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smarties
Joined: 05 Nov 2003
Posts: 1051
Location: Dieppe, NB, Canada
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 Posted: Sun Aug 29, 2004 7:07 pm Post subject: Question on an old Imperial sewing machine |
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Hi all,
I just bought in a yard sale a sewing machine for 30$ (canadian that is  ). It came with the desk or what ever you call it.
It's not the most sofisticated machine but it should be fine as a starting point.
I tried it this weekend with my "expert" in sewing (my mom). It seems to work OK except that when doing straight stitches, the needle is not centered with the foot but completely on the left. With the zig zag, it looks fine.
Anyone as any idea why the needle is always on the left and/or how to adjust it?
Thanks,
_________________
Smarties 
http://www.ifrance.com/site-a-yvon/index-en.html
To boldly go where no imagination as gone before!  |
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skydino
Joined: 12 Dec 2003
Posts: 158
Location: Blanco , TX
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| Posted: Sun Aug 29, 2004 7:19 pm Post subject: Try |
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Some old made in Japan Kenmores worked like that , in straight stitch the needle was parked on the left .
They didn't have a lever to left , center or right the needle .
Did you get any different feet with it ?
Check to see what the straight stitch foot looks like .'
It's the thing that the lever puts up and down .
You can ask someone on a Yahoo group .like
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/vintagekenmoressew/
Clean and oil it first thing .
Good luck "break a needle "
Try the WWW to get a manual . lots of help
It will work just fine for what you have to do !! |
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skydino
Joined: 12 Dec 2003
Posts: 158
Location: Blanco , TX
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| Posted: Sun Aug 29, 2004 7:23 pm Post subject: TRY |
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Try this one too .
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/vintagesewingmachines2/ |
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KiteSquid
Master Kite Builder
Joined: 29 Aug 2003
Posts: 2819
Location: USA Virginia King George
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| Posted: Mon Aug 30, 2004 7:27 am Post subject: |
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I assume you have tried all the levers and knobs to correct the problem.
It looks like it does not open up to acecpt cams either...
Also if you cant find the owners manual via the WWW try the local public library for sewing machine repair books etc...
I was given an older Kenmore sewing machine just this morning. I'll use it as a loaner to new kite builders or as a backup machine...
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VR/
KiteSquid
AKA TakoIka
AKA Harold
King George VA
P.S. Yet another post by the Squid.....  Doesent he ever shut up???
P.P.S. The wind is like the air, only pushier. |
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smarties
Joined: 05 Nov 2003
Posts: 1051
Location: Dieppe, NB, Canada
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| Posted: Mon Aug 30, 2004 10:16 am Post subject: |
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I have the owners manual but it doesn't mention anything about aligning the needle.
Maybe skydino is right and that's where the needle supposed to be on this model.??
I'll check on skydino's forum links to see what they have to say.
Thanks,
_________________
Smarties
http://www.ifrance.com/site-a-yvon/index-en.html
To boldly go where no imagination as gone before! |
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skydino
Joined: 12 Dec 2003
Posts: 158
Location: Blanco , TX
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| Posted: Mon Aug 30, 2004 1:41 pm Post subject: sew |
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Sew and reread the manual , then sew and do over again .
.
It looks like a well made machine that ought to last !
Wal Mart has $1/yd cloth all the time , make sleeves and anything else you can use .
Try thick and thin etc .
You will learn fast because you have a use for the tool ! |
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Stan
Joined: 18 Nov 2003
Posts: 593
Location: San Diego
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| Posted: Mon Aug 30, 2004 2:28 pm Post subject: |
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| On my machine, some stitches aren't centered in the foot but it causes no problems. |
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Gary
Kite Builder II
Joined: 26 Nov 2003
Posts: 288
Location: Rhode Island, USA
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| Posted: Mon Aug 30, 2004 10:34 pm Post subject: Re: Question on an old Imperial sewing machine |
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| smarties wrote: | Anyone as any idea why the needle is always on the left and/or how to adjust it?
Thanks, |
As much as I like Harold's idea to push every switch and lever until something happens, try this;
Consider that similar functions are bundled together. That's why the big "R" reverse feed button is in the middle of the stitch length control knob: They both control the feed dogs, the feed dogs move the fabric.
When a machine does zig-zag, it moves the needle side to side as it moves the fabric. Said another way, it changes the needle position left and right as it does zig-zag. If there is a Needle Position Control, it will most likely be found where the zig-zag control is. Looking at the machine, it looks like the silver ring bezel under the white lever controls the width of the zig-zag stitch. Needle Position might be controlled by the white lever. However, the reverse is just as likely to be true.
Having said all that, what does that metal switch in the top middle do?
What do those 2 white switches bottom right do?
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good heavens;
Gary E |
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smarties
Joined: 05 Nov 2003
Posts: 1051
Location: Dieppe, NB, Canada
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| Posted: Mon Aug 30, 2004 10:46 pm Post subject: |
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Gary,
I actually tried every buttons and knobs but nothing moves the needle from the left position. I think it is suppose to be on the left side.
The metal switch in the top middle is for blind stitches I think.
The 2 white switches bottom right raise and lower the feed dogs.
_________________
Smarties
http://www.ifrance.com/site-a-yvon/index-en.html
To boldly go where no imagination as gone before! |
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