Originally Posted by
Butterfli19
And if it does sew but you need a part, would you be able to get it with a machine that old? Ask yourself if you want to have it for the memory or for the use - would you really enjoy sewing on it regularly?
Generally, there is no need for parts unless it has been dropped or left in storage a long time. If the machine is too rusty, don't buy it. They are 100% all metal parts, which don't break or wear out. The 401 and the ones similar to it, including the 403, 404, 501, 503 and 601 are some the last really great machines made by Singer. (Great machines were made by others as well.) There were tons of them sold, the parts are often interchangeable, but not usually needed. Accessories are common and not expensive. Many parts and accessories are still available from online vendors. Used parts are regularly available on Ebay.
A 401 is definitely worth having. It does not do well with sitting idle, though. It needs to be used. They have a tendency to freeze up if left idle for really long periods due to the really tight manufacturing specifications. It takes some time cleaning and oiling them to get them working again. However, they clean up nicely and perform well after the cleaning.
Knowledge of this can help you negotiate price, too. If you ask to see it sew, including the zig-zag function and it doesn't work, you can usually get them at a really good price. Understand that the present owner may not know how they work, so you have to know how to put it through it's paces. Youtube.com has lots of videos of how to operate the machine, just so you can refresh yourself on how they work.
Obviously, I like my 401.
bkay