The 401 is just great for piecing. I use the 401 for piecing non stop. I use my 301s for FMQ because you can screw down the feed dogs. The 401 can zig zag masterfully and do some other fancy stitches that I use for machine sewing quilt binding on. Find another 401 or 403. I bought mine from ebay- it showed a video of it working. I did do a thorough cleaning and oiling, but the gear driven machine is awesome. The slant needle lets you see perfectly when piecing small pieces. Sold my new Pfaff and replaced it with the 401 and 301s and have only become a better quilter!
Linda