After reading the various threads on featherweights and looking in local thrift shops, I went in the thrift shop next to our post office and rummaged around. Found a Singer 401 in cabinet for $29.92. The store lady said that it did work but didn't know anything else about it. My question is, are they real expensive to get cleaned up and running smoothly. Researched ebay and they want $150 to $300 for what they say is excellent condition. What do you all think? I value your judgement. Oh by the way, thanks for reading. :roll:

That's an excellent price. A lot of the clean up you can probably do yourself following Billy's tutorials on the vintage machine part of this board. Probably the biggest thing is to check the cords incase they are broken, frayed, cracked or rotting. No one wants to get shocked over ancient defective wiring. I'd clean it up, check the wiring and then plug it in for a trial. If it is clean, oiled and lubricated and running quietly making a decent stitch you may not need any more for now.

I got my Singer 401 at a good will store with a cabnet. It just took a little cleaning, oiling and a little adjusting of the tension and mine was running perfect. This machine is a real workhorse.

Thanks, I think I'll go back and get it. The lady said its been there for months. Guess no one wanted the old machine.

If it doesn't come with the cams, you can find them on ebay. I bought my 401 for the cabnet and the cams to use on my Singer Rockteer. The cams and cabnet fit both of my machines. I love them both.

Post a photo after you get it!

Hope you get it!

I bought one at an auction for $35, a few years back. I had it cleaned and oiled again a few weeks ago for $55. Check your local quilt shop, they may know someone who specializes in these older Singers.

Thanks all, I'll post picture and check with my LQS and see who does maintenance. I'll check the bobbin and cords though before I buy to make sure they are in order. You all are the best! :D