Bendix Ironer

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Unfortunately I have not even plugged it in. I picked it up earlier and then dropped it off at my storage unit for now. We are currently living in a motorhome so all my collections are in storage right now. We are looking at having a house built, around the first of the year. Hopefully I'll then have room for everything.
 
Very nice!  Looks very similar to the Ironrite except on the Bendix, the ironing plate moves to the roll instead of the roll moving down onto the plate.  

 

I went to an estate sale/garage sale not far from here some years ago and they had this same ironer for sale, not in as nice of condition.  It turned out, the owner had worked for a Bendix dealer in the 50's and did many home instruction courses for new owners.  He did all the ironing in his own house as well, really loved that machine.

 

 
 
Back when Consumer Reports routinely tested rotary irons, Ironrite and Bendix models were nearly always top scoring.

As both Ironrite company and its patents were alive and well when Bendix wanted to come out with an ironer, the latter had to find ways around.



When Pfaff wanted to release ironers however Ironrite (or at least patents) were gone; so they could "borrow" that technology.



There is course a learning curve, but soon one does get the hang of things.



 
Wow! What a beautiful machine! I am happy for you. Those folding work surface wings look large enough to accommodate candelabra which I think you should procure to complete the ironing elegance. If you can only find one, you can place it on the open shell either centered or to one side like Liberace. Be on the lookout for a little spray bottle or mister. Water is what you use to erase any catfaces or wrinkles you accidentally iron into fabrics.
 
@jon

You know I love you more than my luggage, and please take no offense, but that Ironrite clip is just priceless.

Everyone goes through a learning curve with ironers or presses. Myself have several badly scorched items lying in rag bin from early efforts in using rotary ironer or laundry press. Nowadays it is only the ancient Simplex ironer that gives one problems; lacking a thermostat it truly is like rotary ironing by seat of one's pants so to speak.

What did many in with Ironrite ironers was the dual knee pedal controls. Sort of like driving a manual transmission with a clutch I suppose; daunting at first, but once have things down it is rather easy. Ironrite later did go with single control lever, but didn't offer two speeds. Once you lower that roller and things start to move... watch out!

Have heard of and seen persons doing undershirts or "T-shirts" on rotary ironers; prefer to use my Elna or Hurley press instead. Less stretching things out of shape.
 
Ironrite 95

I picked this baby up for $50. I was thrilled as my mom had the same one when I was I kid and I can remember my brother and I having to iron all the flat pieces. Before I bought we turned it on, it warmed up quickly, the drum turned it was quiet. And overall it was pretty clean. Got it home (we kept it upright the entire move) turned it on and smoke started coming out of the motor. We are in no way mechanical. We're in San Francisco and are wondering if anyone knows of someone in the area that actually works on these?

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Laundryguysf,
I wanted an Ironrite 95 for a long time. I loved the light:) Although my desire for owning has passed, I have quite an Ironrite file if you are interested. I am also in San Francisco, Lower Haight.
I wonder if some oil moved when you were transporting it. Have you tried posting on Next-door or other social media sites for help with the smoking motor? Since it worked so well when you bought it, I can see your frustration when you smell smoke when you get it home.
George
 
Hi guys,
Thanks for your suggestions and comments. Not knowing what else to do I called one of my cousins. He came over and took a look. His only suggestion was that I drain and replace the gear case oil. I did that the next day, turned it on a presto! Absolutely perfection. I have no idea what was causing it to smoke or if changing the oil was the solution but I ironed napkins and a couple of tablecloths with no problem. I didn’t even have to replace the light. I can’t believe I still remember (somewhat) how to use it. And I also found the original users manual in the side pocket.
 

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