Kenmore Tip-Toe-Matic ironing machine

[Versatronic]

Hi. Does anyone know anything about this "ironing machine"? It's only 20 minutes from my house so it would be a piece of cake to swing by and pick up. It would probably look pretty cool in my laundry room and I do have the room for it.

I just don't get exactly how it works? Anyone know? What is that black roller looking thing that's under it? Or is that some kind of foot pedal? Any ideas?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7353441400

 

[bethann]

Hey Mike

I'm sure Launderess can help you out with this one.

 

[Versatronic]

Thanks Bethann

With an name like Laundress, it sounds like the right person.

The seller just responded to some of my questions and here's what he said.

First you turn on the pre-heat button to pre-heat the ironing element, select if you want the feed roller to go fast or slow... when the temperature is up on the heater (no indicator - but there is a setting for cotton, linen, wool, etc.) feed the item into the roller and activate the roller switch with your foot (hence the tip-toe-matic)... the clothing will be fed between the heating element and the roller and come out the other end pressed and warm! I heard it was especially good for pants and sheets and
things like that... but I did meet a lady who said her mom had an ironing business "back in the day" using one of these things.

 

[launderess]

Intetesting Ironer

But vintage ironers are almost a dime a dozen on eBay these days, so wonder what the "reserve" price is. Would make an interesting "second" ironer as a back up to the Pfaff, but am becoming jaded about vintage ironers.

Within the past several weeks there have been auctions for two MIB ironers,one of which was a Speed Queen. If you are considering a vintage ironer, be prepared for the fact it will sooner or later need repair, and parts along with servicemen are rare.

Wonder why "pre-heating" is necessary? Some commercial irons require one pre-heat but haven't seen an ironer.

Despite the sellers instructions, there is a bit more to mangle ironing,but not too much. One has to learn the proper dampness for each item to be ironed,roller speed (if adjustable),and proper folding of large items.

Always found small (22" and below) roller ironers better for small things such as pillow slips, napkins and such. Large items like sheets will need to be folded to fit the width of the roller. Even then it can be a struggle to achive "dog ear" less results. Since my laundry room has a huge ironing table, I find it easier to just do my large flatwork ironing on it, even instead of using the Pfaff. Then again, not to sound immodest, am a pretty good ironer and probably can do most things faster by hand than with all the palaver required for ironers and presses. I'm thinking many housewives back in the day felt the same way, which is why so many of these units ended up with little or no use.

Launderess

 

[petek]

How can you resist with a name like Tip Toe Matic ?

 

[kenmore1978]

Maker

Hmmm, the 110. in the model number means it was made by Whirlpool

 

[foraloysius]

Cute machine! I would take it. When you pick it up make sure to check the thermostats. If they click, you should hear the click at the beginning when you turn it, so on the cold side. If they click in the middle the thermostats are worn out and the highest temperatures will not be reached. Make sure you put the thermostats back to cold after each use.

 

[Versatronic]

Well...

There's no reserve on it. Opening bid is 20 bucks. The guy says there's not a spec of rust on it. I would probably never use it. I barely use the ironing board I have now. Seems to me it would be a pretty cool looking addition to the Laundry room even if it doesn't get much use. Heck, I could use it as a table.

And as Pete says, how can you resist something called a Tip-Toe-Matic? I think I'll bid the 20 and if someone wants it more than me, then it's probably going to a good home.

 

[chelebelle]

Versatronic --

I say "Get it!" I'm in the middle of making arrangements to get an Easy Ironer by Easy Washing Machine Corp for FREE!! It heats up but couldn't briefly figure out how to make it GO. Never have used one but willing to give it a whirl. Learned a few things while checking out the ironrite.com site. Just recently found out that my neighbor (in her 70"s now) has used an Ironrite while raising her 8 kids. Hopefully she can give me sone guidance on how to use it (without scorching things). Good luck and hope you get it.

 

[michaelman2]

Chele...good advice...and Versa..remember..the garment/linen must be somewhat damp..these ironers are not steam ironers.

 

[Versatronic]

My bid is in

I put my bid in and I'll know in three hours if I'll be the new owner.

 

[chelebelle]

Versatronic -
I see that the bidding has just ended. It looks like you are the probably the winner since you are the only bidder. I would have liked to have bid on it myself had it been closer to Michigan. I think I'm a little "jealous." Let us know if it heats and rolls well. The cover that comes with it is well worth the $20 alone. :>)

 

[Versatronic]

Yeah, I'm the new proud owner

The seller says he's leaving for a camping trip in 10 minutes so I won't be getting it tonight (It's only a 15-20 minutes drive). He demands to be paypaled now rather then me handing him a 20 when I pick it up. Isn't that odd considering paypal will take a cut of the 20 and I'm so close?

Chelebelle, I see stuff all the time that I'd like to have but aren't close enough to drive to and the shipping would be too expensive. It's frustrating some times that they're there but out of reach.