Can I Get This Vintage Sewing Machine Running?

My husband scored this vintage sewing machine at a thrift shop and today I pulled it out to see if I could get it working! This model is a cute purple Sears Kenmore Model 50. Can I do it? Do you use a vintage machine? I'd love to hear about it!

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Happy Sewing!
Love, Nikki

Created by InShot

[lindawolffkashmir]

I have one of these. The universal push in light bulb and belts from Hobby Lobby will work on these machines. The bobbin can be a bit touchy, you have to make sure the bobbin case locks into the machine. It only goes in in one position, and the catch has to be open for it to slide into the exact spot. These machines are workhorses, and are strong enough to go through quite a few layers of material. They’ll pretty much take what you can throw at them. Watch out so that your string does not slip into the grooves around your tensioner, and always make sure your string does not pop out of the guide eyes.

[jessalinburchette]

This machine is adorable. I love that you named it Fran after the previous owner.

[joannumberger]

Just found this machine on Etsy. Bought it!! Was
My first machine back in
1965. Had it for years.
Moved on to fancy computer machines and
Now back to soothing
Vintage. Happiness in
The sewing room

[cherylmurray]

I still have my grandmother's treadle machine...I also have 3 vintage machines...one I've named Rizzo(from Grease, she is a beautiful pink color)! Love your beautiful find!!! Thanks for sharing!!

[timlee]

This looks identical to my Mom's that she bought in 1963. Hers was made in Japan. It hadn't been used in years and was gummed up so I helped her oil it and replace the belt, now it runs great and we used it to sew heavy canvas which wasn't a problem with a 110 needle. She recalls that it cost around $100 which was big money for someone who made one dollar an hour at a five and dime.

[mjremy]

You got a super deal on a gem of a machine. Kenmore was made in Japan and one of the best machines you can find today. Solid gold. Usually all metal inside. You need to do much more than take out the lint.

Open up access panels - check Youtube for that - In Stitches, or Randy the Sewing Man channels are good. Blow and vacuum out all lint in bobbin case, feed dog, and all over machine.
If no plastic gears inside, spray out inside with carburetor cleaner, scrub with toothbrush, and wipe off. This stuff should not touch paint or plastic, only bare metal and it is great for dissolving gummy old oil resin. After that, you can spray Penetrating Oil like Liquid Wrench all over the machine guts, scrub with toothbrush, work the parts so oil goes in deep, then wipe off all the oil with the gunk. Keep oiling till it all moves smoothly no stiffness. Check for broken plastic parts if any. This oil won't hurt plastic or paint but must be wiped off. This is not a lube job. This will dry out and become sticky if not removed.

Once machines is moving smoothly, lube all shafts and joints with Triflow Silicone Lube and if there are any gears (after cleaning well), coat with Synthetic Silicone Grease. Don't mix the two up. Grease on gears, lube on shafts. Now it will work smoothly. Do not use any other oil which will gum up metal parts. Silicone aka Synthetic does not gum up. Check Youtube videos to know where to put the oil. Even the motor needs oil but exactly one drop no more and in exactly one spot or you will damage the motor. You want to open up the motor as well, and check carbon brushes and clean the rotor with some alcohol swabs. Carbon brushes may need changing if worn out. Check everything and bring this back to life!

Belts are measured inch by inch on the INSIDE loop. Check diameter of belt against a measuring tape, and length of belt. Is it flat, wedge shaped, or round? Most likely round for Kenmores. My Viking has a V-belt that is wedge shaped. You can buy them on Amazon on Ebay easily for much less. The bobbin winder also needs to be changed - it has a rubber O ring - measure outside diameter, and thickness. Soak in warm water before putting on. Note that belt may have stretched so check with a sewing shop on length first. If it sews well with the old belt, then slightly smaller is perfect. If belt has ridges it is called a Cogged Belt.

Change the light to a modern LED type with same base - screw type most likely. $5 on Amazon. Again, check type in sewing shop first. LED lights are cooler not hot like the original ones. Don't use them. Make sure they are Kelvin 3000 or higher for bright white light not yellow.

DO NOT USE SANDPAPER ON THESE MACHINES, YIKES!!! Use alcohol, mineral spirits to clean the outside with toothbrush and green Teflon sponge or 0000 steel wool gently. You can scrub the chrome metal parts (not plastic chrome) with steel wool and mineral spirits and all grease, rust comes off. Use a toothbrush for corners. When done, use a cleaner like AWESOME from the dollar store to clean up the outside metal and all stains come off. Wipe down well.

Modernize the old box case. Take off all the old paper and paint the box with Durabak paint or an epoxy paint or ... use a Primer like Kilz Oil Primer, then spray paint it with Montana Gold paints (what a color palette!). Then use diluted Varathane Clear Interior Satin Oil based Polyurethane over that. Dilute Poly 60:40 Mineral Spirits first. Now you have rock hard beautiful wood case without that crumbling exterior and a brand new Kenmore.

[andreapickett]

I still have my graduation present which is a Singer portable from 50 yrs ago. I keep it covered and I oil it up and run it every few years. My mother still has a Kenmore she purchased new back in the 60's it's olive green and I still have a newer Kenmore I purchased in the early 80's that I still sew on almost daily. I also have newer sewing machines that just sit in their cases, they are the backup to my Kenmore. Good find on the machine glad it runs.😊

[kristinperkins]

I’ve only used vintage sewing machines. Unexpectedly I’ve started a Kenmore collection and I’m learning to work on them. Loved your video. Your machine is beautiful!!!

[poppies]

Thank you for sharing your sewing journey with us. In the future you might want to use a solid scrap of fabric when sewing. It was difficult to see what was sewn on striped fabric but fun to see the lilac colored gem working. Your husband made a fine purchase for you. Welcome Fran!

[cjane]

What a great find. The first machine I ever bought brand new was a Kenmore. I had it and used it for 25 years.

[livesoutdoors]

Oh I had the exact model come to me. Gave her a tune up and oil then gave her away to a beginner who needed a solid machine. I’m a seamstress and mechanic who loves old machines. I use mostly treadles now and adore them.

[dmarie]

Great find! I have my Grandmother's Kenmore from the 1970s, sews like a dream. Also own a Morse superdial from the 50s (made by Toyota before they made cars), and a Singer 401 and a Singer 404. I love them all, and they all still work great. Some of the vintage machines are as gorgeous as vintage cars.

[HJKelley]

Bottom tension is adjusted in your thread bobbin. There is a tiny, tiny screw in your bobbin and you
will need to turn it just a slight bit to adjust that bottom thread tension. I own a 59 yr old Kenmore 90
and it a real workhorse. Keep it oiled. It is a heavy duty machine and good for denim and mock leather
fabrics.

[susanpwaitt]

I just purchased a 1963 White vintage machine made in Japan (1.3 amp motor). Had her serviced & also cleaned up & oiled. She stitches beautifully. Exploring the history of those machines assembled in Japan is an interesting read. I have a
Husqvarna Viking Husky 170 Sewing Machine, bought it new and was my favorite machine for its time. Recently realized that it's a White sewing machine build. Of course that made even more interested 1563 model that I just bought (color two-toned turquoise). Love it.
I use a JUKI HZL-DX7 for sewing spandex & lycra and stretch fabrics, but I love sewing denim, waterproof canvas & bagmaking on the vintage machine.
_Best with your new find.
_Well done husband!
_My nephew is a long-time marine and his family also moves around a lot. They are experts on moving frequently.
_Best regards to you & yours.

[janeybeasley]

I use a Singer 201 from 1940s, it does only do straight stitches so I do have a more modern Janome for😅😊buttonholes etc. But the singer will sew any thickness of fabric so I use it for bag making and it’s great on vinyls, cork and canvases but I’ve also used it on cotton lawn and fine fabrics like that. It’s only disadvantage is that it is very heavy and I can’t lift it on my own onto my sewing table but that’s just a small problem.it’s a real workhorse! ❤

[joycerideout]

I brought a singer fashion mate Nobel 237 love it to use it every now and then for fun ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[TodayinJensSewingRoom]

It's a year later, but I've been binge watching this playlist as I sew on my Singer Featherweight. I had to stop and let you know how great these old machines are - they need to be used often so they'll keep sewing forever. I do love my newer Pfaff computerized machine, but my Featherweight and my Singer 99 are gems. Good for you getting this one going!

[sadiejosiemom]

You shined her up like a new penny! I have my mom's singer 99k and several other vintage and new. Sewing machines are a fun thing to collect, old or new.

[privateinfo]

I started sewing at 11 years old on my mothers Necchi (bought 70 years ago). Before college, 50 years ago, I bought a Kenmore. A person could sew ANYTHING on these machines. They were all metal. There was no problem with upholstering, sewing leather, faux fur, or thick wool. I now want a machine like that. The sewing machines you buy now are wimpy and disposable.

[lmful]

Dad & I were mesmerized! Too fun :-D