New Addition - 401A
 

So then, just found this locally and couldn't resist. Other than the usual good clean/lube, it only needs a bobbin tire. Previous owner had it serviced/rewired not long back so i'm counting myself lucky today https://cdn.quiltingboard.com/images...es/thumbup.png
Any info/advice as always, greatly appreciated.

Great machine. I got one a few years back and the lovely people on the board helped me get it working.

The major issue with 401s is the tendency for the cam stack to stick if it isn't operated "regularly." I use mine a few times a year, and have no issues.

​​​​​​I did have to remove, clean, oil, and reinstall the stack when I bought it, not a hard job at all (though at the time, I was worried - my first "major" vsm effort.)

Been really lucky with this one. When i took the top cover off, i noticed several stickers from when it's been put into a shop for servicing and the last one dates to 2006 which really isn't that long ago for an older machine. It's basically dried up now but very clean inside so minimal work needed. Pity it didn't come with it's original cabinet (might have to track one down). I've read many stories so far about the cam stack but luckily no issues here. It will be used a bit more regular so i see no issues other than wear & tear. The joys of vsm's is the ease of repair which sadly lacks in modern times.
Anyways, thanks for the reply and head's up on the stack. Will be in use in next day or two this https://cdn.quiltingboard.com/images...es/thumbup.png

Good people along with a good site https://cdn.quiltingboard.com/images...es/thumbup.png

Started dismantling/cleaning last night and finished today. This has to be the cheapest machine so far to get running, only parts needed were the felt discs and bobbin tire replaced. Also one of the cleanest machines I've sourced https://cdn.quiltingboard.com/images...es/biggrin.png
Plan for this is to become a daily user along side the 15-91 as soon as I've sourced a cabinet/table for it https://cdn.quiltingboard.com/images...es/thumbup.png

I had a 401A that I used for years, but unfortunately just slowly started to fall apart, and parts are hard to find. It is truly the greatest machine ever made, as Singer is known to say. Enjoy your machine.

Well, now that sew-classic has closed, it's not as easy as it used to be. You can still get parts at Michigan Sewing Supply and at TandTrepair.com. TandT specializes in Singer slant machines.
bkay

I'll end up buying another machine or two just to keep for parts that become unavailable in time. Any machine i use daily, i always have a donor or two. Storage is a problem at times lol but nice to know when parts are hard to buy then you know you still have your "rainy day" parts bin https://cdn.quiltingboard.com/images...es/thumbup.png

Thanks @bkay i'll check the TandT out as haven't come across them i believe.

Forgot to take a picture of some of the test stitch patterns after servicing, so here is one. Happy times https://cdn.quiltingboard.com/images...es/thumbup.png

Those stitches look perfect. I don't see 401s come up often on craigslist, although there are two right now for $150 and $175. The cheapest I've seen one was at a garage sale for $75...maybe I should have grabbed it.

I was never interested in the 401A but recently was given a free 414G. That sparked a bit of interest in trying to find info on it, which resulted in me buying the 401A when i noticed it was local and just posted up (so acted rather than thinking lol). Very happy with the $100 CAD i paid for it, like-wise here...don't seem to see them often locally. I'm now looking for another for donor purposes but must come along with a cabinet which the machine really needs to be appreciated. Or i may adapt an old treadle table https://cdn.quiltingboard.com/images...es/thumbup.png (and the wife says it would never be used haha).