QuiltMom2

My thoughts exactly!! If you're selling a machine, I don'y see why there should be any objections.

Butterfli19

Think it through. If you already have two you don't really use, why buy another? 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? And, if you don't use the other two really, sell those off first then you'll have the actual cash and be able to decide on what you would enjoy spending it on. More fabric perhaps?

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.

bkay

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

Roy Morgan

[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

thepolyparrot

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.

thepolyparrot

Edited to say, "Ooops, never mind."

GregB

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.

sewbizgirl

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.

cherrybsixty

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