thepolyparrot |
05-23-2011 09:57 AM |
This machine is my sentimental favorite of the whole "herd" - I have an attachment to it that I don't have with any of the others and I take better care of it than all my other machines. But, (whispering here, so she can't hear me ;) ) it's not my favorite machine to sew with, although for most things, it's just fine.
The weak spots in the 401 are the slant needle and the stitch selector system.
The slant needle leads to needle deflection and a lot more broken needles than a similar machine with a straight vertical needle would have. You can avoid most of this by just slowing down when approaching heavy seams and by sewing the really heavy or dense fabrics on a vertical needle machine. (tight canvas, denim, suedecloth - anything that resists penetration) I'm not saying that the 401 can't handle them, because it can. But, if you have a choice, take the heaviest stuff to your vertical needle machine. :)
The followers and posts which create the different built-in stitches tend to gunk up and become unusable rather easily. Keep them clean and well oiled and don't use anything like WD-40 or 3-in-1 oil in there, because those will harden and become varnish inside the machine. Use sewing machine oil or TriFlow liquid or spray. (I like the TriFlow because it never gunks up)
I hope you have fun with it - it's a wonderful machine! :)
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