Ironrite "Porta-Ironer" In MI

[launderess]

Yet another Ironerite model 890/Porta-Ironer. This unit must be newer than mine as it has an off and on switch for the motor. On my model plugging the cord into an outlet engages the motor.

Needs some cleaning up and perhaps a new cord from the looks of things, but otherwise a great chance for someone who wants an Ironrite however lacks the room for one of the larger models.

L.

Pardon Our Interruption...

 

[exploder3211]

I;d love to learn how to use one!

 

[dalangdon]

Exploder, I just got done running about 50 napkins through my Maytag Ironer (the Ironrite is still having neurological issues) It's the easiest thing in the world.

 

[exploder3211]

I am anixous to go to Tucson for the Ironing lessons, but these things look so easy to use! I have seen a few used, but never was allowed to touch, because people where afraid i would burn my fingers..

BTW-I tried to iron some pans last night and they looked worse than when i started... I wound up throwing them in the wash for a quick wash and drying them and that worked better

 

[tlee618]

I used an Ironrite for the first time when I was in Omaha at Greg's in December. I must say that it was a wonderful experience. I have used other ironers over the years and the Ironrite sure seems to be easier. Greg's Ironrite is in beautiful condition, looks like it is brand new.

 

[washerboy]

Training video

I have a training video for Ironrite on DVD..would be willing to share..I'm assuming you could burn a copy.mark

 

[gansky1]

This portable is very nice - a pad and roll-cover and it would look new!

What is the chrome rod that is lying on the right side of the ironer table? A hanging rod that attaches somewhere?

 

[westytoploader]

I've been wanting one of these...and look, they ship too!

 

[aamassther]

Are the covers still available for these units? I've wanted an ironer since I saw one in a neighbour's cellar as a kid. This looks like the perfect opportunity for me to have one. Being a sewer this would be perfect for pressing pre-washed yardage. With the added bonus of only being an hour's drive from me.

 

[launderess]

Ironrite covers are out there for the larger units, sometimes sold with units, otherwise on their own. However the roller on the portable unit is smaller and therefore requires a different cover than the standard sized Ironrites. If one sews it is easy as pie to run up a new cover using the old one as a pattern. That is how I made a cover for my "Porta-Ironer", and indeed how most women supplied covers for all makes/models of ironers. Ironrite was one of the first ironers to have pre-made covers in fact.

Not sure what the silver bar is for, but will have a peep at my unit later and see if there is such a thing about.

 

[aamassther]

Thank you, Launderess! As always, you're a font of information.

 

[sukething]

Hey Launderess....

That is great news. I have an Ironite Mangle that is the furntiure looking model, do you understand what I mean by this? I have the book to it as well, but can not find it at the moment. This was my neighbors on the farm that she used and she use it alot. Yes I also use it once in a while to iron Tea Towels and other things.

I was curious to know if I would ever have to change the pad at some point. Glad to know that they can be changed and but I am not sure if this is bigger than the table tops.

I also have another unusual ironing board that is basicailly square/rectangle. The one end has a button you push on the bottom that makes the end flip down so it then becomes the narrow end. Finding the anothe cover for this could be like a needle in a hay stack. I could just make another one, like the pad in the mangle. This ironing board was my grandmothers and my mother had one as well.

David

 

[launderess]

Wood Ironrites though very fashionable looking did not sell as well. Women didn't think it was sanitary to have their clean laundry coming in contact with polished wood surfaces. Also it is harder to keep a wood finish "sanitary", as opposed to white metal.

Never launder the under padding on Ironrites,it will shrink. You can however freshen/fluff them up by popping them into the dryer for a bit.

Your ironing board was made by Mary Proctor/Proctor later to become Proctor-Silex and have one as well. Came in several versions. Some flipped down on both sides, others only the one. Either way they are VERY collectible. Wouldn't be without mine on laundry day, but many quilters/sewers love them as well for the large rectangular surface. Have an extra MIB cover for mine that came with the board, but still sits unused as I simply ran up a new cover out of Nomex. Am not sure what fabric the original covers were, but think "Zeladon" was a asbestos.

As for NOS covers, there was one on eBay a few weeks ago, but not made by Proctor. Rather another brand but said on the front made to fit Proctor "flip-top" ironing boards. As bidding started going into the high end, lost interest. Covers are easy enough for me to make, and have lots of Nomex/white drill fabric about.

L.

 

[sukething]

I just came across the book...

This is the Cabinette Model 88.

This is what it says:

The Ironrite Cabinette, which has just been delivered to you, operates exactly the same as do Models 80 and 85 pictured in the Instruction Booklet. Use the instructions and instructional photographs as shown in this booklet in learning how to operate and care for you Ironrite Cabinette.

I am guessing by the way the ladies look in the book could be late 40 ish? I wish I had a scanner to copy this to send to you all.

Curious, does the table or portable machines still have a knee action lever?

David

 

[launderess]

Yes, the 880 & 890 all had knee lever controls. These and other late model Ironrites did away with dual knee controls in favour of one single lever that both stopped,started the roll and lifted and engaged the heating shoe. Ironrite made these modifications one assumes in competition with other ironers that advertised ease of use due to their having only one control for ladies to deal with.

L.

 

[sukething]

Launderess..thank you

I appreciate the info. Yes I might take you up on that cover for my ironing board. The cover I have on it now is like shiny grey tefflon I think. Which could be the one with aspestis in it? I hope I am wrong.

David

 

[launderess]

Slow Your Roll

Leave us not run to hasty conclusions, was only telling how Proctor covers could be made/found. Was not offering to run some up and you'll part my MIB stashed item out of my cold dead hands. *LOL*

 

[launderess]

Just in case any members are going after this ironer, a few tips regarding shipping:

Ironer can be shipped via UPS (mine was), but should be braced, well packed and crated. Crate should have a strong floor to prevent the ironer's wheels from some how coming through during transit.

Crate/package should be clearly marked "this end up" to make sure the unit is NOT turned upside down during transit. The gear box contains oil that will leak out if the unit is turned upside down.

Speaking of gear box oil, like all Ironrite's, the gear box on the "Porta-Ironers" contains oil, but am not sure if it is the same "Ironrite"/lightweight oil found on other models. Standing Ironrite models come with instructions for draining and replacing gear box oil inside the owner's manual. Have been all over my ironer and the manual and cannot find a way to drain the oil out, nor is the substance in the gear box a liquid oil to my eye. But rather sort of thick goo/gel type of substance. Ironrite didn't print a separate manual for the 890's but gave out the manual for the larger models instead. Have not been able to find out exactly what sort of "oil" Ironrite used in these portable ironers, but it stands to reason it is thicker as the unit is stored sideways. Standing Ironrites are never tipped on their sides with oil in the gear box because it would flow out and into the motor, possibly causing damage. Indeed new Ironrite ironers were not shipped with oil in the gear box. Rather an Ironrite technician would call and set up the unit for Madame, including putting oil into the gear box after delivery.

Ironrites take a lightweight (50W) oil, though one can find NOS cans of Ironrite oil on eBay and elsewhere they tend to go for insane prices for old oil.

My Porta-Ironer is getting "noisy" so probably may need an oil change, but not sure what to use/how to go about it. Know goo leaked out during transit as the packing and parts of the unit were stained in oil upon arrival. Damn stupid UPS man delivered the unit upside down!

L.

 

[petek]

Of all things I was just at our local Sally Ann today and they have a Beatty model on auction.. seems no one bid on it. It's the white metal cabinet model with the flip back cover. as much as I'd love to bring it home I'd be shot..