Latest Elna Star arrival is this fair example of the Automatic, with its cam drive system & various differences from the 41C. Dual voltage being the main one.
Came with its strong, grey steel case, Accessory box with feet & cams etc. & also the 4 original screws to lock the machine to its case for safe-ish shipping. Has good cosmetics & is stitching already after long period of storage.
The lid colour is pastel ‘Sea Green’ officially, but it still says ‘leaning towards blue rather than green’ to my eye. But I do like it now: )
This a sister to my pair of Elna 31C Stars here. Both very clean & impressive to me. And fascinating to compare, at least for me: )
Looks neat & tidy from all angles. These Star machines often come with chips in certain places because of metal to metal contacts when removing or replacing the machine in its case. As above with minor chips on the back of the base-plate. Corners of the base unit are also often marked similarly. Some are better than others though & I always look for these chips on online offerings. It’s also an indication of the care the machine received in use.
Flatbeds in cabinets are not affected by this, but I prefer the transportable free-arms.
The lid fixing screws & the four around the needle-plate look immaculate, never touched. I’m sure the lid has never been off since new. The internals definitely needed oil. Dried up grease on the plastic gears is the main issue in my mind, after experiencing that causing the failure of the plastic hook drive pinion on my 31C… It’s all a learning process: )
The spec. plate shows the SN & + ‘Continental’ (?) plug. Also the 110-220v range. Still a bit of mystery at the moment, but I’m looking: )
Hand-wheel has this ‘new to me’ fixing. (Same as one of my 31C machines, but not yet removed to look closer: ) I’ll also investigate the internal wiring & see what it shows. I’m thinking it may have a Necchi style switchable transformer?? I’ll get some photos of the relevant internals when I can get access to it all.
A little later… I now know this machine is switchable between 110 220v. The switch is on the base, covered with dried up masking tape on mine. I’d ignored it previously, even with it under my nose.
Removal reveals the switch.
Switch looks to say 250 125v but the Spec plate says 110 220. I doubt it matters, but what might matter is attempting to move the main voltage switch!? Mine’s set on 220 & I don’t even want to try 110v. It’s staying right where it is: )
The machine is actually stitching very well & still improving right now. It’s had a good clean & basic polish & looks amazing to me: ) I’ve got some great stitch test examples of all the internal options & some of the single insertable cams. All working as they should & at maximum speed. Never broke a thread. It’s a promising machine.