Singer 500a
 

Hello friends I am new here and very new to this. A friend of mine from work recently gave me his gmas singer 500a (still haven’t figured out how to date it) so It came with machine cabinet foot control or knee control a box of a lot of different feet 1-5 cams in a box with the owners manual. So I was missing the top hinge cover and the removable pin I was able to find them on eBay and they are on the way. I’m super excited about this because after I got it cleaned up snd oiled she sews great. So here’s the main question I had; and I get conflicting answers someone on a forum said the only extra cams need to complete all available stitches for the 500a is 1-5 which it came with and11,15,19,20,21, she said the machine has all the other numbered stitches so another person said all cams 1-21 are needed to make all stiches do I’m just trying to know for sure before I order a set of cams thanks guys hope your all having a good night. Matt

I have a 401 and a 503 which are similar. Don't order the cams. Inside the top cover (when you get it) it has a list of all the patterns you can make with the built in cams. I'm not sure exactly which ones you need a cam for, if any. You can use removable cams. but they generally aren't needed. You may be able to date it at this site which may have the date by your serial number. Somewhere in the 60's their information stops. You can download a manual from Singer here by inputting your model number. It should have the answers to many of your questions.
bk

I have a 503 also. I have some cams. No idea which ones. I mostly just straight stitch and zig zag with it so I've never used the cams. I agree with looking at the built in stitches and deciding if you really need the extra cams before spending the money on them.

I have a Bernina from the 90's that has a ton of built in stitches. To tell you the truth, I only use a few of them

Welcome to the QB from SE Michigan! You are in the right place to get help with dating your machine. I see others have already provided you with information on how to do this. Jump right in and join the fun. Again welcome to the QB!

From the manual I'm looking at, 5 cams would have been included with accessories, and the patterns of those cams are shown in the manual. You can compare those patterns to the built in patterns, on the underside of the lid, but presumably they are different or why include the cams. If you want the whole set, and it's not cost prohibitive, then get it, but beware of becoming a completionist... And welcome to the world of vintage sewing machines, we look forward to hearing about all the additional machines you're going to acquire!!

Haha that is exactly what I am lol

So I found the serial number today it’s NC704631 all I can find is 1959 or later

I think you will find closer date to the actual date at http://www.singer301.com/dating/default.html more than half way done that page.

Janey - Neat people never make the exciting discoveries I do.
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Thanks looks like 63. Thank you