I picked up a Kenmore 117-959 in cabinet today at the thrift store for $27. The presser foot is stuck up though.
And the rubber drive wheel is flat spotted, but I have high hopes for it. I believe it's a '47 or '48.
Pics to follow...
Probably just gummed up/varnished oil. A few drops of alcohol or odorless kerosene a couple of times a day along with a bit of jiggling should free it up. A replacement drive wheel can probably be found. Sew Classic has a couple of them...you may get lucky.
I picked up a singer 237 for my sister, she doesn't want it because it doesn't do "fancy stitches". Oh well, now I don't have to cart my machine to my boyfriends, it's going there. . Her loss. It's in immaculate conditionimage.jpg
Debi
I just restored the exact machine a few months ago. That entire front head comes off so cleaning is pretty easy. Just as gmcttr suggested, I got both a new drive wheel and new bobbin tire from Sew-Classic. Here is a pic of what the inside of the front head looks like. I took a couple of pictures during the overhaul process, they can be seen here. http://blog.ericksaint.com/1948-kenmore-restoration/
I did have the front cover off. I will try the alcohol/kerosene.
ErickSaint, what kind of needles are you using? I will need those too.
Her loss your gain.
Our local trash dump has an area to drop off usable items for others to look over. A friend grabbed a Fashion Mate sewing machine for me. When she called me about it I wasn't too excited thinking it was a later model with plastic gears. Then I found out it is a 237....happy happy.
Bill
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