Shall I try and get this machine?

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03-21-2013, 06:15 PM

#11

LoisM

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Join Date: Aug 2012

Location: Highland, CA

Posts: 1,407

It's a beauty!! Go for it!

03-21-2013, 07:03 PM

#12

ArchaicArcane

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Join Date: Jul 2012

Location: Not Here

Posts: 3,817

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stitchnripper

Came across this in the Good Will store today for $19.00. Near as I can tell most things move. I think the case said Fashion Mate. Opinions please?

Yes! Get it. They're worth more than $100 even here. You need 2 spool pins, and probably a bobbin winder tire, but it doesn't look all gross like so many of them do.

Quote:

Originally Posted by miriam

good deal - do the stitch selector knobs move?

Who cares? We can help her free those up!

03-21-2013, 08:35 PM

#13

kitsykeel

Super Member

Join Date: Sep 2010

Location: Salisbury, North Carolina

Posts: 1,046

I have a 401A in a really solid blonde cabinet that I paid $30.00 for and thought that was a steal. It is a wonderfully dependable machine. Go for it.

03-22-2013, 07:56 PM

#14

harrishs

Senior Member

Join Date: Mar 2010

Location: Council Bluffs, Iowa

Posts: 825

I just order a walking foot for my 401 because I love it so much and the walking foot cost about $19! You will enjoy sewing on it.-----

03-22-2013, 08:11 PM

#15

Stitchnripper

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Thread Starter

Join Date: Nov 2009

Location: Mableton, GA

Posts: 11,191

I went back to look at it again. I couldn't get the stitch selector dials to turn. They pull out but don't move. Does this machine take cams? I don't think I'm up for anything other than cleaning and oiling. Thanks for your help.

03-22-2013, 08:46 PM

#16

ArchaicArcane

Super Member

Join Date: Jul 2012

Location: Not Here

Posts: 3,817

The stitch selectors will come loose with oiling. It's seriously worth picking up. It's not referred to as "the best machine Singer ever made" for nothing. Yes, a 401 takes cams, or uses the stitch selector, and if you want to get really fancy, you can use them together.

This is a post from my blog about a 401 I resurrected. The main shaft didn't turn, the stitch selectors didn't work, the throat plate didn't move, it had been peed on, in a fire, etc etc. It's in full working order now, and 90% of that was thanks to TriFlow oil, and a little elbow grease.

http://www.archaicarcane.com/2013/01...e-a-day-makes/

03-23-2013, 12:39 AM

#17

miriam

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Join Date: Mar 2011

Location: Somewhere

Posts: 15,507

The reason I asked about the stitch selectors was so you wouldn't be surprised. They are fixable with out a whole lot of effort most of the time. I do have one that won't work - it has a bent shaft. Tammi has good instructions how to fix it. It does not involve taking it apart.

03-23-2013, 06:54 AM

#18

cctx.

Super Member

Join Date: Sep 2010

Location: Corpus Christi, Texas (that's me!)

Posts: 3,771

Grab that machine! Its clearly a 401A; which means you can straight stitch and zig-zag, and it appears to be clean.You can get the manual online or go to YouTube for information on using it. I have this machine but in the cabinet with the knee pedal.

03-23-2013, 07:04 AM

#19

MS quilter

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Join Date: Oct 2009

Location: Lake, MS

Posts: 627

Yes! ABsolutely!

03-23-2013, 07:36 AM

#20

Stitchnripper

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Join Date: Nov 2009

Location: Mableton, GA

Posts: 11,191

Okay folks. I got it!! What is the first thing I should do besides admire it? I haven't even tried to plug it in. I have plenty of sewing machine oil and lube, but no TriFlow. Can I get started with that?