Tell me why I should/shouldn't buy a Singer 401A in a beaut cabinet
#122
Super Member
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Seacoast New Hampshire
Posts: 1,181
I found a Singer 401A that belonged to someone's grandmother (maybe) in an antique full size cabinet somewhat reasonable. MY DH has hairies because I already have a Viking D1, Singer Quantum XL(needs repair) a Viking 6570 in good condition and a Serger. But I would sell my 6570, XL and possibly my Serger to pay for this machine. I can taste that 401 as it was my very first sewing machine years ago.
What do you think? I am a quilter and only use my D1 for quilting not embroidery as I should.
What do you think? I am a quilter and only use my D1 for quilting not embroidery as I should.
I give myself 2 days for a purchase of over $100 and decide on the third. If I'm as excited on the third day as I was on the first, I may go for it. If not, I sigh a lot and move on.
Last edited by Butterfli19; 06-19-2019 at 02:42 AM. Reason: keeping it simple.
#123
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 2,890
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
#124
Member
Join Date: Feb 2021
Posts: 2
[QUOTE=Prism99;579348]That is a *really* nice machine and cabinet.
I agree. The Machine is in very fine shape. The cabinet is VERY useful - you will be grateful for all those drawers. The table seems to need some finish restoration - this is quite easy and very satisfying if you get the right stuff to use.
I have just overhauled a 401A here and will next overhaul the second one I have. They sew strong and steady, and with the built-in stitch patterns alone will do most of what any of us needs. With the accessory cams (5 came with the machine originally) you will be able to do many more stitches. (Do look for the needle plate with the oval needle hole, needed for any zig-zag.)
Oiling (oil) and lubricating (grease) this machine is a bit more complicated than a Featherweight or 1940's 99, but is not beyond your ability.
Happy sewing. Don't pass it up even at the asking price.
Roy
I agree. The Machine is in very fine shape. The cabinet is VERY useful - you will be grateful for all those drawers. The table seems to need some finish restoration - this is quite easy and very satisfying if you get the right stuff to use.
I have just overhauled a 401A here and will next overhaul the second one I have. They sew strong and steady, and with the built-in stitch patterns alone will do most of what any of us needs. With the accessory cams (5 came with the machine originally) you will be able to do many more stitches. (Do look for the needle plate with the oval needle hole, needed for any zig-zag.)
Oiling (oil) and lubricating (grease) this machine is a bit more complicated than a Featherweight or 1940's 99, but is not beyond your ability.
Happy sewing. Don't pass it up even at the asking price.
Roy
#125
I love when these old threads bubble up to the top again and I recognize names from years ago. The 401 was the machine I learned to sew on, my grandmother's. She was a Seamstress with a capital S - evening gowns, draperies - she could make anything. I made most of my clothes for junior high and high school on that machine.
It was the first vintage machine I bought 20 years ago when I got the vintage machine bug - they're really lovely to sew with.
It was the first vintage machine I bought 20 years ago when I got the vintage machine bug - they're really lovely to sew with.
#127
Member
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Happy Valley,Or
Posts: 80
I have my Mom's 401. My Dad worked for Singer Co. He always said it's was one of the best they came out with. He also said, it was the best as long as you remember to oil it every time. He saw lots of them in need of repair because people forgot to oil their machines.
#128
What a beautiful desk it comes in! The desk is worth the price alone.
I have a 403 which is basically the same machine, except it has more sts on cams and less built-in. These are great, long life machines! I picked mine up for $15 at a flea market. No cabinet, but it had everthing else.
I have a 403 which is basically the same machine, except it has more sts on cams and less built-in. These are great, long life machines! I picked mine up for $15 at a flea market. No cabinet, but it had everthing else.
#129
Super Member
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: KANSAS
Posts: 1,059
I like GregB am the steward of my mother's 401A, for some forty years now. It's the best machine ever and I agree that they do require lots of oiling. Still the best straight stitch ever.
If this has become your choice it was the best one ever
cherrybsixty
If this has become your choice it was the best one ever
cherrybsixty
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