Icandothat

Does the Singer 403 have an on/off switch?
Seems like it should....but I can't find it.

tessagin

I just make sure everything is set up and give it gas. Make sure it's plugged in. Put foot on pedal and go. I do turn the light on.

tessagin

OOps. I have a 401 but believe they're the same sort of. check your manual. If you don't have one you can download one free.

Cari-in-Oly

No. It has a light switch but not an on/off switch, just like most vintage machines.

Cari

DonnaMiller

Featherweights don't have ON/OFF switches either. A lot of the old vintage machines didn't have them. The manuals always say to unplug when not in use because they are "hot" all the time. It is one thing you don't have to worry about replacing, the off and on switch.

DonnaMiller

You can download free manuals at ISMACS.com. Thank you ISMACS.

NopahDesertRat

You can also get free downloads of manuals at singer.com. They also have manuals for "White" machines or machines made by white.

Recently got one for a Kenmore 117.

Ethel

cpfrog

I believe my 1947 Featherweight 221 "ON-OFF" switch is for the light. Yes, they are "hot" all the time. Good idea to unplug. Easier might be having a dedicated Surge Strip with it's own ON/OFF switch.

After a friend's home burned down from an iron (that was supposed to turn itself off!) I unplug everything... yes, a pain sometimes to bend down to the outlet, but well worth it!

Sewnoma

I am in the habit of plugging all of my vintage machines into power strips and then turning it off there when I'm done. I leave the light on the machine switched on so that's a giveaway that I left power running to the machine. I also usually plug a lamp into the same power strip, so it's REALLY obvious if it's left on.

Unplugging would be best, but the power strip switch is better than nothing.