I have a 401A bought new in 1958. This is the last year Singer used all metal parts. This machine is a tank! It will sew anything: awnings, bedspreads, and will do almost anything the embroidery machines of today will do--you just have to be the person setting the controls and guiding it. I love mine and would ever get rid of it. I do have a featherweight and a Viking 1200 but I use the 401 the most.