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From: luv2sew
Date: 10-10-2004, 11:22 PM (1 of 16)
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Hello.... I have not visited this site often but was guided here for some information reference a Wizard sewing machine, 3KC 8841 and it was manufactured in Japan. This machine was purchased from a Western Auto Store in 1964 and has served me well. Since it was serviced a short time ago, the upper tension does not work and the technician has since died. I have done a google search but have been unable to locate any information on this machine. Apparently Western Auto is no more. The tension guides appear to be malfunctioning so I thought a new one might be needed. Unfortunately, I don't have a parts list. Does anyone know anything about this machine or maybe steer me to someone who does? I have the original manual but there is no information there. Thank you for any assistance you may give. Luv2sew
An act of kindness is never wasted!! |
User: luv2sew
Member since: 05-21-2004 Total posts: 174 
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From: Kylnne2
Date: 10-11-2004, 06:20 AM (2 of 16)
| If it is an older Japanse made machine I would say that any sewing machine tech might be able to fix a tension problem. I don't think this would be too expensive unless it involved parts and parts might be hard to come by for an older machine. Many sewing machine stores and techs only charge $29.95 for tune ups..which usually involves checking the tension. Some places if repair needs done they charge $79.99 ..now I am speaking of these prices in the area in which I live. If you take your Wizard in for a tune up only..and they come across with more than just a tune up that is needed..you can halt the work at this time before it is done and decide if you want to save the expensie and put it towards a new machine. You can then use this little Wizard for a trade in. The new machines of today have some great features. I hope all goes well. |
User: Kylnne2
Member since: 07-10-2004 Total posts: 629 |
From: luv2sew
Date: 10-11-2004, 08:38 AM (3 of 16)
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Kylynne, Thank you. The Wizard has been such a good machine and I hate to part with it. I have a featherweight, a Bernina 930 and 2 sergers so I can continue to sew but it has been nice having the 2 machines side x side, telling myself I am really getting things done. lol I will search for another tech and try to get it in working condition. Bob was the best in town and we are surely going to miss him. I was hoping to find a parts list for ordering another tension control. Thank you again. Luv2sew
An act of kindness is never wasted!! |
User: luv2sew
Member since: 05-21-2004 Total posts: 174
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From: LWhitt
Date: 08-22-2005, 08:53 PM (4 of 16)
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I just bought a used Wizard Sewing Machine model number 3KC 8842. I have searched the internet for a manual and can not find one. I would be more than happy to pay for a copy of the manual that you have with your Wizard. I love this machine. It has one of the best stitches that I have seen. My Wizard was in a junk store with cob webs and gunk all over it. Now that it is clean it shines like a new one. Would like to know about your Wizard. Thanks, LWhitt |
User: LWhitt
Member since: 08-22-2005 Total posts: 4 |
From: MaryW
Date: 08-23-2005, 11:15 AM (5 of 16)
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I can't find anything on these machines either. I bet you will have to go hunting thru the antique sites.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
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From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 08-23-2005, 04:40 PM (6 of 16)
I don't know if this will help or not, but it is info you do not have as far as I can tell.. The name Wizard was to Western Auto the same as Kenmore is to Sears.. It was just their 'in-house' name for products made for them to sell by other mfrs.. I suggest you look at some vintage machines on the www and try to find one that resembles your machine.. You may be able to find the maker that way... 
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022 
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From: LWhitt
Date: 08-23-2005, 09:42 PM (7 of 16)
| Thank you so much. I hadn't thought about looking at other sewing machines that might be similar to the Wizard. It is a beauty. |
User: LWhitt
Member since: 08-22-2005 Total posts: 4 |
From: luv2sew
Date: 08-24-2005, 05:06 PM (8 of 16)
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LWhitt.....Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think that I would find someone who would have a Wizard machine. lol Like you, I really love this machine and it has never given me any trouble until the tension thing. I have "tinkered" with it for a while and now it seems to be working OK for me. Maybe we can find the manufacturer....wouldn't that be neat? I have a picture of it here somewhere and will post it, if I can find it. I sent you a private message also. Luv2sew Luv2sew
An act of kindness is never wasted!! |
User: luv2sew
Member since: 05-21-2004 Total posts: 174
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From: wghmch
Date: 08-27-2005, 12:21 AM (9 of 16)
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Most inexpensive machines from this era are common Japanese HA-1s, that were made by numerous mfgrs and had hundreds of different names on them. You can find a free downloadable instruction book in the Group files at: <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/vintagejapansewingmachines/> There is really nothing to go wrong with them that most mechanics can't fix in a matter of minutes, and the liklihood that it needs a new tension assy is remote. It might need adjusting, or some small part, but they are generic, and no problem to obtain. Bill Holman |
User: wghmch
Member since: 03-04-2003 Total posts: 249 |
From: LWhitt
Date: 08-28-2005, 12:11 PM (10 of 16)
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Bill, I looked under my machine and found the following: J-A 1. Thanks to you for sparking the idea to look for information on Japanese made sewing machines. I learned that the Japanese assigned numbers for sewing machines that they made for companies and will not release that information and or they don't have it but I did learn that J-A 2 stands for Janome so I am betting that J-A 1 is Brother. The Brother 280 is close but does not do as much as the Wizard. Western Auto shredding all of their papers when they moved from corporate head quarters. You wouldn't believe how much help this information has been. Thanks, Linda |
User: LWhitt
Member since: 08-22-2005 Total posts: 4 |
From: LWhitt
Date: 08-28-2005, 12:37 PM (11 of 16)
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Luv2sew, I have spent hours on the computer trying to find information and a manuel on the Wizard so it was a big find for me. Thanks to this web site I am a lot closer to learning about this shinny machine. I will try to figure out how to post a picture of my Mr. Wizard. When I brought him home he was a mess but now he looks like a 1957 light turquoise and white Chevrolet. I took the machine in to be serviced; to take the motor apart and clean; to repair the bobbin winder; and to clean, oil, and adjust the machine, all for under fifty dollars. The service man thought it was well worth keeping in running condition. I hope to hear more about your Wizard. Thanks, Linda LWhitt.....Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think that I would find someone who would have a Wizard machine. lol Like you, I really love this machine and it has never given me any trouble until the tension thing. I have "tinkered" with it for a while and now it seems to be working OK for me. Maybe we can find the manufacturer....wouldn't that be neat? I have a picture of it here somewhere and will post it, if I can find it. I sent you a private message also. Luv2sew |
User: LWhitt
Member since: 08-22-2005 Total posts: 4 |
From: luv2sew
Date: 08-29-2005, 10:04 PM (12 of 16)
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Bill, Thank you for your response. LWhitt and I have learned that these machines were manufactured by Brother. In fact the name is on her machine and I found some printed info in reference to mine. It is sewing just fine now. Luv2sew Luv2sew
An act of kindness is never wasted!! |
User: luv2sew
Member since: 05-21-2004 Total posts: 174
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From: meeyorek
Date: 01-23-2006, 10:53 PM (13 of 16)
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Hi! I'm new here and new to sewing. My friend recently gave me a sewing machine that used to be her mother's. It's a Wizard 2JC 8867. I have the manual, although it's falling apart. Was wondering if anyone here can help me try to find a site that would sell me another manual because this one is hard to read? I have tried the sites previously mentioned, but am unable to find the model number under either Brother or just Wizard. I also need to buy another bobbin case for it because the one that came with it I accidentally broke when trying to put the bobbin in it. :( Thanks for any and all help! Marsha aka meeyorek 
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User: meeyorek
Member since: 01-23-2006 Total posts: 2 |
From: wghmch
Date: 01-24-2006, 11:09 AM (14 of 16)
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If any of these machines are the very common HA-1 style, which was a "clone" of the older Singer 15 class with the tension facing left from the rear left side, there is a free instruction book for downloading in the Group Files of: groups.yahoo.com/group/vintagejapansewingmachines/ Bill Holman |
User: wghmch
Member since: 03-04-2003 Total posts: 249 |
From: meeyorek
Date: 01-25-2006, 07:42 PM (15 of 16)
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Hi, Bill! I downloaded the manual and it looks like it will work with mine. But my machine is an automatic zigzag, will this make a difference? It looks like the same bobbin case as the one I have broken.  Thanks a bunch! Marsha |
User: meeyorek
Member since: 01-23-2006 Total posts: 2 |
From: wghmch
Date: 01-25-2006, 09:46 PM (16 of 16)
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It will help you with the bobbin area,but that's about all. If you go to Sew USA's website, you might find something close, but it won't be free. Bill Holman |
User: wghmch
Member since: 03-04-2003 Total posts: 249 |
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