$15 at the thrift store!
 

[ATTACH=CONFIG]417629[/ATTACH]I was trying to find a table for my oldest daughter who just moved out last week and couldn't pass this up for $15! I really just wanted the cabinet for my 401A. I don't know if I can get the machine to work. It is a 500A. I don't have much experience refurbishing anything. I have a 66-16 that was in decent condition when I got it. I just cleaned and oiled it to get it to work. This one doesn't feel right. It feels like something binds when I turn the wheel. It is missing the presser foot, but everything else seems to be there. I think the presser feet for my 401 might work for this, too. I would love to hear from anyone who knows about the 500A. Any and all advice will be appreciated. I hope I can get the machine to work, but I feel like I got a good deal for the cabinet alone. I now have 6 machines - I really don't need another one:D

Unfortunately it's too new for me to know anything about it but I've heard those are really good machines, its a good looking desk and $15 is amazing

Many times they just need a full cleaning and lubing. But, sometimes people remove the bobbin assembly and don't reinsert it correctly and it can cause the machine to feel like it's binding. There also may be stray threads wrapped in there. Great machine for a great price. Yes, all your feet for the 401 will work because the 500 is basically the same exact machine except for a different body.

Wow so space agey! I love it!!! Congrats on the AWESOME find, i'm jealous. LOL Give it a good look over, oil everything that moves and definitely check out how the bobbin is put together. ;) you have a beautiful machine.

Nice find! I never see anything like that in my travels.

Good find! I saw a Singer @ our local thrift store, but marked for $35 and too new for me -(at least right now ;)).

Very nice find !

the cabinet alone is worth more. love that cabinet.

sew4nin,

As Candace said the 401A and 500A are the same machine mechanically. Clean everything, if it moves, oil it. I suggest Tri-Flow due to it's superior cleaning and lubricating abilities. There are several plunger type parts that need oil. If they get stuck the ZZ won't work right. There are a couple places that need grease rather than oil.

I you have a manual follow the lube and oil chart in it. If you don't have one you can download a free .pdf manual from Singer.
{ http://www.singerco.com/accessories/instruction-manuals }
The 500 is a great machine as is the 401. We have one of each and my wife claims the 401 while I claim the 500. When I need some ZZing done I usually grab the 500.

Joe