there is a hesitation when you step on your foot controller, I suspect that the low end speed contacts are burned out. They always go first, because almost everyone sews slowly and they burn out. Open up your foot control and check that possibility. I have a video on how to replace the foot control. Make sure your belt isn’t too tight. It should have about 1/2 inch of flex at the midpoint. 😎👍

[@ninjaturtle365]

Yes!!! This is awesome! I'm looking at a 6984A.

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

That has to be a close cousin. Probably another good one though. 😎👍

[@ninjaturtle365]

@randyyoursewingmachineman9954 this one says horizon on it. Have you ever heard of them making sewing machines? Never heard of them.

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@ninjaturtle365 that’s one I’ve seen before. There’s all kinds of names on these machines, depending on the region that they were sold. Many retailers just made up their private name and had the manufacturers stencil them on. That was standard operating procedure in the seventies when I sold them.

[@ninjaturtle365]

@@randyyoursewingmachineman9954 ohw wow. That's super interesting! The more you know haha thanks!

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@ninjaturtle365 😎👍

[@ninjaturtle365]

Hey there!! I know I'm always commenting. I'm so sorry. I really need some help. I ended up buying a jcpenny 6984. Im having issues with stitches and the bobbin. Im so used to my drop in bobbin on my kenmore. My stitches are tight no matter what i do. I put in a new neelde. That didnt work. I tried adusting the little tiny screw on the bobbin case. That didnt work. I saw a video that showed me where the "crab" and needle should land. Mine was way off so i adjusted it. That didnt work. Now when i try to snap the bobbin in, the "crab" piece pushes the retainer up. So not sure what i need to adjust there to stop that and what i need to do so my stitches can be on the proper tension. Im running out of ideas. Any suggestions?

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@ninjaturtle365 i don’t have anything constructive to add, because I’m not there and the number if variables are astronomical. My video on the “big three” would be where to start, and you’ll probably notice that in most of my videos, i say to keep your screwdriver away from the machine if possible. Maybe lock your tools in another location. An uneven stitch will be a thread or threading problem. Put the top tension on four and leave it there for seventy five hundred years, or forever, whichever comes first. Since you adjusted the bobbin case tension already, i don’t know what time tell you about that. If you tightened it, loosen it. If you loosened it, tighten it. It should pull with a slight resistance. Do the simple and logical stuff first. It’s always something simple.

[@ninjaturtle365]

@randyyoursewingmachineman9954 hahaha thanks!!! Back to the basics I go!! I appreciate it!! Also, I wanted to thank you for your oiling video! I never had the courage to do it myself because I was scared I'd mess something up. My kenmore is running like new all thanks to your video! I really appreciate you taking the time to respond and to show us all these informative videos. Thanks!

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@ninjaturtle365 you’re welcome 😎👍🏼

[@randyc8171]

Sanchin made most Nelco machines and machines for JC Penney plus Penncrest machines.

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

Excellent info. I knew one of my big brain subscribers would have the info we needed. Thanks for that. Is it Sanshin? Sanshen?Did the predictive speller change it for you? 😂😂

[@randyc8171]

@@randyyoursewingmachineman9954Yes, my mis-spelling. Sanshin in Japan.

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@randyc8171 👍🏼

[@lantanalane3953]

I have a chance to get a 6915 JC Penny model with the booklet, case etc. Do you know much about that model? Buyer wants $30 for it.

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@lantanalane3953 I’m very familiar with it as it was sold under other labels such as Nelco, Dressmaker,etc. I sold them when they were new. They’re pretty good machines. They’re well made and have a high metal content. The ones with alloy aluminum frames are lighter than the ones with cast iron frames, and both are decent quality. If it has the book and accessories with a carrying case, $30 is a steal of a deal. If it’s missing all that, $30 is a fair price. You can get all that stuff as it’s standard and interchangeable with many other brands.

[@smyrna112]

It looks kind of like a Bernette, weren't they made in Taiwan at that time?

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@smyrna112 quite possibly. Whoever could get the deal made, got the contract to build them, or so I’ve been told.

[@smyrna112]

@@randyyoursewingmachineman9954 there is one sitting at my local Goodwill, but they want too much. I’m not willing to pay 75 untested. It’ll probably come down in the next couple of weeks.

[@mistys3793]

I think mine is a 6945 and its stuck at stitch length 3😢 so most of the stitches are just a wavey straight stitch

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@mistys3793 penetrating oil and elbow grease will get it going. Plus your time and coffee. Happy ending though.

[@ronalddevine9587]

A really nice machine, indeed. It looks a bit like a White machine that I have. My research shows that mine, a flatbed, was made by Hosei Sewing Machine Co.

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

They sure made a good one, whoever it was that made it.

[@robotbuster1487]

I call Penncrest machines, "the choice of the cigarette smoking seemstress." They are usully coated in tar and dust, usually in a cabinet. Every one was cast iron

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

I know what you mean. Back then, just about everyone smoked, or had a family member who smoked. I’m glad those days are history for the most part. 😎👍

[@SheliaSmith-l9b]

Just learned to use this 6936 now its squeeking.

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@SheliaSmith-l9b put a drop of oil on every mechanism that pivots, hinges, rotates , or slides. If you can isolate the sound of where the squeak is originating, that’s a place to oil. There’s usually a small oil hole where it needs to be applied. Don’t oil the motor, belt or rubber bobbin winder ring. It will stop squeaking when the oil gets to the dry place. 😎👍🏼

[@SheliaSmith-l9b]

@randyyoursewingmachineman9954 Thank you I just finished watching your 158 series. I'm not sure I'm brave enough to to attempt it.I have a 6936 JC Penny I was investigating on how to get to the bottom, top exc.

[@dank-365]

Found a JC Penny 6923 in close to new condition Lady said her Mom used it twice and she didn’t sew

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

A little oil and some TLC, and it will be as good as new.