Sewnoma

I love thrift stores so much...I find all SORTS of neat stuff. Sometimes I find nothing at all, sometimes it feels like they seeded the place with treasures just for me to come and find.

Yesterday's treasure-find: a 403A!
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This was in a really beat-up cabinet...I bought the machine and "re-donated" the cabinet. I didn't want it and don't have the space!

It's interesting - the bobbin tire looks brand new and the needle is really shiny and new too, but when I checked "under the hood" I can tell it hasn't been greased in quite some time and the body overall is dusty from storage - actually I think it's sawdust. Lots of wear marks, but the bobbin area was really clean and I don't see any signs of abuse - all of the plastic spool pins are even intact. My guess is that someone used and took care of this machine pretty well but didn't know about oil or lube.

I didn't check the motor at the store; when I got her home I plugged her in and she runs but seems a little sluggish. I think a good cleaning and re-greasing and some time running should fix that and quiet her down too.

No accessories, cams, or manual, but I have a bunch of stuff from my Rocketeer that'll fit and I'll just download a manual online, I'm sure they're easy to find.

A couple more pre-bath photos - she looks cleaner in the photos than she really is - she's going to look like new after I get her cleaned up! And oh how I love that slant shank!! The little "fin" above the faceplate reminds me of my oldest dog's head, she's got a little skull ridge just like it, LOL.

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Happy Friday, everyone!

DKuehn

Very nice find! I have thought about checking out the thrift stores around here, but judging by your screen name you've probably already cleaned them out. lol

QuiltingVagabond

Aren't thrift finds just the best?!

Sewnoma

LOL! I probably go out "junking" at least once a week, but usually only hit one or two stores. I'm sure I miss a lot, and I pass up a lot of machines too, because I just don't have the space and I'm borderline hoarder as it is!

That same thrift shop had a nice 15 and a 101 several weeks ago, both were under $30 and I left them both there. The 15 was only $15 because it was half off and I still left it there. It kind of hurt, but I already have a 15. I sort of regret not grabbing the 101 though. I went back for it and it was gone...lesson learned!

Mrs. SewNSew

Congratulations! I found a 403 recently too! It was in one of those really cheap plastic cases, broken of course and no cord either. It had a foot control though. Because I couldn't test it they let it go for 7.00. Then last week I found a bag in one of the bins that had extra foot control written on the outside. It had another foot control and the power cord. I bet they got separated because someone didn't know anything about old machines. I got the bag for 2.00.

barny

Sewnoma, my son says those skull ridges on dogs are their smart ridges. We are always telling his dog how smart she is, LOL Barny

tessagin

Gorgeous!!!

Stitchnripper

Wow, great find!!!!

ManiacQuilter2

I never find much in thrift stores any more. You guys have ALL the luck!

chris_quilts

Sweet find, Sewnoma. Hope she runs well once she's been cleaned, oiled, & lubed.