I bought mine new in 1958 and it is still my go to machine for most sewing and quilting. It still sews like a dream and has never let me down.I have two new Brother's and like them for things that my 401A can't do but when I get ready to sew I go to my old friend first.

Oh you did great !!! You know it's worth way more, I hope you got the cams too?

I just got here to research the 401, saw one this morning at the local thrift store for $10, no cams and needs a base, had the bobbin and throat plate and case top. Did they not have the box type base and set in a table instead?

Run Michelle! Go back and get it! The 401 has plenty of stitches without using cams. It was a built in camstack.

In My Not So Humble Opinion, the 401 and 500 are the best multi-stitch mechanical machines Singer or for that matter anyone else ever made. There is no plastic in them to fail. They are all steel inside.
We have one 401a and two 500a's and if I were forced (it would take an act of God) to divest myself of all but one multi-stitch sewing machine, it would be one of those two I'd keep.

Anyone that has the chance to get one of these machines for a reasonable or cheep price should not hesitate. Grab it fast and run for home with it. Well, pay for it first of course. Nothing a 401 could need is so expensive that it's out of reason. All the accessories and cams are still available, manuals are free for the downloading at Singer.
There are cases for them, cabinets and tables. Very flexible set ups.

Joe

Must be the time for 401A's:) I picked one up last week for 14.99, in great shape but I asked to leave the cabinet as it was in bad shape. I have her cleaned up and ready for a test run today. I really like all of the functions and she will be added to the collection. Congrats to all of the new 401A owners!:D

I did go back and it was gone. Someone else's better than I did.

Bummer! Well next time you see one you will be faster! If I were to see one at that price I would grab it even though I already have one! It's fast becoming one of my favorites around here.

Thanks for the info, my dog was happy to get to go for a ride. I was at a junk store and inquired on machines but they are in cabinets up high behind other junk on shelves. Ill go back to see what they are when he gets things down,the had to clean the place out in 3 weeks.