Originally Posted by
themadpatter
Can't turn the handwheel, not too worried about that. But, the motor doesn't do anything when I step on the pedal. What do you think? Also, how hard is it to get the cams? Oh, and one screw is gone from the top piece. Not sure what that clue means, lol. So, talk me into or out of it!
I looked at one like that last week that was up for auction. I passed on it and have sort of regretted it since. Generally, I'm of the opinion that you can't kill an old Singer with a stick and a 401 is a sweet machine. However, getting a 401 to loosen up is a time consuming job.
I'm with Mickey, it may well be the controller. Mine is acting up right now, getting stuck on "go". Given they are about the same age, I'd start there. I've not refurbed that many machines, but most have been in storage for extended periods of time. I've run into lots of problems, but the motors always work.
AND, even if you find it's a dud, and you didn't pay too much for it, you can always part it out.
bkay