I recently purchased a 401A for use in my shop where the quilting table is set up. In the house I use my 421G Singer which is a portable model with free arm. My mom purchased this in Calgary, Alberta from a Singer salesman who demonstrated it sewing over pins, leather, matches and several layers of denim. It was bought with money from when her dad passed. It is a unique model made in Germany and I have yet to see another one. She gave it to me as a wedding present and I never knew how wonderful it was until I tried other people's machines and found they left me wanting. Now I know that the 400's are an extra special machine. After cleaning out bobbin and feed dogs on the 'new' 401A plus a really good oiling It is purring along too. It is so wonderful there are parts available to buy for these vintage & the antique machines. I treadle a 15-88 for quilting blocks. Singers are great!!