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Tell me why I should/shouldn't buy a Singer 401A in a beaut cabinet

Tell me why I should/shouldn't buy a Singer 401A in a beaut cabinet

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Old 01-07-2019, 05:02 PM
  #111  
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Originally Posted by Joe View Post
Thanks I am looking at two right now, a 401a exactly like the one here in a cabinet or a 301a. I have done quite a few quilts with my 457 stylist but the motor is dying so rather than refurbish it in looking to replace it and really want a to learn how to FMQ so want a machine that has the capability.
If the wiring is still good, then cleaning and putting new brushes in a motor takes about 10 minutes. Personally I'd rather have a 301 than a 401. I don't care for the 401 or 500 Singers but I love my 301s. I don't use them for FM work though so can't comment on that other than to say I know someone who does.

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Old 01-07-2019, 05:07 PM
  #112  
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Singer401A is an awesome machine. It is not my go to but it is to my daughter. I would get it.
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Old 01-07-2019, 05:14 PM
  #113  
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This machine looks just like my moms! I got it for my youngest daughter when mom passed. It's in the original cabinet. It has drop in disc with different stitches, even the zig-zag stitch, if I remember correctly. Sews a pretty wave stitch that none of my machines have.
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Old 01-08-2019, 08:04 AM
  #114  
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Originally Posted by Cari-in-Oly View Post
If the wiring is still good, then cleaning and putting new brushes in a motor takes about 10 minutes. Personally I'd rather have a 301 than a 401. I don't care for the 401 or 500 Singers but I love my 301s. I don't use them for FM work though so can't comment on that other than to say I know someone who does.

Cari
Cari, do you know if any tutorials on how to do that? Also where would I get the new brushes? I sent A PM but figured I'd reply here too to cover my bases. Thanks so much, I'd eventually like a new machine but if this is a quick fix I'll just keep this one as well thanks Joe
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Old 01-08-2019, 10:55 AM
  #115  
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Originally Posted by Joe View Post
Cari, do you know if any tutorials on how to do that? Also where would I get the new brushes? I sent A PM but figured I'd reply here too to cover my bases. Thanks so much, I'd eventually like a new machine but if this is a quick fix I'll just keep this one as well thanks Joe
I replied to your PM but I'll put the links I gave you here too.
http://vssmb.blogspot.com/2012/01/co...ted-motor.html

http://mckennalinn.com/sewing-machin...g-a-motor.html

Cari
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Old 01-08-2019, 10:59 AM
  #116  
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Originally Posted by nanna View Post
I have 401-A--my first machine. 2 years ago, for its 50th birthday, I took it for it's first repair. the belt was slipping and needed replaced.
I know this is an old thread but I'm wondering why no one ever caught this.................

Cari
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Old 01-08-2019, 01:56 PM
  #117  
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Originally Posted by Cari-in-Oly View Post
If the wiring is still good, then cleaning and putting new brushes in a motor takes about 10 minutes. Personally I'd rather have a 301 than a 401. I don't care for the 401 or 500 Singers but I love my 301s. I don't use them for FM work though so can't comment on that other than to say I know someone who does.

Cari
I have 3-301's...one in a cabinet...and I do FM with it and only it. I seem to have more control with hit then the newer machines...Got a FM foot thru singer. com, my stitches come out more even. I gave up trying to FM on my Husq SE or Lily...nope love my 301's
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Old 01-08-2019, 08:37 PM
  #118  
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How much are they wanting for the machine? Should be less than $100. Mine was free and it worked after I oiled it and cleaned out the packed lint.
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Old 06-18-2019, 05:19 AM
  #119  
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I know this thread is super old but I just came acrossed it while searching information about a Singer 401A machine. I have a friend that is having to clean out her mother's house because they just recently put her in a nursing home. She has a Singer 401A machine in a cabinet that she is needing to get rid of. Any ideas what it would be worth and where I could post it to help her sell it?

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Old 06-19-2019, 01:40 AM
  #120  
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I think $125 is reasonable but picked all my 401s and 403s up for around $60 each 2 years ago. Not sure I would pay $160.

The cabinets and machines are pretty easy to come by and the accessories really dont have much extra value for the 401s although the monogram cams and professional buttonholer might be worth having.
The 401 cabinet will take a cradle for a 301.
I love my 401s.
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