Update + Preamble: If you need a high quality manual for this/similar machine I copied a manual for a 117.551 that I received from the purchase of some Greist Rotary attachments made for this machine. You can download here --similar in every aspect but the needle stitch selector (mine has a screw that locks the width). I copied the manual in 600dpi.
I frequently peruse Craigslist sewing machine offerings. There are all manner of things offered, and I don't see too many things of interest. However, yesterday I found this Kenmore 117.812,
According to an information source on the web (here's a link to searsarchives.com which will download the pdf of all Kenmore machines), it is a 1948 Kenmore Rotary Deluxe machine. It does one thing: straight stitch. The machine came in a wooden box with a thick leather handle, as were made for suitcases. The handwheel turns away from you. It has a stitch length adjustment and goes backwards. It is a rotary hook, not an oscillating hook like most machines. It is driven by a motor that has a rubber wheel that sits flush against the turn wheel. It also has a bobbin pully wheel that winds the bobbin. To use, simply disengage the clutch by turning toward you and holding the handwheel firmly.
Though the machine had been serviced in the spring, and I could see the gears underneath the machine had been greased freshly, there was some friction that developed rather quickly after my sewing for less than 10 minutes.
I went to the garage (with supplication for Mr. Snake Man to not surprise me.....Mark spied a snake in the garage...which has NEVER happened before. My hope is that he exited as we left the door open to allow him a graceful exodus) and got some PB Blaster. I tilted the machine to expose the undercarriage and sprayed every place that moved. Within 10 minutes everything was working quietly and smoothly. I reapplied oil to everything.
The machine is not large. It takes different feet...top clamp. Basically a two pronged fork that fits over the shank and a round screw that secures it. The foot that came with it is a perfect 1/4" foot. Using this for quilting will be a pleasure.
I certainly did not need another machine, but I wanted to get one that would do heavier duty work while only straight stitching.
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