Speaking of Ironrites
Will probably move on my 890 "Portaway" Ironer.
Long story short:
Saw this ironer on fleaBay, and for once a Frigidare ironer (or any large ironer) was located in NYS. However this may be let it go since was busy deciding on the now much lamented purchase of the Whirlpool portable.
Well imagine my surprise when the thing appeared on an upstate NY CL listing. Even better the seller was basically giving the unit away for nothing. Thing failed to get any bids at a rather low price on eBay, and seller wanted it gone after finding it in a newly purchased home.
What could one do? Rang the man up and inquired about condition and so forth. After putting the ironer through some paces while on the telehone with moi, and one could hear the motor running etc, ironer was mine for the taking if shipping downstate could be arranged. How could one say no? Main concern of the seller was that the unit NOT go to a scrap metal scavanger (apparentlty there had been many calls of that nature), and assured him one wasn't one of those.
Through the magic of U-Ship ironer arrived earlier today and one set about cleaning and polishing. Used a "Julbilee" type cleaner,polish, wax on everything but the lower foot rest and inner cabinet, so now the thing shines like 1950's porcelian and chrome should. As you can see from the photographs rust is about here and there, and perhaps someday will get around to dealing with that, but overall the condition is grand. Also am here to tell you, this thing is HEAVY!
One other issue is one cannot get the roller to run on "high" speed. From seller testing whilst one was on the telephone with him, knew about this and thought it was simply ignorance of use, but sadly no. Will know more after reading the owner's manual, if one is doing something wrong, or something is out of whack with the machine.
Why take in this unit? Well for one aside from my Pfaff, this ironer has the longest roller one has seen on a domestic ironer, about 29". While one initially loved the small portable Ironrite, the roller width is really too small for anything but tiny napkins without folding things. Sheets in that unit are out of the question, as are any other large flatwork items. My Pfaff unit is still working like a champ, but as with the Miele washer it is going on. Also there isn't any local or even USA support for Pfaff ironers. My one contact at PfaffUSA has sold his Pfaff sewing store and taken a position with Pfaff corporate on the west coast.
Well, thats' me for you. Won't be doing any ironing with the Frigidare ironer until after the holiday. Must fit new padding and a roller cover, as well as fully examine and test the electrics and motor.
Ironrite "smell"? Do youse mean like gear oil and steam? *LOL*
All ironers, and indeed ironing damp linens in general produce the wonderful scent of steam from clean washing. Even better when things have been hung outside for a bit.
L.