Singer 404
 

Folks, what can you tell me about the Singer 404. I found this http://lexington.craigslist.org/art/4119749043.html. It's within driving distance and I'm thinking about going to get it. Wanted your input first. Carolyn

I sold one a few months ago. It's a straight stitch and they don't FMQ well at all. So, it would be a straight quilting or piecing machine. They're good machines, but limited IMO because of the lack of FMQing ability.

I like the 404s for beginners. 99% of sewing is straight stitch anyway. I've also thought about setting one up just to do button holes or something. I like them because they are simple to use and maintain. There isn't a whole lot can go wrong and they are fairly inexpensive. The needle is right out there where you can see what you are doing. They have the advantage of a drop in bobbin that is easy to untangle thread nests. If you are switching back and forth between another class 66 bobbin machine you don't have to have different bobbins.

I really like mine for piecing and regular sewing.