I've had several 401's..I think 3 that I've sold and I'm down to one now. I've enjoyed sewing on all of them. I picked up a 500 a few weeks ago and pretty much assumed I'd like it the same as I do the 401, but I was wrong. I much prefer the 500 series. I'm not sure if it's the extra upper tension guide that's built into this model that helps create a better stitch quality? But, I find I prefer the 500 over the 401. Interesting...

Candace,

We currently have both models. I can't decide which one I like the best. They are so similar, yet different that they do have individual personalities.

I do know that after using the 401 for a while, I tend to forget to thread the 500 through the extra top thread guide. It usually tells me about it with tension problems when I do that.

Joe

I've also found that although they still are not my favorite FMQing machines, the 500 also does a better job than any of the 401's I've ever owned. I think this may also be due to the extra tension guide.

Be gentle with the faceplate door. The top hinge is VERY fragile.

Candace,

I haven't tried FMQ with either of them yet. Played with the circle stitcher, that's a fun attachment, and the monogrammer too. Will have to try the FMQ eventually.

Mitch's mom,

The top hinge on the door, or the machine body?

Joe

I have the original slant darning foot and the 500 has much less fussiness with tension issues while FMQing. Still not my favorites because of the drop in bobbin assembly, but I was surprised that the 500 seems to be an all around better model, IMO. And I'm not just comparing one machine to one machine, as I said I've had probably 4, 401's in my hands.

Yes, that hinge is the weak spot for sure!

The hinge pin. It is very thin and snaps off. IIRC it is on the door and slides down into the body of the machine top and bottom to hold the door on.

A bit ugly but the machine will sew fine with out those doors... LOL

Yeah, kind of like driving around in a 57 Chevy with no front bumper. It works, but .... ewwww yuck.

My #1 500 came to me missing the nose piece. The hinges on the machine body were good. Luckily my LSMG had all the bits I needed to make it whole again. So now after much cleaning, some replacement parts, and some adjusting it sews just fine. I claim it as mine too. My wife took the 410a away from me, so I claim the 500.
So there.

From my perspective, the hinges are only fragile "if" the user abuses the machine. If they treat the machine decently it's a non issue.

Joe

I think most of the hinge damage comes in shipping or transport:<