I'd offer him $200 for the pair ...

I just got an email from the man with the machines. He said the rotary hook is broken on the 301A, and the cheapest he can find the part is $169! So it's going to be used for parts, but he said I'm welcome to the 401A. So tell me folks...is $125 a good price for it? Other than one small scratch, it's in immaculate condition.

Donna

Donna,
Obviously he didn't look very hard.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Original-Sin...item5b0629a220

Though I think I would ask the seller for sure what machine this came out of. The 221 and 301 bobbin case base and hook assembly look the same but they don't interchange. At least they're not supposed to. I've read of people doing it but the machine never sews well with the wrong part in it.
You might also ask the owner of the 301 if he's tried Glenn Williams or any of the other online sellers of 301 parts. Someone is bound to have one.
I saw the new hook assembly by AlphaSew for the $169 price, I don't think I would trust that. If I needed a part like that for one of my machines I'd look for a used original part first before I'd buy chinese new.

Cari

I agree with Cari that he could get the part cheaper if he looks around and using original parts would be my first choice. He needs to have a keen eye and match up visually what he has with what he's buying. This is a nice opportunity for you to teach him about hunting for parts! :) In the meantime so far as choosing...I would want both! I HAVE both and they are excellent machines. Do they come up often in your area? Things around here can show up all at once too...might not see anything good in forever and then 2 or 3 I really want all show up at once. In the times I have tried to just choose one, I've regretted it.

Right now I would say the choice is made for the 401 until he has the parts he needs for the other. ;)

The 301 and 401 don't need a cabinet, they can sit on the table. Great prices for them too.

I just had to buy a hook for a 222K. Glenn Williams had it and was way more reasonable than $169. The other trick is:
Not the whole assembly needs to be replaced. Just the hook piece. That can save him (and you) some money. There are a few pieces to that hook and base plate assembly. Glenn sent me just the hook, and it was well under $100.