Singer cabinets, heads and portable cases
 

I'm wanting to switch my Touch and Sews for 401s or 403s before next school year. I use them when I volunteer for the quilt class at a local elementary school.

I can buy 401s and 403s in a cabinet for $100.00. In a case, they are $200 or more. The trapezoid cases are few and far between, so more expensive. Looking at my 401, it seems as if some other cases might work.

Trying the different cases I have (I don't that many) with my 401 seems like a chore.

Is there an easier way?

Does anyone have some answers on converting cabinet machines to "portables"?

bkay

You need the large grasscloth trapezoid case(not the 301 case) or the cases made for the 401/500 etc. A 401 won't fit in other standard cases/bases because they're longer than a standard full size machine. Most cabinet 401s still have a bottom cover so can be set on a table as a portable. You would just need to find some sort of carry bag for the machine. Walmart, JoAnns, Hobby Lobby, etc. all carry sewing machine travel bags, like luggage on wheels. Harbor Freight, Home Depot, etc. also have tool bags that can do double duty as a sewing machine carrier.

Cari

Bkay, you are brave to take a 401 into an elementary school. All those lovely knobs to twist and turn!

You have a point there. Maybe I should be looking for just 403s. There's one that's been on CL for several weeks for $100. in a cabinet, which sparked my interest.

That, and I've just switched out my everyday machine from a 503 to a 401. It's really a nice machine. It reminds me of a 201 in that it's quiet, but not nearly that heavy.

I've also just spent several hours on trying to get a T&S to work properly. I gave up on fixing it and sent some of the parts to a forum buddy. I probably won't try to fix another one when it breaks.

bkay

Thanks, Cari. You saved me a lot of work.

bkay

I love my Vintage machines, but, just a thought...Babylock has a BL9 that they put on a Holiday special for $99. Full size, mechanical, solid machine and portable. I do not work for Babylock in any capacity. Like I said....Just a thought...

Bkay, another option could be Singer 239 or 237(zz). Still have metal gears, straightforward, and sell cheaper than the well known models. Perhaps being younger, wiring is less of an issue. Or, a fleet of 99s. Tho those are getting quite a following.

Weight is a factor. Are they aluminum or cast iron?

bkay

Cast. I think the school should give you storage space, a lot less hauling around.

Well, they do. However, you still have to get the machines to school and into school. You have to get them out and onto the table every time you use them. After each one hour of use, you have to put them away again because other TAG classes use that room and each has a different project.

I love the old cast iron machines, but I'm not too much into hauling them around.

bkay