In case anybody reading the comments is wondering, my Kenmore 158.1730 has a black metal cam that is supposed to stay in the machine all the time so all the zig-zag and other built in decorative stitches work at the turn of the dial. To use the other cams (type C for this machine just like the ones shown in this video) the black metal cam is removed and the cam for the desired pattern stitch is inserted. I still need to check to see if that second following arm is there though!

Got a Sears Kenmore 158.16520 with its table and accessories for twenty dollars at a garage sale and these videos have been a lifesaver because I have no familiarity with this beast.

Thank you very much. Appreciate your expertise and wisdom from your years of experience.

I was just cleaning up my new to me 1516,.it has the same accessories as your 1516,.I I found every oil point possible, the only stiffness I encountered was the presser foot tension on top of the machine, it was slightly sluggish but some sewing machine oil fixed it right up, the grease "box" was full with original grease and still soft too. I was actually looking at a 1941 but picked the 1516 for several reasons: more stitches variation with external cams, no pricey or rare high shank feet to look for and the external motor....and I've got to have that pistachio green too...I'm a child of the 70s and green appliances were cool.

Very interesting! I usually buy old straight stitch machines, but good to know if I do buy any multi-stitch. I'm sure the cams are easy to find but I'm curious to see if anybody has already modeled any to be 3D printed. If not, that may be a good project for me. 👍

I have the 158.17033. I have not received it yet but just in case this was extremely helpful!

Outstanding piece of information I happen to find out about that on one of my machines strictly by accident most of the time when I get an older Kenmore I don't necessarily have the manual😊 great video thanks

Always informative, and interesting. Thank you.

What a relief thank you

I have a 158.1515 which is very similar to this 1516. The 1515 has the reverse switch is on the neck instead of the base. As mentioned, with no cam it can only straight stitch and the #1 cam is needed for zig zag. The 1515 originally cam with 9 orange single stack cams and one special cam #121 unique to these machines. #121 is an orange double stack cam which apparently is special only to these machines and it allows them to create a triple reverse stretch stitch which is either straight stitch or zig zag controlled by the width knob. This is an amazing stitch seen on some of the top of the line models. Because these are low shank class 15 machines, I suppose they could use old style Singer or Kenmore low shank attachments. Does anyone know if these machines can use the gear driven Kenmore buttonhole or monogram attachments from the 70s era high end models?

I need cam disc set for 158-17530 Sears Kenmore

I want this ❤

Could you suggest how to change the belt for this specific machine?

Thank you so much for this video. I just picked up a kenmore 158.19800 and the cams were missing. Found a set on eBay. Unfortunately I am missing the foot pedal and it seems to be a unique one for that time period. Any chance you have one sitting around to buy? Thank you again.

Very useful video… I’m still waking my Kenmore up and was wondering about ‘these cams’ I’m hearing so much about. Btw where is the best place to go hunting for some (in addition to eBay/Etsy)… any suggestions?

wasnt there a range of Singers that used those discs too ,, very neat

I have this machine. Since 1975. Still do not know how to use the cams!