If I have the manual, I provide it. If I can find it online, I usually will email it or a link to it to the buyer. When I first started collecting, I used to buy accessory boxes. I didn't realize how many I would end up with later on. I try to put together a kit close to what the original box was. I usually provide a few needles, some bobbins.... basically, you should be able to go home and sew with it, if you have thread. I'm also finding that I've been teaching people how to use every feature that the machines have, but I can't really package that... ;)

Ok small update on my mothers machine... the bobbin switch moves now! fairly easily ( a lot better then it did before anyways) however if i push it all the way to the left, where i assume its supposed to sit by default when its being wound, its still hard to push... but once i move it away from the edge it moves a lot smoother. Also i cant seem to get the stitch plate back on. it kind of "shot" off of the little metal bar that holds it in place and now i cant seem to get it on. i guess if i gently wedge something underneath and push the plate in it might catch again. I'll try oiling the moving bits again with some triflow now that i have it and see if that helps at all. :)

I spent over an hour one time with a lady showing her all the bells and whistles on a 401 and she bought a Janome I had there - go figure. Didn't have to show her a thing. Her loss... LOL... I do the same I put together some sort of a kit. I'm always on the prowl for the quarter packs of pins, a stray tape measure, a stitch ripper a screwdriver, some bobbins, needles, small scissors, what have you. Some times I put in a magnet or a pin cushion. Some different feet. If I have a machine that is harder to sell an I put in a buttonholer or something. Yeah, go home and sew something. Why else would you buy one???

Good Job!! It might loosen up even more too. As long as it's completely into winding position (check at the bottom) I wouldn't worry too much. I suspect that it's hard to push because the collar is a little low on the shaft, but I don't really want you to move it unless it's actually a problem. It's a pain to position, and you must must must have the right hex key or it will strip the head.

The stitch plate is counter intuitive. It slides on from the needle plate side of things, and you may have to lift each side of the spring into place with a tiny blade screw driver (another tool for your toolbox! :D )

I bought then promptly lost the tri-flow in the car. Just found it tonight. I have a machine that I'm told is "clunking" and hasn't been used in 8 - 12 years. It'll get the tri-flow treatment tomorrow. The clunk though was the bobbin / hook area being assembled wrong.

LOL! nice! I usually make them pick first, then show them how to use it. I will tell them the differences, let them look and see what they want, usually make a recommendation, then once they choose, I'll go over the whole machine. I think I spent 1.5hours with the one lady yesterday, and 45 mins with the one before her. Saturday, I had to show a guy how a sewing machine worked. That's a different set of analogies I'll tell ya!

The buttonholers are a good point. I've put one with each of the vintage machines I'm trying to sell, but I'm thinking of packaging a couple of the newer machines that have the 4 step buttonholers with the real buttonholers.

LOL! nice! I usually make them pick first, then show them how to use it. I will tell them the differences, let them look and see what they want, usually make a recommendation, then once they choose, I'll go over the whole machine. I think I spent 1.5hours with the one lady yesterday, and 45 mins with the one before her. Saturday, I had to show a guy how a sewing machine worked. That's a different set of analogies I'll tell ya! [/QUOTE]


LOL She CALLED about a 401...

Hah! I hear that! I have an ad out there for a 457 and a 514. The funny part is I've sold 4 machines (including a 403) off those 2 ads, and those 2 machines are still here.

I think the 401's can be a little intimidating to some people because of the piggy nose....

Haven't had time to work on her anymore but I wanted to get some suggestions, in the event that I can't get her running what do you guys suggest I replace her with? (I probably won't toss the machine. Probably shelve it) my requirements are simple:

Just straight stitch is fine (she never used the cams on her 758)
Reverse
and simple to thread/wind the bobbin. (she is apperantly bobbin challenged like me! Haha)
Singer preferred simply because she wants to keep the cabinet. (but if you think it will fit then I'm game for other brands!)
And no "plastic fantastic" :P

Any suggestions?? Thanks in advance!

That's exactly like my Mom's. It needs some work though. So glad you found it and yes they are work horses.

Find a Singer 403 - they are very simple - you can just use one or two cams. It is easy to see what you are doing. I have one and use it in preference to a herd of others.