tappedants, get that FW, you'll thank her over & over for the gift! You will have a little of grandma's experience, at marveling at what the old guys created before computers. Someone's wife undoubtedly said "Can't you make something lighter-weight?".
I love my FW, 301, 401, 403, & 404! If anyone offered me an old Singer I would not hesitate a moment to take it. I use my FW for classes, the 301 for FMQ, the 400 series just set up with different threads & purposes; the 404 is my quick mending machine. At first I thought the tan & cream was ugly, but as time went on I realized it was much easier to see what I was sewing than on the black machines. Just a little less contrast for those with low vision issues...more noticeable now than it used to be;)
"The 403 is exactly like the 401, EXCEPT it doesn't have a built-in cam stack. In order to produce a zigzag or decorative stitch, the machine relies upon an insertable cam. It uses the exact same cams as the 401." The cams are the little sturdy black discs inserted in the top- they are all over ebay. The 404 "is just like the 403, EXCEPT that it is a straight stitch only model. So, you can’t use a twin or double needle. The 404’s were often used in school home education programs because of their sturdy build and ease of use. The 404 is a bit lighter than the other models as well."
Best just to read here if want to know more:
http://blog.sew-classic.com/2008/10/...ne-review.aspx
Read up on this blog while you still can; you will find it wonderful for any classic machine: FW, 301, 400's & later as well as some treadles, 66, 201 etc.! She still has all the links there for so many manuals you might be missing. She doesn't post as often as she used to; don't know why, but this horrible economy has affected so many people's lives in the last 3 years. How can people continue when losing their homes & everything in it! Sorry for the soapbox, but we are losing so many great "people resources" in this, as well as homes & businesses.
BTW, one thing you classic sewing machine fans might really appreciate is that Jenny will sell you an "electronic foot pedal" to work with your classic machine...this means you can now sew very slowly (or as fast as you like) without the hazard of overheating the foot pedal & get great control at the same time when doing delicate work. Read more about it here:
http://shop.sew-classic.com/Foot-Con...M-SCE01EFC.htm Other foot controllers:
http://shop.sew-classic.com/Foot-Con...s-Parts_c9.htm
She also has all kinds of parts for vintage machines & everything I've ordered has been 100% accurate & on time. Her site alone can educate you on most classic machines.
All machines she has reviewed with links:
http://blog.sew-classic.com/categori...20Reviews.aspx
BTW, I have 3 newer (expensive)machines, but don't find I like them as well, & have had issues going over seams on jeans or any thick seam, even slowly.
Someone mentioned the newer machines were plastic or aluminum...not likely aluminum, it costs dearly now. Many old singers have an aluminum body (can't rust!), that's what helps them to be lightweight (301 & FW). Do realize though that the inner parts are not aluminum and can rust if left sitting outdoors or on the ground. Nothing saying those old aluminum bodies aren't great for repainting though. You could soak them in paint thinner (just the body, no other internal parts), but would probably have to take the lacquer finish off first (the clear coat). I wouldn't do this unless it was in terrible paint condition, but some FW specialty shops sell them repainted in wild colors for $1000.