Another one leaped out and grabbed me...Singer 401a
#1
Super Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Tri-Cities, WA
Posts: 1,063
Another one leaped out and grabbed me...Singer 401a
Yup. Went to Goodwill looking for some china since we have 9 for Thanksgiving and I only have 8 place settings. Someone will have to use a paper plate since I went straight for the sewing machine area and saw this nice 401a! No pics as it is still in the back of my car - can't lift it out by myself.
The machine looks very linty and dirty, so I'll have to do a little cleanup before I try it. It has the power cord and knee/foot pedal control and a bobbin, so that's good, but no manual or cams. Well, I can easily download the manual... I'll look at ebay for the cams. I hope this one works without too much fuss, as I already have too many that need looking at and worked on. Such fun, though!
I've seen lots of good reports on this machine. Hope to work on it this weekend!
The machine looks very linty and dirty, so I'll have to do a little cleanup before I try it. It has the power cord and knee/foot pedal control and a bobbin, so that's good, but no manual or cams. Well, I can easily download the manual... I'll look at ebay for the cams. I hope this one works without too much fuss, as I already have too many that need looking at and worked on. Such fun, though!
I've seen lots of good reports on this machine. Hope to work on it this weekend!
#5
Oh, Margaret, you went out in the snow today? No wonder you came home with a machine. I have a 401A. It is a workhorse. A few years ago DH helped me with the weightiness of the boat canvas so I could repair a few seams. It worked like a charm and the motor hardly noticed it was working.
How much did you get your machine for? Happy Thanksgiving!
How much did you get your machine for? Happy Thanksgiving!
#6
Super Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Tri-Cities, WA
Posts: 1,063
Internal cam stack??! Whoa! I definitely need the manual! Linda, I got it for $45. I think it's a Queen Anne cabinet - needs a little sanding and stain, but it isn't bad. Grr, got to finish "the quilt" before I mess with the machines. I'm at the binding stage, so I may just get it done before Christmas!
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 673
Those 401s can be pretty seductive, especially dressed in a scanty price tag. It's my default machine; I use it for everything. I have to remind myself to use other machines, but I always come back to the Brown Hen. Congratulations on your find. I suggest kerosene to clean out the internals; it will dissolve any of that old, solidified oil.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
tracylynn
For Vintage & Antique Machine Enthusiasts
21
04-02-2016 01:13 PM
Wanabee Quiltin
For Vintage & Antique Machine Enthusiasts
4
10-24-2015 07:01 AM
miriam
For Vintage & Antique Machine Enthusiasts
154
03-12-2014 07:43 AM
Melissa25125
For Vintage & Antique Machine Enthusiasts
2
11-01-2013 05:06 PM