Hahaha 😂My neighbor bought a new car last year. She said the manual section just for the "infotainment" system is 47 pages. She still can't figure out how to link her cell phone to the speakers to play her music. Maybe this new AI stuff can hook it up for her? Thanks for watching my channel, and the nice laugh you gave me.
I inherited this same machine from my great grandmother including this exact box! I'm learning to sew, so this was incredibly helpful. thanks so much for all this info.
Welcome, and your GGM had excellent taste in sewing machines. I have 25 other videos for this model in a playlist in case you come across any issues when you start using it ruclips.net/p/PLsCOZgzzaiKKyqvdDRwS-9MfLuwSNJTcg You'll love crafting on a 403A Slant Needle Singer. Happy Sewing, and thanks for watching my channel.
Thank you for this very thorough review of the attachments for a 403. I have wondered if the discs would work on my 401, and you are the first person to show that the 600 series of discs will also work for my machine. This is a big help since as you said, it opens up the selection for me. Also, your demonstration of the feet and their details was excellent. I had never seen the detail of how to use an extra needle to create a button shank by machine. You did a wonderful job on this review.
Thank you for your thoughtful and kind comment. It helps me feel justified in the time spent doing these types of videos. I do not sew myself, but find the attachments almost as fascinating as the machines. When I first saw some of these I wondered "what is this foot for" and "why did they put a grove/hump in this weird looking foot?" It is impressive what the Singer & other companies designed and built into/onto their powerful domestic machines. I'm happy you enjoyed the video and found it worth your time. Take Care.
Your videos have given me a whole new appreciation for my 403a which was given to me by my mother. It was given to her in 1958, and while she put a lot of miles on it, it is in amazing condition and all of the attachments are in the original box, including the two screwdrivers and lint brush. The only mystery is that the original instruction manual and attachment box is labeled as a 503. My mom does not understand how that happened. I also have a 2004 Kenmore, which has been very good to me, but this Regina is something special. Thanks again for these very informative videos!
Something special for sure! I can't explain the 503A labeling on the attachment box. The boxes were filled at the Singer Stores during machine cleaning after shipping. Model 403A was made 1958-60 and the 503A was made 1961-63. Strange how she could have got a 503A box in 1958. The best part is you have the full set of attachments and the incredible machine stays in the family. With normal care and lubrication, you can hand it down to a family member decades from now. Thanks for sharing and happy sewing.
This was a fantastic video, thank you. I lucked out and received almost everything pictured with my 403A - everything except the oil, spool pins, and two felts. My 403A looks to have seen very little use but I am following your videos and making sure it is in tip-top shape - I gave it to my 12-year-old daughter who is just starting to sew. It's amazing how you can buy something so sophisticated that originally sold for the equivalent of $3000 for $15 at the thrift store. Actually, it's an indictment upon our society that this is possible.
Welcome, and congratulations. One of the best ZZ machines Singer made, IMO. The pins & felts came in the box from the factory but were usually put on the machine at the store after a wipe down and oiling. Sadly, the small oil tubes were tossed out when empty. You know you can buy more top hat cams, right? There are 20+ different ones. One more video you may be interested in is how to reset the motor brushes and clean the commutator of the motor at the same time with a diamond stone: ruclips.net/video/pzq4tv8qn94/видео.html Your daughter is a lucky young lady. Thanks for saving the machine, and for watching my channel.
@@andytubesewing1953 Thank you. Yes, I went ahead and bought the kit of twelve "special discs" from Ebay yesterday. I looked over several listings until I found the nicest looking box and least amount of edge wear on the cams - it was still only $16. I figure that's a bargain. I will check out that video on the motor commutator. I am also looking through your series on the Featherweight; mine is a 1939 model, too.
@@jamesmcdonald2680 Sure, 12 cams for $16, or $1.3333 per cam, is a good deal, IMO. Here is the best place for featherweight info that I know of and I have bought and sold parts from/to them. Really nice folks. singer-featherweight.com/
I am so wonderfully surprised and pleased to find your channel. I use a 403a as my regular machine, and I love it. I found a 503 at a flea market in it's original cabinet a couple years ago. I got the whole set up for $35 dollars because they couldn't find the power cord. I bought it to take to my daughter's house in another state so as not to have to drag my machine back and forth. When cleaning it out, I found the receipts showing the owner's name and address, and in one of those strange coincidences, it had lived all it's life just three houses down from the house we had bought a few years earlier. The elderly lady to whom it belonged had passed away. I'm still trying to get the machine up and running. Bought a power cord off ebay, took it to be serviced where my daughter lives, and when we got it back and plugged it in, it blew the circuit. I haven't touched it since, but have plans after the lock down to see what happened.
Wow, what a small world we do live in! I'm so sorry to hear about the blown circuit after having it serviced. Yes, Marta, there is not anything on those machines that you can't fix yourself. Two nice models, A Slant-O-Matic Special and a Rocketeer. Check out the foot controller when you start working on it. These videos will show you how: ruclips.net/p/PLsCOZgzzaiKL6ePPxLpmnWSzTyxPKTb71 26 Model 403A videos: ruclips.net/p/PLsCOZgzzaiKKyqvdDRwS-9MfLuwSNJTcg and 20 503A videos: ruclips.net/p/PLsCOZgzzaiKJZaZn2zl3LsnV2d7UhrqvX You can service the entire motor: ruclips.net/p/PLsCOZgzzaiKJSu0T9oeaheTZsrUe91kkZ Or just give it a 5-minute Speed-Up for $10: ruclips.net/video/pzq4tv8qn94/видео.html By the time you finish, it will be hard to choose which machine you like the best, but you won't have to b/c you'll have both of them! So nice! Thanks for watching my channel and sharing a good story. Take Care.
There are two monogram sets. The small has all the letters and the large came with a coupon for three letters to do initials. There is a 23 disk but there was something about it that it only had the basting effect on 600 and later machines.
Andy tube, Love this demo.....I just found a 403 In a beautiful treadle cabinet!!!! It needs love but I'm the girl for the Job!!!! The cabinet and base are gorgeous!!!! Im going to be hunting for the original book, cams, feet ect!!! Thank you.....this was so helpful From a sewist/quilter in Idaho!!!! And a VINTAGE SEWING MACHINE GIRL!!!!!
Happy for you, SueAnn. It's a wonderful machine. Did I mention in the video those are TYPE "B" Discs? There are 23 total type B discs! Here is the 403A Playlist for working on the model. ruclips.net/p/PLsCOZgzzaiKKyqvdDRwS-9MfLuwSNJTcg That machine seems like it will last forever, and you can do all the repair and maintenance it needs. Happy quilting and take care.✨
Hi Andy...Great Video! I had an experience the other day that I had never had before. I went to buy a used Kenmore sewing machine, and the owner told me that if I wanted the attachments set, it would cost me an extra $5.00! Of course, I went ahead and paid for them.
I guess you are lucky they did not charge you extra for the cord! It sounds like you got a good deal. I wonder if you said "no thanks" if they thought someone else would make the trip to buy them for $5? Thanks for watching my channel and for saving that machine. Take Care.
Thanks for watching. I just recently started a new Series called "Trouble, a SInger Model 401A" if you have an interest in slant needle machines. ruclips.net/p/PLsCOZgzzaiKLiDl9yFTP6mJgQmz5lj4NO Take Care.
Thank You!!! I had inherited my mum's singer machine 224 and have been trying to figure out what was the special purpose foot was for ages. Thanks to your demonstration, it's mystery solved. God Bless!!!
It seems that way sometimes, doesn't it? I think we are as capable as they were but they had different priorities. I mean like they had a lot less "screen time" and learned from people, family, teachers and manuals. They spent time doing things and being creative and productive and families lived together more/longer. My grandmother learned to speak Spanish from a book she bought for $2.00, new. What impresses me is they designed and built these machines and attachments without a single computer, tablet, emails or "go to meeting". Hmm...🤔🤔 maybe they were more intelligent then me, hehe. Thanks so much for watching my channel.
Thank you!! I think I have some of all of these feet...Thank you for the help with my rocketier machine.. I have gotten it to work better with the suggestions you gave me..I'm still working to get it better..Thank you again!!!
Just got a 403 in December and oiled and did a light cleaning last night and then used her to zigzag the edges of a bunch of terry cloth rags. She sounds really good. Wish I could get the original darning foot for the slant shank machines. I bought a new one and it seemed to work fine but it’s plastic mostly. Would like the original metal one. I bet it’s hard to find and expensive.
I just came across this video when I was trying to get information on my 403A. I bought it at an auction when I was in my early 20's (early 1980's) for only $40, I think. It came in it's own cabinet and I believe it has at least half of these accessories. I'll have to look. I was going to give it away, but now I'm rethinking that decision. It worked for me all of these years, but recently it just stopped sewing. It sounds like it wants to sew, but the needle doesn't go up and down.
So, when was the last time you oiled it properly? A vintage machine that sits idle for years/decades usually freezes up b/c the oil in the bushings dies hard and nothing can move/turn. If needed you can download a FREE copy of the original Instruction Manual from Singer Support: www.singer.com/search/support?title=403 It has oiling instructions. I also have 20+ videos in my Playlist for "Regina" our Model 403A: ruclips.net/p/PLsCOZgzzaiKKyqvdDRwS-9MfLuwSNJTcg For $40 you have one of the best ZZ manchines ever made. A Slant-O-Matic Special.
Thanks so much for your reply. I just got back to this post. To be honest, I can't remember the last time it was oiled because I hadn't used it more than 2 or 3 times in the last 23 years!! I decided to make a Christmas gift for my mom out of my Dad's old sweater and that's when I discovered it was frozen. I did try oiling it, but I really didn't know what I was doing. I will download the manual and give it a try. I really don't want to get rid of it after discovering what a gem I have. Plus, I just created a great sewing/crafting room and I really want to get back into sewing now that the kids are all grown and I have more time. Thanks so much for your advice!! @@andytubesewing1953
@@smaurer62 I've been hearing from viewers this week that SInger has taken down the link to their Vintage Sewing Machine Instruction Manuals. I figured they would someday. About 7 years ago they closed off the Parts List database. I have emailed them twice now asking if the removal is temporary or permanent and have not had any replies. You can buy the manuals online from people who made copies of the free manual and now they sell it. I know there are Singer groups online, maybe Facebook and other sites for Slant Needle machines on other vintage models so maybe someone there can share one with you. I'm too sad they did this. The Playlist I linked you to in my previous comment has some lubrication info in the washing video. I love the story of your machine, thanks for sharing it.
They can all be found on eBay but can be pricey. Some viewers have found the whole box at a thrift shop, like for $5.00. Lucky them, haha. Thank you for watching my channel, Kana, and take care.
I sat down with my 403 attachments box and checked things off against your video. I matched up on the various presser feet, and on the disks. Consumables like the needles, the oil, and the felts are no longer in my box. I do have the screwdrivers and lint brush from other machines so maybe I'll transfer them to this box to add to the set. Or maybe I'll keep them for myself for future use. As usual, very interesting. Thanks for the video.
Thanks for watching it. You did well actually. It is rare that I ever find all the attachments in the box if there even is a box, included with a machine. I often buy partial sets from eBay or at thrift shops and have to cobble together a complete set when I sell the machine. Except I do not buy that little screwdriver anymore. Whew! It's pricey now, especially the "blackside" one.
Thank you for these videos. So helpful and informative. I will look at the other videos as well. I just received my Mom's 403a she purchased new and made all our halloween costumes over the years. No small feat being 6-9 kids and cousins all in the same house. Happy to see I have all the parts except for the tube of oil. I also have a spiral brush that seems original. Do you know about such an item? Also have 3 packs of the 2020 sewing needles -11,14,16. They seem original. Going through the accessory box and pulling it apart to check for items, I found the small silver screw driver. I think my mom must have "lost" it because she had a newer screwdriver in the box. Mine also came with a plastic carrying case- no bottom oil pan. It is very dusty & musty & lint from all the sewing from years ago. Any advice on what to use to clean the metal machine body and the plastic carrying case of dust & odors? I have another box with some big attachments - button-holer & something else. Will look for those later. Thank you in advance and have a lovely weekend.
Your Mom sure picked the best machine for what she was doing. I'm happy that you have kept it in the family. Not familiar with any spiral brush though. Here is the Playlist for this model with all 27 videos: ruclips.net/p/PLsCOZgzzaiKKyqvdDRwS-9MfLuwSNJTcg Brushing and vacuuming off what you can and then you can even just use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe it down if you like. For light cleaning I have used water with baking soda mixed in b/c it will remove odors. If it really smells bad I just wash the whole machine with Krud Kutter Cleaner and degreaser as shown in the videos. Some viewers have also told me they had removed very bad odors, especially on cases, by spraying a pet odor eliminator that contains enzymes onto a microfiber cloth and wiping down the case or machine. I've not done that so test a small area first. Plastic that old was made differently than modern plastics. Maybe you have a monogrammer in that bag, too. Singer Model 403A is my favorite Heavy Duty Sewing Machine.
Andy do you know what the 403a sold for new? Thank you for your videos, gosh I am learning so much about this machine someone took to our cummunity dumpsters and left outside the dumpster. I am so glad my husband brought it home. It is at the repairman right now being checked over to see if it is worth my time and the money to fix what ever might possibly be wrong with it. There is a metal plate that attaches under the machine I saw in one of your videos. Can that be purchased do you know?
I don't have any documented confirmation of the original price of model 403A. Anecdotal evidence has it at $225 to $350. Yes, you used metal oil drip pans or bottom bed covers sometimes on eBay and other online marketplaces. Model 403A is a fabulous machine. I don't know if you found my "Regina" Model 403A Playlist with all 26 videos for the model. It's here: ruclips.net/p/PLsCOZgzzaiKKyqvdDRwS-9MfLuwSNJTcg The 26th video shows a restored 403A in all its glory: ruclips.net/video/XvMTj5wVlJU/видео.html The videos show you how to clean, adjust, replace parts, oil, grease the machine for people who want to do it themselves. It's very doable and rewarding. Good Luck, and thanks for watching my channel.
Hi, Andy, I recently bought a 403, as I was cleaning it I found your channel. BTW great job on the vedios. The machine doesn't come with any attachments, I'm a starter in sewing, plan to learn to make clothes for my little kids. I don't know what foot or attachments would be used frequently for basic sewing and making kiddo clothes, what attachments would you recommend to purchase?
The General Purpose Foot and Throat (Needle) Plate would normally still be on the machine even if you did not get the box of attachments. Those are used for ZigZag sewing and when using the Top Hat Cams or Fashion Discs (there are 20+). To make a nicer-looking Straight Stitch get the Straight Stitch Foot. To make that even more beautiful use that foot with the Straight Stitch Throat Plate. Those should allow you to create most kids' clothing. If you will be using buttons then the Automatic Buttonholer can't be beat for gorgeous buttonholes. Get the one for Slant Needle like in the pink Jeston box www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?item=134919493681&rt=nc&_trksid=p4429486.m3561.l170197&_ssn=thelastkeg When sewing buttonholes or monogramming you use a Satin Stitch Method and need a Special Purpose Presser Foot. If you sew many Zippers then the Adjustable Zipper Foot will be helpful. By the time you start buying a few of these you may save by buying a box of attachments like this: www.ebay.com/itm/386904717728?itmmeta=01HTJDS4BWHCERQQCAAT4PZ4XF&hash=item5a155179a0:g:mVgAAOSwZRVl90yy Remember though you can sew most clothing with the multi-purpose ZigZag foot and Throat Plate, including straight stitch. For kid's clothes, they won't notice if it is a good seam or the best seam. Good Luck.
@@andytubesewing1953Thank you so much for your response, Andy. Your message is thorough and detailed, I really appreciate you even took time looked up and attached links for me. The machine I bought came with a zipper foot on it, so it doesn't have a general purpose foot, I don't know if the plate on the machine is a Throat Needle plate or not. 🧐 So I think I am going to need to buy a general purpose foot and a Throat plate. And I surely want the straight stitch foot the buttonhole foot that you recommended. I am glad you told me about the buttonholer in the pick box. I didn't know this little tool I'm going to need it for sure. No idea how to use the buttonholer, I'll have to look up if you've gotta vedios about it. Thank you again Andy. I appreciate all the great work you are doing teaching us. God bless you.
@@Fangfangcheng-kl6jg Some info when you have time to waste, haha Let me clarify some info, please. Singer formerly called it a “Throat Plate" b/c the area it covered was called the “Throat”. Over the years those plates came to be called “Needle Plate” b/c the needle went through the opening in it. So Throat and Needle Plate is the same thing today. Your machine came from the factory with the General Purpose needle plate now commonly called a ZigZag plate. Part No. 172075. Here is an example, but it is not in good condition: www.ebay.com/itm/256456915344?itmmeta=01HTNVN67Z1AGT6MEEWN08BTM4&hash=item3bb605f990:g:UtEAAOSwAA1mACwr It is called General Purpose b/c you can ZZ sew and straight stitch sew with it. To match that your machine also came from the factory with the General Purpose Presser Foot attached. For ZZ and SS sewing. Here is the GP presser foot Part No. 172075 www.ebay.com/itm/201593751204?chn=ps&mkevt=1&mkcid=28&srsltid=AfmBOooTdOQPz0Ulkh4fwZlPJTh6gPjLeniqTEglfsXokLf0YbimqT5hVwo Although you can sew SS with this setup, fine sewists who sew clothing and quilts, etc. prefer to use the original setup of the older machines before the days of ZZ sewing. This setup consists of a Straight Stitch Needle Plate and Presser Foot. They consider the stitching made by these to be superior and finer and straighter. The reason is the SS foot and plate only have a small opening to allow the needle passage. That keeps the fabric from “lifting” and “puckering” while sewing. With the ZZ foot and plate when you SS the openings are larger and allow the fabric to lift and pucker a little which can make the stitch look a little “crooked”. The SS plate is Part No. 174529. www.ebay.com/itm/353781105594?itmmeta=01HTNVPY25XYTT1S7YHZGXQYFT&hash=item525eff43ba:g:n6kAAOSw2Bddwxm3 The SS foot is Part No. 170071. www.ebay.com/itm/226033874287?epid=659822754&itmmeta=01HTNVSF36X2E1VTNC19DE9THE&hash=item34a0ab356f:g:oFEAAOSwbs5l6MKG Most machine owners, myself included, believe the original vintage parts are of a higher quality and new replacement parts, although replacement parts can cost less. We find them online at eBay, ETSY, etc. There is no Buttonhole Foot for this model. There is a Button Foot that is made to hold the button down while you do a narrow ZZ stitch to attach it. Most sewists we know prefer to sew buttons on by hand stitch. The Singer Automatic Buttonholer takes some practice but makes very beautiful buttonholes. Besides the Pink “Jeston” BH they later made a Professional BH that opens from the top to change the template without removing the device from the machine. You can get a free manual for it here: ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/manuals/singer-professional-buttonholer.pdf They both work well. Some day consider what Singer Called the Aplique Foot commonly called the Satin Stich Foot which makes satin stitching meaning ZZ stitching so close together you can't see the fabric between the threads. Nice for freehand sewing and monogramming. Part No. 161167 www.ebay.com/itm/354370866617?itmmeta=01HTNZCYNR0EX7ANC3CH64HNMA&hash=item5282264db9:g:v5UAAOSwDONjYmn6 If you want to make monograms on clothes Singer made an attachment like the BH to do it ruclips.net/video/V3sNx5h8Rxg/видео.html Happy sewing and good luck.
The 503 attachments are virtually the same as the 403. They're called slant needle presser feet and they fit the 401-403-404-500-503 6 and 700. Mostly the set had minor differences like the thumb screw on the scene guide was metal and later plastic. But the feet are all the same height and the same slant angle and are interchangeable
@@andytubesewing1953Thank you Andy. You are the sewing machine expert. In that case I can also include class 503 attachments when I search for attachments for my 403. I assume the 503 bobin case would fit 403 the same way as well.
Si vous voulez dire les caméras à motif noir, elles s'appellent Singer Top Hat Cams et peuvent être trouvées sur eBay et Facebook marketplace www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2047675.m570.l1313&_nkw= Chanteur+Couture+Machine+Top+Chapeau+Cams+&_sacat=0 Si vous parlez de la pile de cames en métal en haut au centre de la machine, vous devez en trouver une d'occasion. J'achète sur eBay pour cela www.ebay.com/itm/153374343655?hash=item23b5d2c1e7:g:LbsAAOSwiHBdI7uJ Si vous êtes en dehors des États-Unis, je ne sais pas où vous pourriez le trouver. Merci d'avoir regardé ma chaîne, mais posez votre question une seule fois et non sur plusieurs vidéos. Merci.
I picked up a 403 at a sale the other day for $5 it has all the discs and feet but it actually came with a plastic red case with clear lid that has a disc numbered 22 and a metal zig zag foot. Do you know if it works on the 401a? The 403 is in super bad shape the metal is all rusty and crumbling but I thought the accessories were worth the money.
Singer disc 22 is called stretch stitch. If it is a style "B" or "Top Hat" cam/disc then yes it would work on a 403A. There are 23 type "B" discs and you could buy them individual in red/green boxes. Here is a chart of the different discs SInger made: www.singersewinginfo.co.uk/pattern_cam_list/ You can price 403A/401A parts on eBay. You may be surprised what a tension unit sells for and other parts.
Grazie per il tuo interesse per il mio video. Apri la funzione CC del video e cambia la lingua in italiano. Ecco due video che mostrano come farlo. ruclips.net/video/Q-6_7_dbhRo/видео.html ruclips.net/video/KPSgueF_Cpg/видео.html Puoi farlo su tutti i video di RUclips che hanno il CC funzionante.
Remember when car instruction manuals used to be as small as that Singer book?? Ah….sweet innocent, non digital memories!💕💙
Hahaha 😂My neighbor bought a new car last year. She said the manual section just for the "infotainment" system is 47 pages. She still can't figure out how to link her cell phone to the speakers to play her music. Maybe this new AI stuff can hook it up for her? Thanks for watching my channel, and the nice laugh you gave me.
I inherited this same machine from my great grandmother including this exact box! I'm learning to sew, so this was incredibly helpful. thanks so much for all this info.
Welcome, and your GGM had excellent taste in sewing machines. I have 25 other videos for this model in a playlist in case you come across any issues when you start using it ruclips.net/p/PLsCOZgzzaiKKyqvdDRwS-9MfLuwSNJTcg You'll love crafting on a 403A Slant Needle Singer. Happy Sewing, and thanks for watching my channel.
Thank you for this very thorough review of the attachments for a 403. I have wondered if the discs would work on my 401, and you are the first person to show that the 600 series of discs will also work for my machine. This is a big help since as you said, it opens up the selection for me. Also, your demonstration of the feet and their details was excellent. I had never seen the detail of how to use an extra needle to create a button shank by machine. You did a wonderful job on this review.
Thank you for your thoughtful and kind comment. It helps me feel justified in the time spent doing these types of videos. I do not sew myself, but find the attachments almost as fascinating as the machines. When I first saw some of these I wondered "what is this foot for" and "why did they put a grove/hump in this weird looking foot?" It is impressive what the Singer & other companies designed and built into/onto their powerful domestic machines. I'm happy you enjoyed the video and found it worth your time. Take Care.
Thank you so much!!! I inherited these from my grandmother and a few I was scratching my head! This was exactly what I needed!
Your videos have given me a whole new appreciation for my 403a which was given to me by my mother. It was given to her in 1958, and while she put a lot of miles on it, it is in amazing condition and all of the attachments are in the original box, including the two screwdrivers and lint brush. The only mystery is that the original instruction manual and attachment box is labeled as a 503. My mom does not understand how that happened. I also have a 2004 Kenmore, which has been very good to me, but this Regina is something special. Thanks again for these very informative videos!
Something special for sure! I can't explain the 503A labeling on the attachment box. The boxes were filled at the Singer Stores during machine cleaning after shipping. Model 403A was made 1958-60 and the 503A was made 1961-63. Strange how she could have got a 503A box in 1958. The best part is you have the full set of attachments and the incredible machine stays in the family. With normal care and lubrication, you can hand it down to a family member decades from now. Thanks for sharing and happy sewing.
@@andytubesewing1953 thanks for the kind response and the additional info..
@@janetrichey8734 👍
Love your channel by the way. I always play your tutorials while I’m sewing or cleaning my machine
Thank you ✨
This was a fantastic video, thank you. I lucked out and received almost everything pictured with my 403A - everything except the oil, spool pins, and two felts. My 403A looks to have seen very little use but I am following your videos and making sure it is in tip-top shape - I gave it to my 12-year-old daughter who is just starting to sew. It's amazing how you can buy something so sophisticated that originally sold for the equivalent of $3000 for $15 at the thrift store. Actually, it's an indictment upon our society that this is possible.
Welcome, and congratulations. One of the best ZZ machines Singer made, IMO. The pins & felts came in the box from the factory but were usually put on the machine at the store after a wipe down and oiling. Sadly, the small oil tubes were tossed out when empty.
You know you can buy more top hat cams, right? There are 20+ different ones. One more video you may be interested in is how to reset the motor brushes and clean the commutator of the motor at the same time with a diamond stone: ruclips.net/video/pzq4tv8qn94/видео.html Your daughter is a lucky young lady. Thanks for saving the machine, and for watching my channel.
@@andytubesewing1953 Thank you. Yes, I went ahead and bought the kit of twelve "special discs" from Ebay yesterday. I looked over several listings until I found the nicest looking box and least amount of edge wear on the cams - it was still only $16. I figure that's a bargain. I will check out that video on the motor commutator. I am also looking through your series on the Featherweight; mine is a 1939 model, too.
@@jamesmcdonald2680 Sure, 12 cams for $16, or $1.3333 per cam, is a good deal, IMO. Here is the best place for featherweight info that I know of and I have bought and sold parts from/to them. Really nice folks. singer-featherweight.com/
I am so wonderfully surprised and pleased to find your channel. I use a 403a as my regular machine, and I love it. I found a 503 at a flea market in it's original cabinet a couple years ago. I got the whole set up for $35 dollars because they couldn't find the power cord. I bought it to take to my daughter's house in another state so as not to have to drag my machine back and forth. When cleaning it out, I found the receipts showing the owner's name and address, and in one of those strange coincidences, it had lived all it's life just three houses down from the house we had bought a few years earlier. The elderly lady to whom it belonged had passed away. I'm still trying to get the machine up and running. Bought a power cord off ebay, took it to be serviced where my daughter lives, and when we got it back and plugged it in, it blew the circuit. I haven't touched it since, but have plans after the lock down to see what happened.
Wow, what a small world we do live in! I'm so sorry to hear about the blown circuit after having it serviced. Yes, Marta, there is not anything on those machines that you can't fix yourself. Two nice models, A Slant-O-Matic Special and a Rocketeer. Check out the foot controller when you start working on it. These videos will show you how:
ruclips.net/p/PLsCOZgzzaiKL6ePPxLpmnWSzTyxPKTb71
26 Model 403A videos: ruclips.net/p/PLsCOZgzzaiKKyqvdDRwS-9MfLuwSNJTcg
and 20 503A videos: ruclips.net/p/PLsCOZgzzaiKJZaZn2zl3LsnV2d7UhrqvX
You can service the entire motor: ruclips.net/p/PLsCOZgzzaiKJSu0T9oeaheTZsrUe91kkZ
Or just give it a 5-minute Speed-Up for $10: ruclips.net/video/pzq4tv8qn94/видео.html
By the time you finish, it will be hard to choose which machine you like the best, but you won't have to b/c you'll have both of them! So nice! Thanks for watching my channel and sharing a good story. Take Care.
@@andytubesewing1953 Thank you so much for the advice! I do so love the slant o matics!
Very welcome!
There are two monogram sets. The small has all the letters and the large came with a coupon for three letters to do initials. There is a 23 disk but there was something about it that it only had the basting effect on 600 and later machines.
Andy tube,
Love this demo.....I just found a 403
In a beautiful treadle cabinet!!!!
It needs love but I'm the girl for the
Job!!!! The cabinet and base are gorgeous!!!! Im going to be hunting for the original book, cams, feet ect!!!
Thank you.....this was so helpful
From a sewist/quilter in Idaho!!!!
And a VINTAGE SEWING MACHINE
GIRL!!!!!
Happy for you, SueAnn. It's a wonderful machine. Did I mention in the video those are TYPE "B" Discs? There are 23 total type B discs! Here is the 403A Playlist for working on the model. ruclips.net/p/PLsCOZgzzaiKKyqvdDRwS-9MfLuwSNJTcg That machine seems like it will last forever, and you can do all the repair and maintenance it needs. Happy quilting and take care.✨
Hi Andy...Great Video! I had an experience the other day that I had never had before. I went to buy a used Kenmore sewing machine, and the owner told me that if I wanted the attachments set, it would cost me an extra $5.00! Of course, I went ahead and paid for them.
I guess you are lucky they did not charge you extra for the cord! It sounds like you got a good deal. I wonder if you said "no thanks" if they thought someone else would make the trip to buy them for $5? Thanks for watching my channel and for saving that machine. Take Care.
Great job Andy! Appreciate all of your effort and knowledge
Thanks for watching. I just recently started a new Series called "Trouble, a SInger Model 401A" if you have an interest in slant needle machines. ruclips.net/p/PLsCOZgzzaiKLiDl9yFTP6mJgQmz5lj4NO
Take Care.
Thank You!!! I had inherited my mum's singer machine 224 and have been trying to figure out what was the special purpose foot was for ages. Thanks to your demonstration, it's mystery solved. God Bless!!!
Glad I could help!
Why people were so intelligent back in the days ? I feel like they were sooo intelligent, very impressed with this machine parts
It seems that way sometimes, doesn't it? I think we are as capable as they were but they had different priorities. I mean like they had a lot less "screen time" and learned from people, family, teachers and manuals. They spent time doing things and being creative and productive and families lived together more/longer. My grandmother learned to speak Spanish from a book she bought for $2.00, new. What impresses me is they designed and built these machines and attachments without a single computer, tablet, emails or "go to meeting". Hmm...🤔🤔 maybe they were more intelligent then me, hehe. Thanks so much for watching my channel.
Thank you!! I think I have some of all of these feet...Thank you for the help with my rocketier machine.. I have gotten it to work better with the suggestions you gave me..I'm still working to get it better..Thank you again!!!
Welcome, Alice. Thanks for watching my channel, and keep working. I still working on getting me better, too! hehe. Take Care.
Excellent attachment set Singer Model 403A Sewing Machine
thank you for watching
Plastic bobbins? A straight-stitch throat plate? More hereunto unknown information, Andy! Thanks a lot!
Welcome. I'm glad you found it informative. Thanks for commenting. Take care.
Thank you so much for the information!
I'm glad you found it useful. Thanks for commenting.
Just got a 403 in December and oiled and did a light cleaning last night and then used her to zigzag the edges of a bunch of terry cloth rags. She sounds really good. Wish I could get the original darning foot for the slant shank machines. I bought a new one and it seemed to work fine but it’s plastic mostly. Would like the original metal one. I bet it’s hard to find and expensive.
Congrats. I've never even seen that foot in person and I agree it would be $$$$$$
I just came across this video when I was trying to get information on my 403A. I bought it at an auction when I was in my early 20's (early 1980's) for only $40, I think. It came in it's own cabinet and I believe it has at least half of these accessories. I'll have to look. I was going to give it away, but now I'm rethinking that decision. It worked for me all of these years, but recently it just stopped sewing. It sounds like it wants to sew, but the needle doesn't go up and down.
So, when was the last time you oiled it properly? A vintage machine that sits idle for years/decades usually freezes up b/c the oil in the bushings dies hard and nothing can move/turn. If needed you can download a FREE copy of the original Instruction Manual from Singer Support: www.singer.com/search/support?title=403 It has oiling instructions.
I also have 20+ videos in my Playlist for "Regina" our Model 403A: ruclips.net/p/PLsCOZgzzaiKKyqvdDRwS-9MfLuwSNJTcg For $40 you have one of the best ZZ manchines ever made. A Slant-O-Matic Special.
Thanks so much for your reply. I just got back to this post. To be honest, I can't remember the last time it was oiled because I hadn't used it more than 2 or 3 times in the last 23 years!! I decided to make a Christmas gift for my mom out of my Dad's old sweater and that's when I discovered it was frozen. I did try oiling it, but I really didn't know what I was doing. I will download the manual and give it a try. I really don't want to get rid of it after discovering what a gem I have. Plus, I just created a great sewing/crafting room and I really want to get back into sewing now that the kids are all grown and I have more time. Thanks so much for your advice!! @@andytubesewing1953
@@smaurer62 I've been hearing from viewers this week that SInger has taken down the link to their Vintage Sewing Machine Instruction Manuals. I figured they would someday. About 7 years ago they closed off the Parts List database.
I have emailed them twice now asking if the removal is temporary or permanent and have not had any replies. You can buy the manuals online from people who made copies of the free manual and now they sell it. I know there are Singer groups online, maybe Facebook and other sites for Slant Needle machines on other vintage models so maybe someone there can share one with you. I'm too sad they did this. The Playlist I linked you to in my previous comment has some lubrication info in the washing video. I love the story of your machine, thanks for sharing it.
Awesome guide and explaination. I wish I had them all
They can all be found on eBay but can be pricey. Some viewers have found the whole box at a thrift shop, like for $5.00. Lucky them, haha. Thank you for watching my channel, Kana, and take care.
I sat down with my 403 attachments box and checked things off against your video. I matched up on the various presser feet, and on the disks. Consumables like the needles, the oil, and the felts are no longer in my box. I do have the screwdrivers and lint brush from other machines so maybe I'll transfer them to this box to add to the set. Or maybe I'll keep them for myself for future use.
As usual, very interesting. Thanks for the video.
Thanks for watching it. You did well actually. It is rare that I ever find all the attachments in the box if there even is a box, included with a machine. I often buy partial sets from eBay or at thrift shops and have to cobble together a complete set when I sell the machine. Except I do not buy that little screwdriver anymore. Whew! It's pricey now, especially the "blackside" one.
Thank you for these videos. So helpful and informative. I will look at the other videos as well.
I just received my Mom's 403a she purchased new and made all our halloween costumes over the years. No small feat being 6-9 kids and cousins all in the same house. Happy to see I have all the parts except for the tube of oil. I also have a spiral brush that seems original. Do you know about such an item? Also have 3 packs of the 2020 sewing needles -11,14,16. They seem original.
Going through the accessory box and pulling it apart to check for items, I found the small silver screw driver. I think my mom must have "lost" it because she had a newer screwdriver in the box.
Mine also came with a plastic carrying case- no bottom oil pan. It is very dusty & musty & lint from all the sewing from years ago. Any advice on what to use to clean the metal machine body and the plastic carrying case of dust & odors?
I have another box with some big attachments - button-holer & something else. Will look for those later.
Thank you in advance and have a lovely weekend.
Your Mom sure picked the best machine for what she was doing. I'm happy that you have kept it in the family. Not familiar with any spiral brush though. Here is the Playlist for this model with all 27 videos: ruclips.net/p/PLsCOZgzzaiKKyqvdDRwS-9MfLuwSNJTcg Brushing and vacuuming off what you can and then you can even just use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe it down if you like. For light cleaning I have used water with baking soda mixed in b/c it will remove odors. If it really smells bad I just wash the whole machine with Krud Kutter Cleaner and degreaser as shown in the videos.
Some viewers have also told me they had removed very bad odors, especially on cases, by spraying a pet odor eliminator that contains enzymes onto a microfiber cloth and wiping down the case or machine. I've not done that so test a small area first. Plastic that old was made differently than modern plastics. Maybe you have a monogrammer in that bag, too. Singer Model 403A is my favorite Heavy Duty Sewing Machine.
Andy, I appreciate your Knowledge,I have a singer model slant-o-Matic 500 it has many accessories sure could use your help
Help with what, exactly?
Thank you God's blessings
Best comment this year. Thank you, Fay ✨✝
Andy do you know what the 403a sold for new? Thank you for your videos, gosh I am learning so much about this machine someone took to our cummunity dumpsters and left outside the dumpster. I am so glad my husband brought it home. It is at the repairman right now being checked over to see if it is worth my time and the money to fix what ever might possibly be wrong with it. There is a metal plate that attaches under the machine I saw in one of your videos. Can that be purchased do you know?
I don't have any documented confirmation of the original price of model 403A. Anecdotal evidence has it at $225 to $350.
Yes, you used metal oil drip pans or bottom bed covers sometimes on eBay and other online marketplaces. Model 403A is a fabulous machine. I don't know if you found my "Regina" Model 403A Playlist with all 26 videos for the model. It's here: ruclips.net/p/PLsCOZgzzaiKKyqvdDRwS-9MfLuwSNJTcg The 26th video shows a restored 403A in all its glory: ruclips.net/video/XvMTj5wVlJU/видео.html The videos show you how to clean, adjust, replace parts, oil, grease the machine for people who want to do it themselves. It's very doable and rewarding. Good Luck, and thanks for watching my channel.
@@andytubesewing1953 no i had not seen those videos, i will check them out directly. thank you for answering so promptly.
@@gloriadavis-spoors6795 Just in case you find an issue then maybe I have a video to help. So happy for you and your 403A.
Super helpful!
Thanks; I'm glad you found it.
Hi, Andy, I recently bought a 403, as I was cleaning it I found your channel. BTW great job on the vedios. The machine doesn't come with any attachments, I'm a starter in sewing, plan to learn to make clothes for my little kids. I don't know what foot or attachments would be used frequently for basic sewing and making kiddo clothes, what attachments would you recommend to purchase?
The General Purpose Foot and Throat (Needle) Plate would normally still be on the machine even if you did not get the box of attachments. Those are used for ZigZag sewing and when using the Top Hat Cams or Fashion Discs (there are 20+).
To make a nicer-looking Straight Stitch get the Straight Stitch Foot. To make that even more beautiful use that foot with the Straight Stitch Throat Plate. Those should allow you to create most kids' clothing.
If you will be using buttons then the Automatic Buttonholer can't be beat for gorgeous buttonholes. Get the one for Slant Needle like in the pink Jeston box www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?item=134919493681&rt=nc&_trksid=p4429486.m3561.l170197&_ssn=thelastkeg When sewing buttonholes or monogramming you use a Satin Stitch Method and need a Special Purpose Presser Foot.
If you sew many Zippers then the Adjustable Zipper Foot will be helpful.
By the time you start buying a few of these you may save by buying a box of attachments like this:
www.ebay.com/itm/386904717728?itmmeta=01HTJDS4BWHCERQQCAAT4PZ4XF&hash=item5a155179a0:g:mVgAAOSwZRVl90yy
Remember though you can sew most clothing with the multi-purpose ZigZag foot and Throat Plate, including straight stitch. For kid's clothes, they won't notice if it is a good seam or the best seam. Good Luck.
@@andytubesewing1953Thank you so much for your response, Andy. Your message is thorough and detailed, I really appreciate you even took time looked up and attached links for me.
The machine I bought came with a zipper foot on it, so it doesn't have a general purpose foot, I don't know if the plate on the machine is a Throat Needle plate or not. 🧐
So I think I am going to need to buy a general purpose foot and a Throat plate. And I surely want the straight stitch foot the buttonhole foot that you recommended. I am glad you told me about the buttonholer in the pick box. I didn't know this little tool I'm going to need it for sure. No idea how to use the buttonholer, I'll have to look up if you've gotta vedios about it.
Thank you again Andy. I appreciate all the great work you are doing teaching us. God bless you.
@@Fangfangcheng-kl6jg Some info when you have time to waste, haha
Let me clarify some info, please.
Singer formerly called it a “Throat Plate" b/c the area it covered was called the “Throat”.
Over the years those plates came to be called “Needle Plate” b/c the needle went through the opening in it. So Throat and Needle Plate is the same thing today.
Your machine came from the factory with the General Purpose needle plate now commonly called a ZigZag plate.
Part No. 172075. Here is an example, but it is not in good condition: www.ebay.com/itm/256456915344?itmmeta=01HTNVN67Z1AGT6MEEWN08BTM4&hash=item3bb605f990:g:UtEAAOSwAA1mACwr
It is called General Purpose b/c you can ZZ sew and straight stitch sew with it.
To match that your machine also came from the factory with the General Purpose Presser Foot attached. For ZZ and SS sewing. Here is the GP presser foot Part No. 172075
www.ebay.com/itm/201593751204?chn=ps&mkevt=1&mkcid=28&srsltid=AfmBOooTdOQPz0Ulkh4fwZlPJTh6gPjLeniqTEglfsXokLf0YbimqT5hVwo
Although you can sew SS with this setup, fine sewists who sew clothing and quilts, etc.
prefer to use the original setup of the older machines before the days of ZZ sewing.
This setup consists of a Straight Stitch Needle Plate and Presser Foot. They consider the stitching made by these to be superior and finer and straighter. The reason is the SS foot and plate only have a small opening to allow the needle passage. That keeps the fabric from “lifting” and “puckering” while sewing. With the ZZ foot and plate when you SS the openings are larger and allow the fabric to lift and pucker a little which can make the stitch look a little “crooked”.
The SS plate is Part No. 174529. www.ebay.com/itm/353781105594?itmmeta=01HTNVPY25XYTT1S7YHZGXQYFT&hash=item525eff43ba:g:n6kAAOSw2Bddwxm3
The SS foot is Part No. 170071. www.ebay.com/itm/226033874287?epid=659822754&itmmeta=01HTNVSF36X2E1VTNC19DE9THE&hash=item34a0ab356f:g:oFEAAOSwbs5l6MKG
Most machine owners, myself included, believe the original vintage parts are of a higher quality and new replacement parts, although replacement parts can cost less. We find them online at eBay, ETSY, etc.
There is no Buttonhole Foot for this model. There is a Button Foot that is made to hold the button down while you do a narrow ZZ stitch to attach it. Most sewists we know prefer to sew buttons on by hand stitch.
The Singer Automatic Buttonholer takes some practice but makes very beautiful buttonholes. Besides the Pink “Jeston” BH they later made a Professional BH that opens from the top to change the template without removing the device from the machine. You can get a free manual for it here: ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/manuals/singer-professional-buttonholer.pdf They both work well.
Some day consider what Singer Called the Aplique Foot commonly called the Satin Stich Foot which makes satin stitching meaning ZZ stitching so close together you can't see the fabric between the threads. Nice for freehand sewing and monogramming. Part No. 161167
www.ebay.com/itm/354370866617?itmmeta=01HTNZCYNR0EX7ANC3CH64HNMA&hash=item5282264db9:g:v5UAAOSwDONjYmn6
If you want to make monograms on clothes Singer made an attachment like the BH to do it
ruclips.net/video/V3sNx5h8Rxg/видео.html Happy sewing and good luck.
Andy, I have a quick question. Will class 503 attachments (part No. 161745) fit 403? If They do, is there any differences from the 161279 attachments?
The 503 attachments are virtually the same as the 403. They're called slant needle presser feet and they fit the 401-403-404-500-503 6 and 700. Mostly the set had minor differences like the thumb screw on the scene guide was metal and later plastic. But the feet are all the same height and the same slant angle and are interchangeable
@@andytubesewing1953Thank you Andy. You are the sewing machine expert. In that case I can also include class 503 attachments when I search for attachments for my 403. I assume the 503 bobin case would fit 403 the same way as well.
@@Fangfangcheng-kl6jg Yes, the bobbin cases are the same part number on the 403A & 503A.
Bonjour merci pour la video super .Tu peux me dire a ou je peux achter les disc cam j'ai la meme machine mais manque les disc cam
Si vous voulez dire les caméras à motif noir, elles s'appellent Singer Top Hat Cams et peuvent être trouvées sur eBay et Facebook marketplace www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2047675.m570.l1313&_nkw= Chanteur+Couture+Machine+Top+Chapeau+Cams+&_sacat=0
Si vous parlez de la pile de cames en métal en haut au centre de la machine, vous devez en trouver une d'occasion. J'achète sur eBay pour cela www.ebay.com/itm/153374343655?hash=item23b5d2c1e7:g:LbsAAOSwiHBdI7uJ
Si vous êtes en dehors des États-Unis, je ne sais pas où vous pourriez le trouver. Merci d'avoir regardé ma chaîne, mais posez votre question une seule fois et non sur plusieurs vidéos. Merci.
Merci beaucoup
I picked up a 403 at a sale the other day for $5 it has all the discs and feet but it actually came with a plastic red case with clear lid that has a disc numbered 22 and a metal zig zag foot. Do you know if it works on the 401a? The 403 is in super bad shape the metal is all rusty and crumbling but I thought the accessories were worth the money.
Singer disc 22 is called stretch stitch. If it is a style "B" or "Top Hat" cam/disc then yes it would work on a 403A. There are 23 type "B" discs and you could buy them individual in red/green boxes. Here is a chart of the different discs SInger made:
www.singersewinginfo.co.uk/pattern_cam_list/
You can price 403A/401A parts on eBay. You may be surprised what a tension unit sells for and other parts.
Andy Tube yeah that’s it! It does say “stretch”on it. Thanks so much for the info/link great guide😊
Very welcome!
Hello, do you have the singer 403A attachment set?
Sorry. It was sold with the machine.
traduzione in italiano,,grazie
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