It's amazing the level of quality these older Kenmores have.
This machine has 7/16" of space under the presser foot, and the next two photos show the machine easily sewing through 8 layers of denim and 4 layers of naugahyde.
If you are ever faced with the dilemma of 'should I buy it or not' when staring at an old Kenmore on the shelf in the local thrift store, I would tend to say 'go for it', assuming the price is reasonable. They are the epitome of a workhorse.
28 comments:
Hi,
I just acquired one of these in working condition. Always a plus. It has the original 7 cams, instruction book and several different feet. It is in a table with a matching chair with storage. I am looking forward to using it as my primary machine. I made the decision to "go for it" based on your posts as to the quality of this brand and model. Thanks!
Kelly
Cool. A vintage Kenmore is hard to beat for durability.
I just bought this machine, but no manual, only one foot and one cam, can you help me out?
Sorry, can't help. You should be able to find most anything you need online though. These machines are fairly generic in the way they thread and operate.
motor for 158.850?
Not sure what you're asking. Most sewing machines of this vintage take a standard size motor, so if you're missing a motor or need to replace one, you can probably buy a decrepit machine from a thrift store and swap motors. Or you can buy a new motor from many online or local sewing machine supply shops. Kenmores of this era usually had a 1 to 1.3 amp motor.
Hi my dad found this exact sewing machine and gave it to me. It seems everything is there and it powers on and everything works. But the discs are missing. Is it useless without those? I'd love to use this instead of my current newer machine that is pretty touchy.
No, it will sew straight stitch without cams. The cams are for zig-zag. You can find them easily, as well as other accessories.
No, it will sew straight stitch without cams. The cams are for zig-zag. You can find them easily, as well as other accessories.
I also just acquired one of these! There are so many cams and monogram add ons are there cams that won't work?
If you browse some place like ebay, you'll see that there are many different types of cams, such as A, B, etc. I believe this 158.850 machine takes Kenmore "E" cams. These cams have a large (3/4" diameter or larger?) center hole with four small holes out from the center and spaced 90 degrees apart. Other Kenmore cams have a smaller center hole, and some have a knob type piece to grasp when installing/removing the cams. So, the short answer is, you'll need to find cams that fit a 158.850.
How do I find out if I have a High or low shank machine?,,,
I guess I should have used better I.D. words and mentioned a Low-BAR or High-Bar Kenmore 158-850,,How do I tell the difference?,,,
Hi Gypsyjojo, the 158.850 is a low shank machine. If you look at a couple of the close-up photos of the foot on this machine, there isn't much room between the foot's screw head and the bottom of the foot. It is 1/2". A high shank foot is 1" between the screw head and the bottom of the foot. Hope this helps.
I am so excited. I bought one from the neighbor. It is fully functional. The cabinet looks like new. I have all 7 cams and many other accessories. Feeling blessed
Anyone know the year and who made it (158-850)?
The info I have is that the 158-series was made by Jaguar/Maruzen, typically in Japan but could also be Taiwan. I don't have a definitive date but would guess late '50s, early 60's.
I need a manual for the 158.850 model. Any help?
I don't have one, maybe someone will chime in.
Found my manual! If you need a copy I can scan and email it. A small donation would be appreciated. Email me at usaresourcesky@gmail.com
Where did you find the manual?
I also have a manual if you would like a photocopy.
I bought and downloaded a manual from a kenmore sewing site. kenmoresewingmanuals.com
I pro.ise I know the basics for sewing, but I have to ask a question what may seem silly. I finally unpacked a seqing machine I inherited from my Grandmother and it is the Kenmore 158.850. I got it cleaned up, made sure everything moves and was oiled. My problem is I do not see a foot pedal in the mix. The manual does not mention one, am I missing something. Do you need a foot pedal for this model? If not how do you make it work?
I bought and downloaded a manual from a kenmore sewing site. kenmoresewingmanuals.com
I have this machine sort of..I believe mine to be 158.860.. it had two knobs on front right rather than one..my question is about the lever on the back below the spool..if any one can tell me its purpose? I do not have a manual..I got my machine 10 years ago at Goodwill in a beautiful cabinet with some cams and specialty feet..but no manual..please someone look it up and email me..ty
You need a foot pedal that plugs into the machine..it's attached with a long cord..check a manual to see what is needed..easily found.
I didn't find anything on the net for a 158.860 but that lever on the back is usually to balance the stitch length on each side of a buttonhole stitch. If one side of the buttonhole stitch has a longer stitch than the other, you move the lever one way or the other to even out the stitches on the two sides of the buttonhole.
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