singer 401 A question

Old 05-26-2010, 05:37 PM
  #11  
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Well, I went and measured my trunk and backseat and if it is similar in size to a different cabinet I have. It should fit. Now waiting on the person that has it for sale to reply!
Thanks again
Carol
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Old 05-27-2010, 10:34 AM
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Originally Posted by CarolLady
LOL Yeah after all the praising I have read about it in this thread I was wondering why I haven't gotten it yet. One reason is I don't know if the cabinet will fit in my car :o(
Billy are you going to help me after I get it to make sure I can get it cleaned up in fine shape? lol You like being driven crazy by a person with lots of questions? I sure hope so.
Thanks so much for the information and encouragement.
Carol
Will post pictures if it's still available and I get it!
I am always at your disposal!! Just be sure to post photos in the shop so everyone can see. Also I added this topic to the VS so it can be viewed a lot easier.

Billy
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Old 05-27-2010, 06:45 PM
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Thanks Billy!
Do you mean to post the pictures on the Vintage Sewing machine post? I didn't find where you had moved this topic too.
Here are the pictures I took tonight of the Singer 401A that I got.
Sad thing is the guy couldn't find the electrical cord to it. Good thing is he just gave it to me for free!
Now I need to find the cord have searched ebay, but have a question, even though a listing on ebay says for 401A does that really mean that it will work for this machine?

sewing machine
[ATTACH=CONFIG]74676[/ATTACH]

sewing machine again
[ATTACH=CONFIG]74677[/ATTACH]
Attached Thumbnails attachment-74671.jpe   attachment-74672.jpe  
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Old 05-27-2010, 09:05 PM
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This machine uses two cords. One on the foot control and the other a power cord. Do you need them both?

Cords for Singer #404
[ATTACH=CONFIG]74780[/ATTACH]
Attached Thumbnails attachment-74775.jpe  
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Old 05-27-2010, 09:46 PM
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I have two 401A's. They do work via cams, but some fancy stitches are accomplished with the "regular" cams and others need alternate cams added. It is a work horse.
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Old 05-28-2010, 03:09 AM
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Ken I think I am going to need both. Its the electrical cord that's missing and I noticed on the foot cord that the part that attaches to the machine part of it is broken and shows wires.
She's pretty dirty, but I think she has great potential!
Nursie 3 cams came with it but I haven't gotten to look to see which ones they are yet. Hopefully one will be one that will do several of the stitches.
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Old 05-28-2010, 05:23 AM
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That would be wonderful!
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Old 05-28-2010, 07:07 PM
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I am doing the happy dance for you as wee speak!!!! :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

I love it and you really can not beat the price at all!! The 401A is the same machine and the cords will swap out. I am not sure about this love, but the 301, 401, 500. and 503 might all be the same. That might open you options for getting a cord. I am sure someone here on the board can tell us for sure but Singer was all about parts being able to swap out with other models to keep cost down.

Also check with you local sewing repair shop. If they are worth the salt of their reputation they will have one floating around for you.

Congratulations on the acquisition!!!

Billy
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Old 05-28-2010, 07:25 PM
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Thank You Billy! The singer sewing shop I know about drives their repairs two hours away every two weeks. So I don't know about them being worth their salt. I might call them tomorrow and see.
The person I got the machine from said there was a lady in a town close by that refurbishes singer sewing machines and at one time she had redone 75 of them, if I remember correctly. And so I am trying to get a hold of her through craigslist. (might be a long shot) but if she wants to pass on her knowledge I will be a sponge. lol
I do have a question about the knob in the middle top of the machine has two screws in it. I assume it is suppose to turn? If so how is that done or does mine just not move. lol How does the throat plate come out? Yes I am already full of questions and can't even plug it in to see what it does.
I have found the power cord and the foot cord on ebay. So I will probably go that route on the cords. The cords shown on ebay have three holes where my machine only have 2 prongs, however, I have contacted one person and they have assured me that it will fit the 401A.
She is dirty/dusty but I am scared to touch her for fear of messing her up. lol
I did purchase singer oil and lubricant today, JoAnns was running a 50% off sale on their quilting notions.
Ok I'm rambling so I'll stop. Any little tips and tidbits about the machine would be great.
Thanks again
Carol
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Old 05-28-2010, 08:05 PM
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Carol I will be honest with you I have not figured out all of the feature my 500 has and it has the same type of knobage going on. From what I have gleaned from what little I have read about them is you can change knob positions and the stitches with change even if you do not change the cams. I think there are only 5 cams for these machines and an endless amount of decorative stitches can be made from them.

After I get to playing with my 500 I will have a little more understanding of what does what on the guys. I am more into the treadles and the machines from the 40's back.

Billy
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