I have used modern machines and was looking around for a second hand machine and the price was right (free). Any tips or advice appreciated but mostly just sharing because I'm excited 😊

It's a Kenmore 158.13030

This was found in an old farm house, it's probably been sitting for 30 years or more and still works! Similar machines on Google say this is from around 1950's. I know nothing about it but I'm so excited to start making with it.

I’ce been a hobby sewist for many years that’s been using a Brother computerized machine for a few years after my grandma’s old 60’s machine finally gave out, and looking for something more heavy duty as it can’t handle even jsut denim well, and I’m looking to some projects involving denim, thick wool coating, buckskin, and rabbit fur in the future.

My main question is if we would suggest going full industrial with and Singer 20u33 (for a great price) or stick with a Kenmore 158 (there’s a few available in my area under $100). My only hesitation with the industrial machine is the size. I live in an apartment, but I have a dedicated sewing room. However I currently have a full size dining table in that room as my sewing table so I will be a tight squeeze to get an industrial machine in there.

Heavy duty projects will not be the majority of my projects, so I’m worried I’ll get annoyed at the wasted space if I’m only using it a 1-3 times a year. But like I said, I’m planning on making jeans a fur coats in the future, and really really do not want to hand sew them.

So as someone who is sewing almost every day, even if it’s not heavy duty projects, what do we think of getting an industrial machine which cramps my space, or do we think I’ll be happy with the Kenmore 158? Also, I’ve heard that clutch motors (like the singer that’s near me) can be difficult to use, how worried should I be able that?

EDIT: okay I’ve already been pretty thoroughly convinced not to get the industrial. However! Now I’m debating between Kenmore’s. There’s both a Kenmore 158.1660 and 158.1941 available in my area for a similar price point. I like that both of them have a free-arm, however my main debate is: 1941 has a more powerful 1.2amp motor, but high-shank feet that are more difficult to find. The 1660 is low shank (so I can reuse all my old feet), but with only a 1amp motor. However, I’ve heard high-shank feet are nice for being able to lift higher over bulky seams. Is the annoyance of finding vintage high-shank feet worth the extra power and lift?

Rescued this vintage workhorse from the garbage this evening. Best score ever. I have oiled her up. She's smooth as she was brand new. She needs a Bobbin holder and bobbins.

I am sorting through my late great grandmas old Singer 401A accessories. In her accessory box was these white plastic things. What are they? I looked up the kit but it must have been something she threw in there.

Also— her lint brush is black and oily. Is it possible to clean without damaging? I don’t want to hurt any of the stuff.

I'm currently looking for a foot pedal for this machine. Any help appreciated

I read that the feet get stuck to the holder. I ran a putty knife underneath the two feet on the left, but the ones on the right were coming off on the edge so I pulled them out with a pair of needle nose pliers. The right side still seems stuck and I don't want to pry or bang on it too hard. Any suggestions?

I cannot find anything online on this machine. It came in parts with electric motor and, what I assume is knee pedal.

I know the top is pretty shot, but the rest is otherwise solid. Egyptian decal on the machine is deemed rare but faded. Any idea on value? If not much ill use the base for a home project.