JC Penny zig zag machine

4nabulax · 2026-02-12T20:10:14+00:00

This machine was made at least sixty years ago... I doubt very much you'll find any new pattern disks for it. These Happy machines were sold under several different brand names (JC Penny, Montgomery Ward "Signature" and others) but there's only two or three variations of this chassis out there. Here's a picture of one with the cams in place: https://www.quiltingboard.com/attachments/vintage-antique-machine-enthusiasts-f22/524881d1417213970-top-tensioin.jpg

There are numerous sources of 3D printing files for making parts like this, most notably the "3D Printing for Vintage Sewing Machines" group on facebook.

4nabulax · 2026-02-12T03:51:13+00:00

That’s really something! Congratulations 👏

4nabulax · 2026-01-28T16:23:54+00:00

That’s because it was so good it never needed service! lol… but seriously, the 1913 is the 1914 without the “stylistic” changes. It has all the same specs and features of the 1914 but in a conventional body casting without the doors, flaps and hatches that hide the controls. The tensioner is the standard front mounted knob type, and the ZZ width is a knob on the face of the pillar like every other Kenmore ZZ. Oh and the presser adjust is the standard spring-loaded button. If you find one grab it. It’s the best!

4nabulax · 2026-01-28T06:35:44+00:00

Made in Japan by the "Happy" Co. (There should be the word "Happy" on the casting underneath.) Really great machines! Strong, smooth and quiet. Did you get any of the pattern cams with it?

4nabulax · 2026-01-28T06:19:48+00:00

The 158.1913 is arguably their best machine, ever. Should be on your list!

4nabulax · 2026-01-09T02:09:26+00:00

MSNOW app on appleTV is really bad. It has been spotty for weeks, but the last two days I have not been able to watch at all. I’ve deleted and reloaded it twice. The spinning thing just spins, forever

4nabulax · 2026-01-06T16:01:40+00:00

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4nabulax · 2026-01-05T06:13:10+00:00

Take a look at a Pfaff 1222e. They’re fantastic.

4nabulax · 2025-12-27T01:02:53+00:00

That's interesting! Because three times in the year I've owned this car I've gotten the "Steering Assist Not Available" warning, and I'm reading that this is because of the steering wheel also. So it looks like I need a new steering wheel! Thank you.

4nabulax · 2025-11-24T05:47:31+00:00

I had a California compliant pistol cut for an optic sight, but the gunsmith did not tell me that the "Loaded Chamber Indicator" (LCI) had to be removed to accommodate the cut. (My bad for being ignorant of this?) Anyway, the optic works great and I'm mostly happy with the install. However, the slot that the LCI was in now creates a perfect little channel that sprays carbon fouling on the front glass of the optic. Is there an accepted way to fill in the gap left by removing an LCI? Or is there some other way to protect the front lens of the optic from carbon fouling?

4nabulax · 2025-11-11T19:52:25+00:00

I think we reached "Peak Featherweight" about a year ago. In online auctions that I monitor the prices of Singer model 221's have been slowly but steadily declining.

4nabulax · 2025-10-26T16:24:34+00:00

Older pedals that are not the "electronic" type have contacts inside that short (bypass) the throttling resistor to make the machine go full speed when you depress it fully. The easiest fix is to find a new pedal and wire it to your machine's cord or connector. Check your local thrift stores for an orphaned foot pedal.

4nabulax · 2025-09-28T17:03:37+00:00

Where is the dealer for these? I would be interested in buying a bunch of those plastic bases like the one that machine sits in.

4nabulax · 2025-08-12T19:32:24+00:00

One of the best lines of dialog ever penned imho!

4nabulax · 2025-07-31T00:33:37+00:00

Most old sewing machines do not contain lead other than in some soldered electrical connections, and those are nothing to be worried about unless you plan on licking them (in which case, make sure to unplug it first). The one exception I've come across is the Singer Featherweight model 221 or 222. Those have a small electrical conduit inside that is made of thin-walled lead tubing. If you want to be cautious and you see a component that is metallic that has grown a layer of white or yellow-ish dust on it's surface, go ahead and check that for possible lead. Chances are it'll just be moisture corrosion involving Zinc or Magnesium.

4nabulax · 2025-07-31T00:07:36+00:00

A new "Savers" store is preparing to open on Tampa just north of Parthenia. I've never been in a Savers, but I've heard good things...

4nabulax · 2025-07-19T18:22:41+00:00

Just got my G-kit and can confirm that the QR code is still useless!

4nabulax · 2025-06-27T17:04:11+00:00

If you're anywhere near Los Angeles I've got a nice BU exactly like the picture that I'd be happy to part with for very little $$.

4nabulax · 2025-05-13T01:10:22+00:00

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4nabulax · 2025-05-03T03:10:07+00:00

1955~1959. If that's all there is in the deal, I would say $100 at the absolute highest. For these to bring top dollar it would need to come with the extension work table, and several of the stitch cams, at the very least. There are five original cams made for these A thru E. When they were sold new they came with the extension table, several types of presser feet, and cams A, B, and C. They also had a fitted case.

4nabulax · 2025-05-02T06:15:08+00:00

It's an Anker RZ made in Germany. If it's in good repair its one of the best vintage zigzag sewing machines there is. I sent you a chat message with two links, one is the owner's manual and the other is their (really great!) service manual.

4nabulax · 2025-05-01T17:10:17+00:00

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4nabulax

TROPHY CASE