Bug Lady

I too have my Mom's 301A which I learned to sew on. I love it and usually take it with me to classes as it is much smaller and sews like a gem. I love my dearly.
Karen

ArchaicArcane

Miriam likes the 404s. More than the 301s if I recall. Maybe she'll chime in here now that she's back.

quilt938

thanks! I did get the Atlas- expensive little cutie but what can I say..it's pink and looks neat! the 404 is $60 I think she said - as is - pedal but nothing else was with it. not to mention some cabinets I like but one comes with the 99 in it and it's sooo pretty - but I"m wanting a cabinet for one of the 2 99s I already have but they have different decals

Irishrose2

You need sewing machine oil for most of the machine and sewing machine grease for the gears. Oil often, grease occasionally (every 6 months, I think). Don't forget to take off the bottom and oil or grease everything that moves underneath. I love my AnnieRose so much that when she had a wiring problem in the plug, I panicked and bought a second one for back up. Each was about $100 on ebay, though I received a partial refund on the second one because it wasn't well packed and the case was damaged. Aprils1930sshop is another good source for everything pertaining to a FW or 301. My repro bobbins are fine for sewing, but the originals work better for FMQ. If you haven't quilted with a vertical bobbin machine, you'll be pleasantly surprised. Any regular needles work. I bought 100 for $10.00 on ebay and they are fine. My Elna only sews with Schmertz, so that was a nice surprise. Someone already mentioned the right to left threading. I have three machines set up in my family room. One threads L to R, one R to L and the Elna front to back. Help! My son replaced the bobbin spring and it didn't seem to difficult with the instructions on hand. I didn't do as well, but I didn't realize there was a second page, so he had an advantage. Enjoy your treasure.