Singer 400 vs. 500 - Opinion needed
 

I have a 401 and a 503. I liked the 503 fairly well and used it for quite a while. It is a well worn machine that was donated to a church sewing project and then returned to it's previous owner when the project closed. I bought it from him. It sews pretty well, except that it doesn't sew straight. (It's covered in the adjuster's manual, I just haven't fixed it.) It didn't require any work to get it going, so I just oiled it and went straight to sewing.

The 401 was crusty with old dried up oil and took quite a bit of cleaning (and tutoring from helpful folks) to get it functioning fully. It sews very well.

Somehow, I think the 401 is a better machine. However, they are pretty much the same machine. I've seen some 500s for some great prices lately. All the 401s and 403s are still $150.00+.

I wanted to replace all the machines that I take when I volunteer at school with 401's or 403's. One reason is that they would all operate the same. (The ones I'm using now are all different. Some thread front to back, some left to right and some right to left, etc.) The other is that I know the 401 well and am able to quickly fix any problems (they're aren't many).

Hypothetically, the 400 and 500 are about the same, so the kids wouldn't get mixed up. Do you think the 500 is as sturdy as the 400?

bkay

The 500 has the looks, the first time I saw a 401 I was almost a bit startled. I was more used to vintage and modern Berninas and Husqvarnas at the time, and a Singer 99.

It will be interesting to read first hand feedback from owners. The 500 is very rare here, it was only made in the US factory as far as I now. I assume the 500 and 503 is very similar? The complaints on them is mostly the same as on the 400, they can need quite a bit of cleaning and oiling to get going again. The one thing on the 500 and 503, is the top lid, it's hinged and it can get damaged if it takes a hit. I guess it's nothing you can hold against it, but the 401 always has its' top lid intact.

A lot on these has to do with going over them more than once, taking them back into use, sorting out the minor issues along the way. Some times we need to make an effort to get things working flawlessly. That's why I'm a bit reluctant to say anything too direct when comparing similar models, I know one 401g can sound a lot different than another 401g, but eventually they will turn out very much the same. I can't give you any feedback on the 500, I have only seen one and it came with a Voltage converter at the end of the plug.

Yes, Mickey, the 501 and 503 are just like the 401 and 403. The 01's have a built in cam stack + ability to take cams. The 03's have removable cam ability only. Given I hardly ever use anything except a regular zigzag, and that's rare, the built in cam stack is not something I need. The kids don't need it either.

bkay

I think these are too fiddly to be used in a classroom setting but that's your call as you know the kids. I do think it would be much easier on the teacher if all the machines were the same. And it's not just the top of the 500 that has weak hinges, the face plate on all of them do so that's another concern. Kids being kids and all.

Cari

Thanks, Cari. When you factor in portability, purchase price, durability, weight (very important) and my ability to fix it, the 404 seems like the best deal to me. However, when you add in availability, the others models move up on the scale.

bkay

I think a 404 would be a fantastic beginner machine. I have one and have kept it because it's not a fiddly machine like the others.

Cari

The first machines I used were zigzaggers, a Bernina, a Husqvarna, along with a 99K. At the time they weren't vintage as much as just not the latest. Now 30 years later they are. The stitch selection and zigzag settings isn't a problem, just tell them they are set for straight stitch and that's what you are going to use. Playing around with settings shouldn't be much of a problem if they want too? I consider all of these nice machines to be handled with care, but some place has to be for new commers too.

I'm working with Talented and Gifted children, so they are very curious and resourceful. They try to fix everything. While we were working on our wheelchair quilts, 2 of them, (one male and one female) totally screwed up the bobbin area of my Elgin. It took a while for me to figure it out. But, I will show them how it works and why it was messed up.

I really enjoy engaging with the children, trying to get them to think and to trust their brains. So, if they screw up a 401, I'll figure it out and then share how it happened with the children. Mechanical objects are logical and easy to understand. I think it develops their brains. I love that element of volunteering with the TAG program of my local school district.

However, having 4 totally different machines is too hard to deal with. I really need to standardize. The 500 series is very similar to the 400 series. I'm guessing that I can sell them on the idea that the machines are pretty much the same.

Bkay

To second others' comments re: front plate and top plate hinges being weak. ALWAYS pick up either a 400 or 500 series around the middle with a supporting hand under the bed to avoid breaking the front plate. I have multiple copies of the 401, 403, 500, & 503. All are great models and could probably be used interchageably in a teaching situation.

John Thomas in NC

I bought a 503 today at an estate sale. It's a one owner machine and in good shape. It's stuck, but that should not be a problem. It's really nasty, though. One more machine for the kids!

bkay