September 18, 2011

Kenmore 158.523 (1966)

So my new rule is (except for the coveted) no more than $15 and I have to like the design of course. At the local Church rummage sale this Kenmore (made in 1966) was calling me.


Another outstanding Japanese made machine with a 1.2amp motor, ZZ, and multiple cam options that are loaded thru the top door.

After a couple hours of clean-up it came back to life; the motor could not move it because it was so gummed up and packed with thread dust around the hook. Sometimes it takes a lot of oiling and turning to get it free!

For a test project I decided to make Bertie a blanket with integral pillow.



Bertie has adopted a spot on the floor next to my side of the bed and because he loves to cop a lean on what ever is adjacent I added the pillow. Being a brat however, it may be some time before he will use it.


Update: he loves it... took to it the 1st night!

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20 comments:

  1. JonathanJanuary 18, 2012 at 12:29 PM

    I love these Kenmores! There's another version that's all lilac. It doesn't take cams.

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  2. Tom CarboneJanuary 18, 2012 at 4:59 PM

    Yes the Kenmores are great sewing machines. they really did there engineering homework, they seem to be very robust. I have another Kenmore on the work bench almost ready to post.

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    1. vickieSNovember 11, 2014 at 7:35 PM

      My grandmother sent me this machine in cabinet when I was 12 years old and I still own it today in perfect working condition at the age of 57

      Delete
  3. Brianne158September 1, 2012 at 11:05 AM

    I just bought this exact machine for $3! It works beaitifully. I like it, also, because I am new to sewing and I think all the bells and whistles the new machines have would confuse me. I was wondering though, where could I find more cams? Mine only has one. It is double sided and burnt orange in color. A lady in my online vintage kenmore group said she has several green ones, but I'm not sure they'll work.

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    Replies
    1. CraftySueOctober 5, 2020 at 5:40 PM

      Where in the WORLD did you find this for only $3??!! I am impressed! My “Lavender Lady” was $40 and even THAT is a steal to me!

      Delete
    2. CraftySueOctober 5, 2020 at 5:48 PM

      There are several Vintage Groups on line that you can join for free! I did and that is how I got cams for my machine.!Make sure you measure the spool that the cams go on because they DO HAVE DIFFERENT SIZES. The first set I bought In”Thought”‘would fit DIDN’T. Be sure of the 4 hole design as well. I was LUCKY that when I got my machine home I opened it up and there was ONE CAM IN it! The #1 CAM! Many told me that #1 is the MOST IMPR AND RARE to find, they usually get lost.

      Delete
  4. UnknownMay 20, 2015 at 3:09 PM

    My fiances grandmother just gave me her Kenmore of this exact model. I cleaned it and it looks great but when I begin sewing there are small sparks in the motor. Any advice?

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    1. Tom CarboneMay 20, 2015 at 3:32 PM

      These are excellent machines, the brushes may be worn out, if you can get at them they could be replaced.
      Not sure how hard to get a used motor is due to the unique mounting.

      Delete
    2. CraftySueOctober 5, 2020 at 5:58 PM

      Check out the Vintage Machines Groups they may be more knowledgeable in that area, I personally don’t play with the electrical wiring EXCEPT to install a new motor. I believe the alohasew motor mounting may work in your machine . It is about $30 on sewing parts online.com

      Motor, L Type, 220V, Alphasew #NA35L-220V

      Delete
  5. UnknownJune 12, 2015 at 1:21 PM

    Does anyone have an owners manual they can share for this machine?

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    Replies
    1. AnonymousOctober 25, 2015 at 8:41 PM

      I saw someone post a comment on another site with a copy of the manual. I'm looking at buying one off craigslist and downloaded it.

      Here it is: (it's the 2nd comment down)
      http://community.babycenter.com/post/a32089505/kenmore_158.523

      Delete
    2. CraftySueOctober 5, 2020 at 9:19 PM

      You can download the manual for the 158-523 on scribd.com - i actually have this Vintage Kenmore and Love IT!

      Delete
    3. CraftySueOctober 5, 2020 at 9:30 PM

      You can download the manual for the 158-523 on scribd.com - i actually have this Vintage Kenmore and Love IT!

      Delete
  6. UnknownSeptember 26, 2015 at 11:12 PM

    How much do you think this Kenmore sewing machine is worth 2015 in excellent condition

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    Replies
    1. Tom CarboneSeptember 27, 2015 at 6:53 AM

      Finding a buyer is the issue; see what Ebay says.
      But an Ebay number is one that has 1000's of viewers, where as Craig's List has an audience of 10's.
      So $25 +- $10

      Delete
    2. CraftySueOctober 5, 2020 at 9:36 PM

      Most people are looking for a Vintage sewing machine These days. Anything made after 1980 is not too popular. If I had a 2015 Model the one thing that would possibly sell it better would be stressing the “FEATURES “ And you oh possibly could get $50-$75 for it. Singer models are more sought after but I won’t own a Singer machine unless it is VINTAGE -newer machines have TOO MUCH PLASTIC - plastic is MADE to BREAK, Vintage mostly Metal and Metal is MADE TO LAST !

      Delete
    3. CraftySueOctober 5, 2020 at 9:37 PM

      Look for local garage sales on Facebook in your area to joy and list it on every one you can, you will get a buyer.

      Delete
    4. CraftySueOctober 5, 2020 at 9:38 PM

      Join local garage sale groups

      Delete
  7. Barb HortonMay 1, 2017 at 5:16 PM

    The only problem with eBAY is shipping. You don't want to ship this herken monster! I have one of these in a cabinet and they were built to last for several hundred years.

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  8. RonSanRivOctober 8, 2020 at 1:08 PM

    I just got a 158-523 in great condition including the cabinet for $20.00 and a quick stop at a McDees for a McChicken!

    ReplyDelete

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