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Riccar / White model 888
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hub...@ccanoemail.com
Mar 5, 2012, 9:44:29 AM3/5/12
to
Hi all ;
I recently picked up a very clean Thrift Shop machine - wondering if
anyone here ever had one - to comment on its quality and reliability.
It's branded White Model 888 but I'm quite sure it's a Riccar 888.
I downloaded the manual from Riccar's web site.
The nameplate does not say where it was made.
It came with over 20 cams - that look very much like the Elna cams.
It's a free-arm ; in a case ; works great ; just missing the add-on
table attachment.
I'm struggling with how old this machine might be ? It's in such clean
condition I can't believe that it's 1970's, as the cams suggest ?
Any expreience with this machine ? - comments welcome.
Thanks ;
John T.
I recently picked up a very clean Thrift Shop machine - wondering if
anyone here ever had one - to comment on its quality and reliability.
It's branded White Model 888 but I'm quite sure it's a Riccar 888.
I downloaded the manual from Riccar's web site.
The nameplate does not say where it was made.
It came with over 20 cams - that look very much like the Elna cams.
It's a free-arm ; in a case ; works great ; just missing the add-on
table attachment.
I'm struggling with how old this machine might be ? It's in such clean
condition I can't believe that it's 1970's, as the cams suggest ?
Any expreience with this machine ? - comments welcome.
Thanks ;
John T.
BEI Design
Mar 5, 2012, 3:35:58 PM3/5/12
to
""how old is this machine"? My question is, why does it
matter? If it looks good and works well, the age is
irrelevant. If you have the serial number you may be able
to ask the manufacturer the year it was made,
I am using my original Singer 401A (bought new in 1961)
every day. It looks nice, I have I have all the cams and
feet, it has been maintained and treated it well. I like
it so much I have purchased two additional ones (used) to
serve as back-ups and loaners.
--
Beverly
http://ickes.us/default.aspx
Ron Anderson
Mar 5, 2012, 3:38:54 PM3/5/12
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<hub...@ccanoemail.com> wrote in message
news:gpj9l7hc1ei6i9iik...@4ax.com...
--
Ron Anderson A1 Sewing Machine
18 Dingman Rd Sand Lake, NY 12153
http://www.a1sewingmachine.com
www.facebook.com/A1SewingMachineSpecialists
hub...@ccanoemail.com
Mar 5, 2012, 7:52:21 PM3/5/12
to
>> Hi all ;
>> I recently picked up a very clean Thrift Shop machine - wondering if
>> anyone here ever had one - to comment on its quality and reliability.
>> It's branded White Model 888 but I'm quite sure it's a Riccar 888.
>> I downloaded the manual from Riccar's web site.
>> The nameplate does not say where it was made.
>> It came with over 20 cams - that look very much like the Elna cams.
>> It's a free-arm ; in a case ; works great ; just missing the add-on
>> table attachment.
>> I'm struggling with how old this machine might be ? It's in such clean
>> condition I can't believe that it's 1970's, as the cams suggest ?
>> Any expreience with this machine ? - comments welcome.
>> Thanks ;
>> John T.
>>
>I can not find anything on a White 888 but the Riccar was made 1965-1971
Could it be an Asian copy of the Riccar - badged White
( maybe in Canada only ? ) .. the nameplate has CSA
Canadian Standards Assn. emblem.
.. the Riccar manual has a few Chinglish phrases -
" Even in straight sewing, it does not matter at all
to use zigzag sewing foot, but in case a fine and perfect
stitching is required, it is favorable to replace it to straight
sewing foot. "
Any thoughts/experience on the quality/reliability, Ron ?
I don't want to gift-it to someone - if it's a load-of-trouble.
John T.
hub...@ccanoemail.com
Mar 5, 2012, 8:21:59 PM3/5/12
to
I was just curious about this machine.
It seemed 1970's, but looked about 5 years old - maybe.
.. except for a few features - eg power plug ; case; acc box.
An enigma for sure - to me, at least.
Ron says 1965 - 1971 - I wish I could show you the insides
of this machine... it looked almost brand new.
I oiled it & gave it a test drive for most of the cams - no problem.
I didn't try the buttonhole or 2-needle things.
The only thing that I noticed was - a shake/vibration at full
throttle - only at full throttle. Dunno.
... if I could find an Elna Star SU in this condition -
I'd quit looking ! :-)
This one seems just a little noiser than my Elna's -
but not much ! but still much quieter that my wife's
new low-end Janome !
Regards ; John T.
Ron Anderson
Mar 6, 2012, 9:34:58 AM3/6/12
to
<hub...@ccanoemail.com> wrote in message
news:hqmal758j1o3k11ce...@4ax.com...
I could better determine that., I based my comment on the info you gave
only. As I said White does not list it, but now if you are in Canada that
also changes the game as many manufactures sell models in one country and
not others.
hub...@ccanoemail.com
Mar 6, 2012, 10:37:08 AM3/6/12
to
>>>I can not find anything on a White 888 but the Riccar was made 1965-1971
>> Many Thanks Ron.
>> Could it be an Asian copy of the Riccar - badged White
>> ( maybe in Canada only ? ) .. the nameplate has CSA
>> Canadian Standards Assn. emblem.
>> I don't want to gift-it to someone - if it's a load-of-trouble.
>> John T.
>I have no way of know what exactly it is. Maybe if you sent me photo's email
>I could better determine that., I based my comment on the info you gave
>only. As I said White does not list it, but now if you are in Canada that
>also changes the game as many manufactures sell models in one country and
>not others.
It's a Riccar 888 badged White 888.
>> John T.
>I have no way of know what exactly it is. Maybe if you sent me photo's email
>I could better determine that., I based my comment on the info you gave
>only. As I said White does not list it, but now if you are in Canada that
>also changes the game as many manufactures sell models in one country and
>not others.
I found a photo, through google image search, that I'll send you.
The thing that looks like stitch selection dial - is actually a door
that slides up to reveal the cam.
Thanks, John T.
shrn...@gmail.com
Apr 12, 2013, 10:35:06 AM4/12/13
to
shrn...@gmail.com
Apr 12, 2013, 10:38:08 AM4/12/13
to
hub...@ccanoemail.com
Apr 12, 2013, 5:10:14 PM4/12/13
to
>>> Hi all ;
>>> I recently picked up a very clean Thrift Shop machine - wondering if
>>> anyone here ever had one - to comment on its quality and reliability.
>>> It's branded White Model 888 but I'm quite sure it's a Riccar 888.
>>> I downloaded the manual from Riccar's web site.
>>> The nameplate does not say where it was made.
>>> It came with over 20 cams - that look very much like the Elna cams.
>>> It's a free-arm ; in a case ; works great ; just missing the add-on
>>> table attachment.
>>> I'm struggling with how old this machine might be ? It's in such clean
>>> condition I can't believe that it's 1970's, as the cams suggest ?
>>> Any expreience with this machine ? - comments welcome.
>>> John T.
>> I have a Riccar model 888 sewing machine and it runs great.
>> They are made in Japan.
>> Mine is all metal, which I like better than the plastic machines.
>> You can probably find dealers in your area because Riccar
>> makes vacuums and other home appliances. Hope that this helps.
>> If the machine runs well you have a great little machine.
>>This machine comes with cams that you use to make decorative stitches.
>> I have a small box of them. You do not need the cams if you are doing a straight stitch.
Thanks for the reply.
>> I have a Riccar model 888 sewing machine and it runs great.
>> They are made in Japan.
>> Mine is all metal, which I like better than the plastic machines.
>> You can probably find dealers in your area because Riccar
>> makes vacuums and other home appliances. Hope that this helps.
>> If the machine runs well you have a great little machine.
>>This machine comes with cams that you use to make decorative stitches.
>> I have a small box of them. You do not need the cams if you are doing a straight stitch.
I gifted the machine to my sister-in-law after she was impressed with
the decorative stitches and the overall condition of the machine.
I haven't heard-back from her about it ...
John T.
--- news://freenews.netfront.net/ - complaints: ne...@netfront.net ---
Diana
Aug 6, 2020, 12:00:06 PM8/6/20
to
I have the same one bought around 1973brand new. I was 14 lol.
--
For full context, visit https://www.inspirepoint.com/sewing/riccar-white-model-888-70248-.htm
--
For full context, visit https://www.inspirepoint.com/sewing/riccar-white-model-888-70248-.htm
ItsJoanNotJoann
Aug 6, 2020, 6:15:11 PM8/6/20
to
LBryan
Jul 17, 2021, 1:15:04 AM7/17/21
to
Just wanted to add onto the conversation, yes I know it began years ago.
Bought a reconditioned Riccar 888N "SuperStretch" free arm zigzager in Fairbanks AK about 2001 and gave it to my daughters, who were at that time Univ. students. Made in Japan. It is very sturdy, almost entirely metal, with a removable table and a very narrow open arn. I think it predates my beloved Viking 6020 which has cams with 4 designs instead of one. The Riccar is still working just fine, although because it sits for along time until I as an occasional visitor to the state rev it up, the machine has to sit for a long time between use. I haven't used it since pre-Covid but daughter swears she used it for making masks in 2020.
It has the ever-popular (and not on my Viking) duckie and the fish cams. Never know when you'll need those! And the 3-step zigzag, which when teamed up with the narrow open arm, is the primary reason for owning one of these oldies--so fabulous for repairing outerwear and Carhart canvas garments and tents and such.
I'm finding that removing the inserted cam is hard for me today...I am going to have to do some extra oiling I think. Wish me well?
Bought a reconditioned Riccar 888N "SuperStretch" free arm zigzager in Fairbanks AK about 2001 and gave it to my daughters, who were at that time Univ. students. Made in Japan. It is very sturdy, almost entirely metal, with a removable table and a very narrow open arn. I think it predates my beloved Viking 6020 which has cams with 4 designs instead of one. The Riccar is still working just fine, although because it sits for along time until I as an occasional visitor to the state rev it up, the machine has to sit for a long time between use. I haven't used it since pre-Covid but daughter swears she used it for making masks in 2020.
It has the ever-popular (and not on my Viking) duckie and the fish cams. Never know when you'll need those! And the 3-step zigzag, which when teamed up with the narrow open arm, is the primary reason for owning one of these oldies--so fabulous for repairing outerwear and Carhart canvas garments and tents and such.
I'm finding that removing the inserted cam is hard for me today...I am going to have to do some extra oiling I think. Wish me well?
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