bee-vac
Well-known member
Hello all,
Was just curious to know if there are any of us in here that collect irons?
Was just curious to know if there are any of us in here that collect irons?
Irons...
- Thread starter bee-vac
- Start date
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super-sweeper
Well-known member
Me too!
I usually pick up nicer, shiny older ones here-and-there! A Sunbeam, Hamilton Beach, 2 G-E's and 2 General Mils (The same models, too!). But like Kenkart, I tend not to have just "One" of everything!
I usually pick up nicer, shiny older ones here-and-there! A Sunbeam, Hamilton Beach, 2 G-E's and 2 General Mils (The same models, too!). But like Kenkart, I tend not to have just "One" of everything!
thermokid
Well-known member
Collect Irons?
Yes I do I have about 10 irons. The funny thing is I don't even hardly ever Iron anything. I also collect Garden Sprinklers, Tea pots,and Candy dishes.
Yes I do I have about 10 irons. The funny thing is I don't even hardly ever Iron anything. I also collect Garden Sprinklers, Tea pots,and Candy dishes.
paulg
Well-known member
Sorta
I iron much of my clothing, but modern irons seem to have a quick mortality (China).
After buying new irons, treating them well and then having them fail for the wrong reasons, I gave up.
At estate sales I kept finding new-in-box irons from the 1970s and before. I've picked up a few new-in-box irons so I never have to buy a new iron again.
They were all cheap, all way under ten dollars each. They work great, are better suited to my hand than modern irons and last a long time. They're heavier and seem to give a better press.
So far I have:
GE Self-Clean 1975 (Daily-driver # 1)
Sunbeam Shot-Of-Steam 1975 (Daily-driver #2)
Hoover Steam/Spray in butterscotch color / 1960s
Sunbeam steam, 1970s.
Presto with pushbuttons. 1960s. (Don't use. Fun to look at but ungainly).
Grandma's 1950's GE dry iron
Grandma's 1940's American Beauty Dry Iron.
Mom's GE lightweight 1980's
GE Multi-Voltage travel iron / 1960's / I use it when I travel.
And one unacceptable iron:
I test every iron extensively for operations, electrical body leakage and general safety.
I bought one new-in-box Kenm@re Iron from 1957. It worked fine except for one thing. If you even barely touch the iron or ironing board, the iron will fall over. I have an uber-stable ironing board. This unit has great 1950's styling but I won't ever use it again.
And there you go...
I iron much of my clothing, but modern irons seem to have a quick mortality (China).
After buying new irons, treating them well and then having them fail for the wrong reasons, I gave up.
At estate sales I kept finding new-in-box irons from the 1970s and before. I've picked up a few new-in-box irons so I never have to buy a new iron again.
They were all cheap, all way under ten dollars each. They work great, are better suited to my hand than modern irons and last a long time. They're heavier and seem to give a better press.
So far I have:
GE Self-Clean 1975 (Daily-driver # 1)
Sunbeam Shot-Of-Steam 1975 (Daily-driver #2)
Hoover Steam/Spray in butterscotch color / 1960s
Sunbeam steam, 1970s.
Presto with pushbuttons. 1960s. (Don't use. Fun to look at but ungainly).
Grandma's 1950's GE dry iron
Grandma's 1940's American Beauty Dry Iron.
Mom's GE lightweight 1980's
GE Multi-Voltage travel iron / 1960's / I use it when I travel.
And one unacceptable iron:
I test every iron extensively for operations, electrical body leakage and general safety.
I bought one new-in-box Kenm@re Iron from 1957. It worked fine except for one thing. If you even barely touch the iron or ironing board, the iron will fall over. I have an uber-stable ironing board. This unit has great 1950's styling but I won't ever use it again.
And there you go...
Oddly, I have several, too
The "newest" one is a Black and Decker "Classic". 2 of them. I also have an abundance of HOOVER irons, and one Rowenta. Yikes!!
The "newest" one is a Black and Decker "Classic". 2 of them. I also have an abundance of HOOVER irons, and one Rowenta. Yikes!!
bee-vac
Well-known member
Irons!
I have a handful myself. I'm partial to the early boiler type, the really steam like no other.
I have a handful myself. I'm partial to the early boiler type, the really steam like no other.
bee-vac
Well-known member
Non stop steam
They take a little getting used to, but once you get the hang of it, look out!
They take a little getting used to, but once you get the hang of it, look out!
Here's the daily
driver.
driver.
My aunt bought a Rowenta
and HATED it. Mine was a gift. I've never used it.... yet.
and HATED it. Mine was a gift. I've never used it.... yet.
Anachronism
Well-known member
- Joined
- Feb 15, 2014
- Messages
- 110
I have a few IRON bottom GEs, and a GE Hotpoint which I use for installing veneer and bending light sections of wood in my cabinet shop. Aside from pressing seams & hems on upholstery work & draperies, they don't contact fabric----------
gsheen
Well-known member
If you looked in my linen closet their are about 7 that the cleaning lady has killed. But I do like the looks of older ones and would buy one if I found it
smow69
Well-known member
irons
these are my daily users but i have about 20 and also about 25 mixers 3 blenders 12 shampooers 50 or so vacuum cleaners, and an old wooden ironing board that was a wedding gift to my mom from my grandparents in 1947. i also have a metel one the wood is better hands down.
these are my daily users but i have about 20 and also about 25 mixers 3 blenders 12 shampooers 50 or so vacuum cleaners, and an old wooden ironing board that was a wedding gift to my mom from my grandparents in 1947. i also have a metel one the wood is better hands down.
smow69
Well-known member
pic 2 soul plate
soul plate on steam iron
soul plate on steam iron
smow69
Well-known member
pic dry iron
this is for quick uses
this is for quick uses
smow69
Well-known member
pic 4
does anyone know what to use to clean bottom of iron
does anyone know what to use to clean bottom of iron
danemodsandy
Well-known member
- Joined
- Mar 27, 2007
- Messages
- 1,701
Cleaning Soleplates:
There are three basic kinds of soleplates: Aluminum, stainless and non-stick.
Non-stick doesn't really require cleaning except for an occasional wipe with a damp cloth. Stainless and aluminum are the ones that require some effort.
Aluminum is the easier of the two - I've always cared for mine by giving the soleplate a good going-over with a Brillo or S.O.S. pad. After doing that, some of the pad's soap will have made its way into any steam holes in the soleplate, so good rinsing (and using the self-clean or shot-of-steam feature if the iron has it) is needed to get the soap out. A Brillo or S.O.S. pad can put a very smooth surface back onto a neglected soleplate.
After cleaning an aluminum soleplate, I always set the iron to a medium heat and use it to "iron" a piece of waxed paper. The wax coats the soleplate and makes the iron glide very smoothly.
Stainless soleplates should never get Brillo or S.O.S. pads. On those, I use a stainless cleaner called Cameo, which comes in a shaker can kind of like Comet Cleanser. It will be somewhere near the other cleansers in a good grocery store. Walmart's grocery section has it in the cleaning supplies aisle. Sprinkle some on a damp sponge and rub the soleplate with it.
Again, thorough rinsing is needed after using Cameo. Do not use the waxed paper trick on stainless soleplates; they're very highly polished and it should not be needed.
A well-maintained soleplate adds a lot to the pleasure of using a good iron. And it makes a cheap iron much easier to live with!
There are three basic kinds of soleplates: Aluminum, stainless and non-stick.
Non-stick doesn't really require cleaning except for an occasional wipe with a damp cloth. Stainless and aluminum are the ones that require some effort.
Aluminum is the easier of the two - I've always cared for mine by giving the soleplate a good going-over with a Brillo or S.O.S. pad. After doing that, some of the pad's soap will have made its way into any steam holes in the soleplate, so good rinsing (and using the self-clean or shot-of-steam feature if the iron has it) is needed to get the soap out. A Brillo or S.O.S. pad can put a very smooth surface back onto a neglected soleplate.
After cleaning an aluminum soleplate, I always set the iron to a medium heat and use it to "iron" a piece of waxed paper. The wax coats the soleplate and makes the iron glide very smoothly.
Stainless soleplates should never get Brillo or S.O.S. pads. On those, I use a stainless cleaner called Cameo, which comes in a shaker can kind of like Comet Cleanser. It will be somewhere near the other cleansers in a good grocery store. Walmart's grocery section has it in the cleaning supplies aisle. Sprinkle some on a damp sponge and rub the soleplate with it.
Again, thorough rinsing is needed after using Cameo. Do not use the waxed paper trick on stainless soleplates; they're very highly polished and it should not be needed.
A well-maintained soleplate adds a lot to the pleasure of using a good iron. And it makes a cheap iron much easier to live with!
paulg
Well-known member
Faultless Hot Iron Cleaner
I use Faultless Hot Iron Cleaner religiously to clean crud off of soleplates. It works great. Keep a window open as it does smoke up a bit. Get a bunch of old rags to wipe the soleplate clean.
I have run into soleplates that don't clean-up. In one case I went to a local small-appliance shop who advertised soleplate buffing. (It was a few years ago...) They had what seemed to be be a really big cottony buffing wheel on a motor. He buffed the soleplate out til it shone. There was some cleaning substance on the wheel but I never did find out what it was.
I use Faultless Hot Iron Cleaner religiously to clean crud off of soleplates. It works great. Keep a window open as it does smoke up a bit. Get a bunch of old rags to wipe the soleplate clean.
I have run into soleplates that don't clean-up. In one case I went to a local small-appliance shop who advertised soleplate buffing. (It was a few years ago...) They had what seemed to be be a really big cottony buffing wheel on a motor. He buffed the soleplate out til it shone. There was some cleaning substance on the wheel but I never did find out what it was.
electrolux137
Well-known member
.
.
I don't collect irons or any other small appliances other than vacuum cleaners and floor polishers; however, a variety of vintage irons, blenders, toasters, typewriters, pencil sharpeners, etc. etc. etc. have come and gone over the years.
I have used various late-model irons. The best in terms of performance, I think, was a Black & Decker steam iron as noted above. The problems with it were (a) didn't last very long and (b) weren't heavy enough for thicker fabrics.
Mama always swore by G.E. Irons; for as long as I can remember it's the only kind she used -- and may still! Well, one day in a thrift store I saw one "just like Mama's" for only around $5.00 so of course I bought it. Boy does that thing work great!!
.
I don't collect irons or any other small appliances other than vacuum cleaners and floor polishers; however, a variety of vintage irons, blenders, toasters, typewriters, pencil sharpeners, etc. etc. etc. have come and gone over the years.
I have used various late-model irons. The best in terms of performance, I think, was a Black & Decker steam iron as noted above. The problems with it were (a) didn't last very long and (b) weren't heavy enough for thicker fabrics.
Mama always swore by G.E. Irons; for as long as I can remember it's the only kind she used -- and may still! Well, one day in a thrift store I saw one "just like Mama's" for only around $5.00 so of course I bought it. Boy does that thing work great!!
electrolux137
Well-known member
.
.
Here's another iron I have from the mid 1970s that I found at a yard sale for a couple of bucks, a Sunbeam "Shot of Steam." I picked it up just for its cool design and shape.
When I got it home and fired it up, WOW! Does that little thing ever make the steam! Enough to be able to use it as a light-duty clothes steamer. I was mightily impressed with it, as was Arlee when he saw it. He said, "I had one just like it when I was in college, but it was brown and tan."
The aluminum sole plate needs a bit of sprucing up. I'll use some steel wool with some aluminum polish, then do the wax paper trick as suggested above.
.
Here's another iron I have from the mid 1970s that I found at a yard sale for a couple of bucks, a Sunbeam "Shot of Steam." I picked it up just for its cool design and shape.
When I got it home and fired it up, WOW! Does that little thing ever make the steam! Enough to be able to use it as a light-duty clothes steamer. I was mightily impressed with it, as was Arlee when he saw it. He said, "I had one just like it when I was in college, but it was brown and tan."
The aluminum sole plate needs a bit of sprucing up. I'll use some steel wool with some aluminum polish, then do the wax paper trick as suggested above.
electrolux137
Well-known member
.
.
After Arlee mentioned he had had the brown and tan model, I thought it would be fun to see if I could find one to surprise him with. Well gee, there were more than a dozen of them on eBay, and most of them with very reasonable starting bids or Buy-It-Now prices.
I saw one listed that was brand new in the box; the seller stated in the listing that the box was still sealed with the original staples. I got it for $15.00 "Buy It Now" with free shipping!
When it arrived in the mail, I knew what it was by the size of the outer box the shipper had (THANKFULLY!) sent it in. I handed it to Arlee and said, "Here's a little surprise for you." He opened the box, and when he saw what it was he exclaimed with delight, "Oh wow! That's the very one I had!"
He removed one of the staples from the original box and opened the flap. Inside was the iron swaddled in white tissue paper and all the original literature including warranty card and info tags attached to the cord.
He put it in the laundry room and said, "It will be fun to use it. I really liked the one I used to have."
.
After Arlee mentioned he had had the brown and tan model, I thought it would be fun to see if I could find one to surprise him with. Well gee, there were more than a dozen of them on eBay, and most of them with very reasonable starting bids or Buy-It-Now prices.
I saw one listed that was brand new in the box; the seller stated in the listing that the box was still sealed with the original staples. I got it for $15.00 "Buy It Now" with free shipping!
When it arrived in the mail, I knew what it was by the size of the outer box the shipper had (THANKFULLY!) sent it in. I handed it to Arlee and said, "Here's a little surprise for you." He opened the box, and when he saw what it was he exclaimed with delight, "Oh wow! That's the very one I had!"
He removed one of the staples from the original box and opened the flap. Inside was the iron swaddled in white tissue paper and all the original literature including warranty card and info tags attached to the cord.
He put it in the laundry room and said, "It will be fun to use it. I really liked the one I used to have."
electrolux137
Well-known member
.
.
And speaking of steamers, about, hm, 10 years ago or so I found a Jiffy Steamer at a thrift shop for $10.00. The clerk at the shop let me try it out -- she brought me a cup of water from the back. I poured the water in and turned it on and WOWW!! Steam for days! I could do most of my clothes with the steamer and not have a lot of ironing to do.
I actually kinda hate ironing; when I was growing up, we all had to take turns with the Ironing Duty on wash day. With 5 kids and 2 parents, there was always a LOT of ironing and it would take the better part of an afternoon to do it all, a weekly after-school chore that I just loathed.
To this day, I still do not enjoy ironing. I know some people get into the "zen" aspect of it, the same way that some people get into the "zen" aspect of mowing a yard and enjoying seeing the grass get trimmed and neatened-up.
That's another chore I hope I never have to do again -- cutting grass. When I was in elementary- and junior-high-school, my brothers and sister and I used to make money in the summertime cutting grass for neighbors. We lived on an island in Virginia at the time. Most people's yards were full of sand, especially those folks who lived near the waterfront. And there were pine trees all over the place which meant dried-out pine cones to watch out for. It was a routine thing when cutting people's grass to get hit with a searing blast of sand or popped in the head by a pine cone sent aloft by the lawn mower.
Aaaaaaaaaaanway, when I found that steamer I was very happy with it. But when we moved, I am sorry to say I gave it away. It was just one more thing to deal with and I was afraid I wouldn't have anywhere to keep it. Now I wish I'd never gotten rid of it. Oh well.
.
And speaking of steamers, about, hm, 10 years ago or so I found a Jiffy Steamer at a thrift shop for $10.00. The clerk at the shop let me try it out -- she brought me a cup of water from the back. I poured the water in and turned it on and WOWW!! Steam for days! I could do most of my clothes with the steamer and not have a lot of ironing to do.
I actually kinda hate ironing; when I was growing up, we all had to take turns with the Ironing Duty on wash day. With 5 kids and 2 parents, there was always a LOT of ironing and it would take the better part of an afternoon to do it all, a weekly after-school chore that I just loathed.
To this day, I still do not enjoy ironing. I know some people get into the "zen" aspect of it, the same way that some people get into the "zen" aspect of mowing a yard and enjoying seeing the grass get trimmed and neatened-up.
That's another chore I hope I never have to do again -- cutting grass. When I was in elementary- and junior-high-school, my brothers and sister and I used to make money in the summertime cutting grass for neighbors. We lived on an island in Virginia at the time. Most people's yards were full of sand, especially those folks who lived near the waterfront. And there were pine trees all over the place which meant dried-out pine cones to watch out for. It was a routine thing when cutting people's grass to get hit with a searing blast of sand or popped in the head by a pine cone sent aloft by the lawn mower.
Aaaaaaaaaaanway, when I found that steamer I was very happy with it. But when we moved, I am sorry to say I gave it away. It was just one more thing to deal with and I was afraid I wouldn't have anywhere to keep it. Now I wish I'd never gotten rid of it. Oh well.
super-sweeper
Well-known member
Charles,
I have that SAME G-E iron! That cord, however, is not original. The one on mine is a BEAUTIFUL matching turquoise, soft & supple! With a molded plug that can clip to the wrapped cord. I bought at a years sale years ago, along with the 1986 KTV television I use daily in my bedroom! I think I payed $5 for the iron, too!
I have that SAME G-E iron! That cord, however, is not original. The one on mine is a BEAUTIFUL matching turquoise, soft & supple! With a molded plug that can clip to the wrapped cord. I bought at a years sale years ago, along with the 1986 KTV television I use daily in my bedroom! I think I payed $5 for the iron, too!
paulg
Well-known member
I will revisit my Presto
Based upon KenKart's recommendation I will unearth my old Presto and give it a spin again.
I suppose it is time. The poor thing has been on a shelf for way too long...
Based upon KenKart's recommendation I will unearth my old Presto and give it a spin again.
I suppose it is time. The poor thing has been on a shelf for way too long...
davetranter
Well-known member
Hoover Iron
I have a Hoover P3136 iron in working order, if anyone wants to offer me a couple of pounds for it. (postage extra, or local pickup) ;-). Original cord, and not badly worn.
All best
Dave T
I have a Hoover P3136 iron in working order, if anyone wants to offer me a couple of pounds for it. (postage extra, or local pickup) ;-). Original cord, and not badly worn.
All best
Dave T
smow69
Well-known member
iron cord
does anyone have a g e iron that doesn,t work that they would like to sell the cord off of. I have an iron that was my great grandmothers and the cord is no good this is the best iron to iron jeans with.its heavy but works great.
does anyone have a g e iron that doesn,t work that they would like to sell the cord off of. I have an iron that was my great grandmothers and the cord is no good this is the best iron to iron jeans with.its heavy but works great.
smow69
Well-known member
pic 2
smow69
Well-known member
pic 3
