Any market for ironers?

[blackstone]

After many searches on eBay, I have come to the conclusion that there is no viable market for old ironers/mangels. I have about 5 of them that I would like to get rid of. They are not easy to ship, either. I may end up just junking them, unless anyone has any ideas of what else to do with them. I could just save the handles with wheels, and move suitcases around the airport.

Not on the list to deep-six is the Blackstone ironer inside a cabinet, which matches the old washers and dryers.

 

[launderess]

Whatcha Got?

Need another ironer like one needs a hole in the head, but always interested.

In general however you are correct in that selling ironers on eBay is hit or miss. Best if collected locally, and if there is a need within a certian area, then all bets are off; otherwise the poor things tend to languish.

Problem is as you noted in your post, vintage ironers are heavy beasts, and the larger cabinet Ironrite and other models need more than a cubby for storage.

Final problem is once has spent all that time, effort and money to aquire and get the thing home, if it breaks down, usually one is one one's own. In all but perhaps Ironrite cases parts are simply NLA, and in many instances have been so for ages. Repairs would probably have to be done by the owner (if one could find the parts that is), as finding an ironer repair person is like finding a virgin at a prison rodeo.

Now that Miele offers their rotary ironer in 120V/60Hz, bet many whom wanted an rotary ironer went with new, as at least parts and repair are easier to come by.

Again, would like to hear what you have, maybe willing to take one off your hands. Love my Pfaff ironer, and the mini Ironrite portable, but both have drawbacks as well as positives.

L.

 

[maytagbear]

You might have

better luck on the Craigslist.org for your area.

Lawrence/Maytagbear

 

[blackstone]

I did a quick check around the cellar, and found two Thor Automatic Gladiron, model 300, portable on wheels; and one Simplex model S-20, smaller, tabletop model. Don't know if they work or not. I thought I had a few more somewhere else. Maybe I didn't look hard enough. Just thought that I would check here first to see if there was any interest in them.

 

[gansky1]

If the ironers work and are in good shape, try posting a flyer with a couple of pictures at the local fabric and/or quilting shops. Large pieces of fabric are a breeze to press on these machines.

 

[launderess]

Thor GladIrons are a bear to ship. The case iron base and plate while strong is quite brittle, one wrong movement and the plate will snap apart. Sadly know this from experience, twice. IIRC Thor shipped these items crated, flat and strongly braced. Still, they are great units with amazing heat. My only complaint with Gladirons was they seemed to be designed more for shirts and really small items. Large sheets and other flatwork was a bear on those units. Still have the owner's manual, two sets of side "wings" and two cardboard roller covers. Let me know if you want to make either of yours a "set", in case you get a live one on the hook.

Table top ironers seem to do well on eBay. Guess because they are small and easily shipped. My favourite table top ironer would be the Speed Queen, because it could be operated by foot control. Having to reach to the side or back of the unit to operate the roller controls makes ironing rather complicated.

L.

 

[blackstone]

Interesting to see a new interest in ironers. While my ironers are not in such great shape, maybe someone local would take them off my hands. Guess I'll try Craigslist.

 

[launderess]

Now This Is An Ironer!

Think of all the fun one could have, if nothing else scaring the children. *LOL*

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=230035973894&indexURL=1#ebayphotohosting