I got lucky and got one of these in a sewing cabinet that was in a free pile at a garage sale. I didnt realize there was actually a machine in it until I got home and unloaded it. Score!
The first zig zag (Singer called it swing needle) model Singer sold in the US was the 206 which was based on an industrial Wheeler and Wilson design. It came only in black. That was followed by the 306 and 319 models that had similar mechinicals but introduced the ability to use flat cams, and in the 319, an integrated camstack to sew additional stitch patterns. The 306 and 319 were available in black, a brown-beige, and light green. All these machines had a large 8 inch harp, but used an odd-sized needle and despite their beefy construction, had only a .53 amp motor. I think it's these last two reasons that made these machines less desirable.
Once again I have to applaud this video! I cannot tell you how much I appreciate your knowledge and your expertise with my beloved singers. I'm lucky enough to be the caretaker of 99, 66, 201, 221, 301, the whole 400 series and 500 series. I totally agree and mourn the loss all the quality of these machines. It's a shame that our society is such a throwaway one. My oldest singer is a 1889 and I'm working to restore it. I was lucky enough to be given a 128 - 23 just last week. It is a black sided gorilla finished Centennial. A friend gave it to me sight unseen because she knew it would have a good home. I call myself a caretaker because I know these machines will far out last my lifespan. Keep up the good work with more outstanding videos. Have a great weekend your friend Sue Moore
Thanks for another wonderful video. I have a 401A that was gifted to me last Christmas and this video has been very informative for me. I actually started collecting vintage Singers after a friend showed me a Featherweight she'd found by a dumpster and asked me if I could try to get it working for her (I'm a mechanically inclined crafts nut). Well I did and I became hooked. I currently have 26, and I always learn something new from your videos. Thank you.
Enjoyed this video so much ..... thank you! I have the 403A and didn't know about the gear on the hand wheel. I have never greased that as it says nothing in the manual about doing so. I will be checking out your other videos to see if you have anything to say about this. If you have never showed how to oil or grease this machine would you perhaps consider doing so in the future. I've learned so many fascinating things about this machine ..... thanks again!
Thank you so much, now I understand the difference between size 66 and size 15 bobbins. They always looked very similar to me but now I understand 0ne is drop in and the other is not.
I think the bed size was widened because there was still room to install the machine in the table if you accounted for the (earlier) treadle belt pass through gizmo on the right of the table bed slot cut out, or the (later) spring lift assist which was installed in same bed space as the treadle belt pass through gizmo had previously resided. So you can still put the machine in an old table. The mounting pins also remained at the same place and distance apart for generations. I take great advantage of this “exchange a Singer in a Singer table” ability.
The extension plug was used with the 400 series two piece case. The bottom of the case attached where the drip pan was fastened, the extension was used to make the foot control socket flush with the outside of the case.
Steve, I believe that extender for the foot pedal was for when the machine was mounted in their plastic carrying case, at least that's how it works on the Rocketeers. Hope this helps.
Thank you! I have this machine from my mother, been wondering if I should get the maintenance done on it and start using it again. Last time I used it for sewing was in the mid 70's.
The 403 always came with the 0 cam installed so it was a straight or zigzag from the factory. I prefer the bobbin winder in the 500 series. Sadly they went to plastics when they started the more versitile backstitch cams.
I’ve been watching your series and absolutely love it. I have learned a lot. I was gifted a 401a in February of this yr it took me a bit to clean and restore it but it worked great until a couple weeks ago. The machine speed started decreasing and now goes really slow. I don’t see any binding up on the gears and have greased it well. I’ve done troubleshooting on everything I can think of any ideas?
It Sounds like your motor needs to be tuned up and cleaned. There are brushes in the motor that probably needs work on them. You might also want to check the foot pedal.
Not the 328. That was the last great British built machine. Aluminum body, all steel innards. You are thinking of the 338 which was turquoise and used a belt to replace steel rods and drive shafts.
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I got lucky and got one of these in a sewing cabinet that was in a free pile at a garage sale. I didnt realize there was actually a machine in it until I got home and unloaded it. Score!
The first zig zag (Singer called it swing needle) model Singer sold in the US was the 206 which was based on an industrial Wheeler and Wilson design. It came only in black. That was followed by the 306 and 319 models that had similar mechinicals but introduced the ability to use flat cams, and in the 319, an integrated camstack to sew additional stitch patterns. The 306 and 319 were available in black, a brown-beige, and light green. All these machines had a large 8 inch harp, but used an odd-sized needle and despite their beefy construction, had only a .53 amp motor. I think it's these last two reasons that made these machines less desirable.
Once again I have to applaud this video! I cannot tell you how much I appreciate your knowledge and your expertise with my beloved singers. I'm lucky enough to be the caretaker of 99, 66, 201, 221, 301, the whole 400 series and 500 series. I totally agree and mourn the loss all the quality of these machines. It's a shame that our society is such a throwaway one. My oldest singer is a 1889 and I'm working to restore it. I was lucky enough to be given a 128 - 23 just last week. It is a black sided gorilla finished Centennial. A friend gave it to me sight unseen because she knew it would have a good home. I call myself a caretaker because I know these machines will far out last my lifespan. Keep up the good work with more outstanding videos. Have a great weekend your friend Sue Moore
Thanks for sharing Sue. Yes, I agree we are all "caretakers" when it comes to these machines. They truly are heirloom quality!
Very comprehensive video on the 401a
I have a 411G and absolutely love it
Glad you enjoyed it
Thanks for another wonderful video. I have a 401A that was gifted to me last Christmas and this video has been very informative for me. I actually started collecting vintage Singers after a friend showed me a Featherweight she'd found by a dumpster and asked me if I could try to get it working for her (I'm a mechanically inclined crafts nut). Well I did and I became hooked. I currently have 26, and I always learn something new from your videos. Thank you.
Thanks for sharing Robin. You have great taste in vintage machines!!
Enjoyed this video so much ..... thank you! I have the 403A and didn't know about the gear on the hand wheel. I have never greased that as it says nothing in the manual about doing so. I will be checking out your other videos to see if you have anything to say about this. If you have never showed how to oil or grease this machine would you perhaps consider doing so in the future. I've learned so many fascinating things about this machine ..... thanks again!
Found this video very interesting. Thank you.
You have the best videos in the business. You alone teach how to do things. Some guys are only interested in blowing their own horns. Thanks again
Glad to help
Love myself vintage and antique machines, metal.
I have one and love it. Neautiful stitch. Love bomtahe machines
Thank you so much, now I understand the difference between size 66 and size 15 bobbins. They always looked very similar to me but now I understand 0ne is drop in and the other is not.
What a help these videos have been! I just got a 401 and a 503, I love them!
Great to hear!
Love this machine! I actually have a 401A, 403A and a 404-. I believe I like these better than the 500A and 503A!
Keep up the good work!
Thanks, will do!
Yes, I have 2 500a's, a 503a, a 401a, and a 301a, and 3 201-2's. I agree 👍. They were awesome.
I think the bed size was widened because there was still room to install the machine in the table if you accounted for the (earlier) treadle belt pass through gizmo on the right of the table bed slot cut out, or the (later) spring lift assist which was installed in same bed space as the treadle belt pass through gizmo had previously resided. So you can still put the machine in an old table. The mounting pins also remained at the same place and distance apart for generations. I take great advantage of this “exchange a Singer in a Singer table” ability.
Love the history 🙏🏼
Thanks for this post. I got this machine without a cabinet and after some tlc she runs great. Goods to know that I have a gem.
The extension plug was used with the 400 series two piece case. The bottom of the case attached where the drip pan was fastened, the extension was used to make the foot control socket flush with the outside of the case.
Oh yes. That does make sense. I have had the case before but not the extension so had not put two and two together. Thanks for sharing!
The 500 series also has an extension plug for use in a carrying case, though it is designed differently.
Steve, I believe that extender for the foot pedal was for when the machine was mounted in their plastic carrying case, at least that's how it works on the Rocketeers. Hope this helps.
Thank you! I have this machine from my mother, been wondering if I should get the maintenance done on it and start using it again. Last time I used it for sewing was in the mid 70's.
You should! They were engineered to receive maintenance in order to run properly. Its a worthwhile investment given how long these models can last.
Could you please show us a picture of the table that this sewing machine came in?
The 403 always came with the 0 cam installed so it was a straight or zigzag from the factory. I prefer the bobbin winder in the 500 series. Sadly they went to plastics when they started the more versitile backstitch cams.
I’ve been watching your series and absolutely love it. I have learned a lot. I was gifted a 401a in February of this yr it took me a bit to clean and restore it but it worked great until a couple weeks ago. The machine speed started decreasing and now goes really slow. I don’t see any binding up on the gears and have greased it well. I’ve done troubleshooting on everything I can think of any ideas?
It Sounds like your motor needs to be tuned up and cleaned. There are brushes in the motor that probably needs work on them. You might also want to check the foot pedal.
Your enthusiasm for Singer machines is catchy. Vintage is the way to go , sadly, after 600E, they declined in quality.
How does a person find out what machines you currently have for sale?
My grandma’s sewing machine.
Not the 328. That was the last great British built machine. Aluminum body, all steel innards. You are thinking of the 338 which was turquoise and used a belt to replace steel rods and drive shafts.
That's helpful Ronald, thank you.
My Singer 328K is my everyday machine. I LOVE it. (I just restored a 201-2. We’ll see if it competes with my beloved 328K.) 😀
I have a Singer 338 made in 1965, it has a solid metal linkage underneath; it was the 348 that changed over to belt drive😊