Speaking of Ironers and Mangles

[launderess]

Always wanted one of these! They are called "cold mangles" and are the way flatwork was ironed until heated ironers came on the scene. Very popular in Germany and Scandinavian countries.

One rolls slightly damp linen tightly around a wood dowel using a mangel cloth. Then one inserts the dowel into the machine, and a heavy wood or stone plate goes over the dowel. Once activated the plate goes back and forth over the wood dowel rolling it such. This goes on as long as one likes, then the machine is stopped, and the now smooth and flat linen is removed. Because these units do not have heat, linens smoothed this way were then hung to air dry.

Many people swear this is the best method of doing pure linen flatwork because it does not expose the fibers to high heat.

Bitte entschuldigen Sie die Störung...

 

[kenb]

Oh my, I have heard of these, but had never seen a picture of them. And, to think that it was manufactured as late as the 1950's-1960's and used up until unification!

 

[launderess]

Here is alink discussing how the whole contraption worked:

Mangling

Mangling

fiberarts.org

 

[mielabor]

Asko has a modern version of these. They call them "cold irons"

http://www.asko.se/our_products/rotary_irons/

 

[launderess]

Would LOVE to have one of those "cold irons", but again sadly they are not sold on this side of the pond. They are all over fleaBay in Germany and such, but doubt anyone would offer to ship.

Wonder if one contacts Asko would they import one for moi?

L.

 

[mielabor]

The Asko "cold iron" is not available in the Netherlands. There are, however, other models available here. They are not cheap: 435 euro for the table model and 2200 euro for the professional model.

(Website in Dutch only unfortunately)

http://www.sannydezoete.nl/onderhoud.htm

 

[launderess]

One sees these cold irons on eBay Germany all the time, however they are local auctions only, no shipping.

*Sigh*

Am here to tell you, cold mangling with a dowel and board gets old REAL fast.

L.

 

[mielabor]

I found the English version!

http://www.sannydezoete.nl/english/care.htm

 

[mielabor]

Shipment to USA offered:

http://www.vavstuga.com/store/mangles.shtml

 

[launderess]

Great Minds Think Alike

Actually saw that one earlier!

However have to say $400 plus is rather dear. Kaltmangels are almost being given away on eBay and Yahoo Germany. We're speaking of at most 100 Euros, and that is for a very TOL model with stand. Even with shipping to the United States, am willing to bet would come to less than what is quoted above.

L.

 

[mielabor]

I've just taken a look at eBay.de and I see what you mean. Some can be had for just 1 euro. Unfortunately "nur Abholung". Also several Pfaffs for sale. Manglewise you live in the wrong country

 

[launderess]

Going to have to get me a Secret Squirrel in Germany!

*LOL*

L.

 

[launderess]

Think may bite the bullet and go for the Amercian version.

Kaltmangels with an 80cm roller weigh in at about 36 kilos, and once proper packing and such are added in, we're talking about shipping a rather large 40 kilo package from Germany to the United States. That alone may run 50 euros or more.

With the USD so low against the euro, unless one found a kaltmangel for under 10 euros, costs may begin to approach half or more of the $400 American version.

There is also something to be said for that the American version has a local service network (well at least the people selling said units can get parts and such),and the motor runs on 120v power, with a standard 120v/15amp US plug attached. Do have converters from using my Pfaff, but using the proper plug means can locate the unit any where.

L.

 

[hydralique]

Launderess . . .

How are things going with getting repair parts for your Pfaff? Unfortunately I have no helpful information but hope you've been able to get something going on that.

 

[launderess]

Why Thank You For Asking

So very nice of you!

Well have a Secret Squrriel in Germany who has kindly got things rolling on that side of the pond, while another source in the States put me into contact with someone from Pfaff, who is also rendering assistance. Also contacted Pfaff in London, (so much easier to explain things in English), who is also willing to order parts.

Problem will come in getting the unit apart and installing parts if and when they arrive. Am telling you if the thing becomes really complicated, may pack up the entire thing and send it via DHL to either London or Munich for repair.

Thanks again for asking,

L.