My 1040 was gifted to me in the early 1970's. Been several years since I've really used it. Last weekend, I spent several hours cleaning, oiling, change needles and adjusting tension. My belts have not been changed since the 1980's and to my surprise they are in great shape. This Machine was built for life. I've had mine for 50 years.
Mid 1970 I wanted a bed spread and decided to make it myself. I purchased a 1040 at sears a few pairs of Levi at the goodwill store I opened the side seam and the 1040 did a great job sowing the fronts and backs in a very haphazard layout. I felt it looked good and so did a house guest who made me an offer I couldn’t refuse. Then followed 3 more each a little different. Then I got a job offer overseas so I gave my machine to mom. Mom didn’t need it so gave the machine to my sister who used it for quite a while until she got a monster so gave it back to mom who had retired and was traveling. In a number of years she settled down but used the 1040on occasion. When she passed away I found a well used but still working 1040 with. My name on it ready to return home.
3:33 - Notice the little metal lip just above her fingers? Place the thread on it and slip it toward the disc. That acts like a shoe horn on a shoe. It guides the thread into the right slot. The tension discs are like two washers and they hold the thread in between, causing a bit of tightness so that the thread remains taut during sewing. Be sure to clean out your discs with some thick dental floss to remove lint and jammed threads, periodically.
I have not serviced this machine yet, got one recently. Usually, the belt in most vintage machines is tensioned by the placement of the motor - a bit of adjustment there might do it. Or oil on the belt is causing slippage. Or the new belt may be the wrong size.
My 1040 was gifted to me in the early 1970's. Been several years since I've really used it. Last weekend, I spent several hours cleaning, oiling, change needles and adjusting tension. My belts have not been changed since the 1980's and to my surprise they are in great shape. This Machine was built for life. I've had mine for 50 years.
Mid 1970 I wanted a bed spread and decided to make it myself. I purchased a 1040 at sears a few pairs of Levi at the goodwill store I opened the side seam and the 1040 did a great job sowing the fronts and backs in a very haphazard layout. I felt it looked good and so did a house guest who made me an offer I couldn’t refuse. Then followed 3 more each a little different. Then I got a job offer overseas so I gave my machine to mom. Mom didn’t need it so gave the machine to my sister who used it for quite a while until she got a monster so gave it back to mom who had retired and was traveling. In a number of years she settled down but used the 1040on occasion. When she passed away I found a well used but still working 1040 with. My name on it ready to return home.
I just got a Sears Kenmore 1040 from a local thrift shop for $20 ❤
Thank you for this! My mom let me borrow hers so I could learn something new. Your video was really helpful :)
I have one of these an cant get the handwheel clutch to disengage to wind the bobbin. Can you help?
Percussive maintenance: Place a piece of wood against the knob and hit it gently
with a hammer or mallet.
I don’t understand how to thread the tension disk 😫😫😫😫
3:33 - Notice the little metal lip just above her fingers? Place the thread on it and slip it toward the disc. That acts like a shoe horn on a shoe. It guides the thread into the right slot. The tension discs are like two washers and they hold the thread in between, causing a bit of tightness so that the thread remains taut during sewing.
Be sure to clean out your discs with some thick dental floss to remove lint and jammed threads, periodically.
I scored a little Kenmore 1040 a few years ago! It's fun, but the (new) belt slips
They are great little machines. Maybe check to make sure there isn't oil on the belt causing the slipping.
I have not serviced this machine yet, got one recently. Usually, the belt in most vintage machines is tensioned by the placement of the motor - a bit of adjustment there might do it. Or oil on the belt is causing slippage. Or the new belt may be the wrong size.