New sewer - what about this thread injector? Kenmore 117-552

**efosterw** · 05-05-2016, 08:16

Yep, I'm another hanger who has decided to make his own gear. I'm a total newbie to sewing and am looking at a Kenmore 117-552. It's an all-metal 1940s machine in almost perfect condition, straight-stitch only, forward & reverse stitching, adjustable stitch length. The foot dogs seem to be adjustable manually by a screw beneath the plate (I think). The owner is asking $70 for it... comes in original cabinet with all the extras (bobbins, extra feet, buttonholer, etc). Is this a good machine for making gear? Is it a good price? It plugs up and runs great.

This picture is not the actual machine I'm looking at, but same model.

kenmore117552.jpg

**Tacblades** · 05-05-2016, 08:19

Check ebay, local thrift stores and family first might get a better deal somewhere.

**Tacblades** · 05-05-2016, 08:21

I made a vid that you might find helpful
https://youtu.be/M4OXMvUUQh8

**BigE94** · 05-05-2016, 08:27

Personally I went for a more modern machine. I have a new to me Janome that I picked up for 150 bucks. I love the features and it handles the material flawlessly. I've had my eye on the Singer heavy duty 4123 for 150 bucks new. Need to research it though.

**TZBrown** · 05-05-2016, 08:49

Price is a bit high I believe, I usually find those for around $25.00

Check the motor roller for flat spots, if stored in contact with the hand wheel it probably is.

They sew really well for light material, tarps and such, stitches are usually flawless once you get them dialed in.
I have one I use quite often for light material, set it up and use it only for that.

**efosterw** · 05-05-2016, 09:13

I have watched your video several times - thanks so much for the info! It's wonderful! With this machine, I was concerned about the lack of stitch options (but lots of folks say a straight stitch is really all you need) and not sure about the dogs possibly hurting silnylon and such. Have you had any experience with this machine?

Originally Posted by Tacblades

I made a vid that you might find helpful
https://youtu.be/M4OXMvUUQh8

**efosterw** · 05-05-2016, 09:15

Thanks a ton for the info! I was really hoping for a machine that could handle heavier stuff too... why do you specify that this one should only be used for light materials?

Originally Posted by TZBrown

Price is a bit high I believe, I usually find those for around $25.00

Check the motor roller for flat spots, if stored in contact with the hand wheel it probably is.

They sew really well for light material, tarps and such, stitches are usually flawless once you get them dialed in.
I have one I use quite often for light material, set it up and use it only for that.

**Tacblades** · 05-05-2016, 09:23

Originally Posted by efosterw

I have watched your video several times - thanks so much for the info! It's wonderful! With this machine, I was concerned about the lack of stitch options (but lots of folks say a straight stitch is really all you need) and not sure about the dogs possibly hurting silnylon and such. Have you had any experience with this machine?

No not with this machine, yes straight stitch you can use 90% of the time

I wouldnt pay more than 50 for a machine tho.

**Bubba** · 05-05-2016, 22:43

I think $70 is a tad high. If the cabinet is in excellent shape, then it might be an OK deal but it's still more than I would pay. I don't think I have ever paid more than $35.00 for any of my vintage machines.

Even though you can make most if not all DIY gear with a straight stitch, I still like having at least zig zag available. I found after I learned to sew that I wanted to be able to do other things like fix or modify my wife and kids clothing and having more stitches is necessary for that.

IMO, hold out for something else if you can. Family, friends, garage sales, and thrift stores should yield something for you. You should be able to find something cheaper and with more options. If you are not inclined to wait or look around a little, then see if you can talk the seller down. Good luck.

**Snowball** · 05-06-2016, 03:25

I agree. You can make just about anything with straight stitch. I don’t know this machine but it looks solid to me (the model) and it’s a good thing. You can easily kill one of the newer plastic models if you sew multiple fabric layers webbing etc. with them. Household machines are not made for jobs like that! Everything has its limitations but your odds increases by selecting one of these older all metal models.