Singer 401A - Repair & Maintenance - Part 1

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 1 ธ.ค. 2024

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  • @yolandapuerta2339
    @yolandapuerta2339 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    Muchas gracias señor.. tengo una maquina así .. la boy a limpiar .. para usarla .. dios lo bendiga hoy y siempre🙏

    • @NeverTooMany2023
      @NeverTooMany2023  8 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Muy bien! Muchas gracias Yolanda!

  • @sewjostudio
    @sewjostudio 5 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    I am picking up this model machine today and really enjoyed your video. This was the machine my mother sewed clothes for me and my 4 sisters. My grand niece has been using it now and I wanted one for my non-profit sewing studio. My parents gave me a Bernina 830 Record for my college graduation present and it was put into use when I retired from federal service about 4 years ago. I now have 3 more 830 Records and 2 930 Records for the studio but I can't wait to add the 401A to my stable of machines. Thank you for sharing your skill and wisdom. I love it when I learn new things. I replaced a blown capacitor in one of my 930s. I was a branch chief for Information Technology-Hardware and Network and retired. I don't want anything to do with computers now. I just want to play with all mechanical machines.

    • @NeverTooMany2023
      @NeverTooMany2023  5 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      Thank you so much for the comments. That is great that you are getting a new machine. I am sure you will love it! Super jealous of your Bernina Record machines. Those are on our wish list for sure. Lol...Me having skill and wisdom may be a stretch, though I appreciate the sentiment :) After a career in tech I don't blame you for wanting to relax with some good old mechanical machines. So much fun. Thanks for watching!

  • @trudygard50
    @trudygard50 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    You are the best! the 401A from the basement of my daughter in law and the same thing was wrong with the machine! Can't thank you enough. Have yet to try it but got that fixed. :)

    • @NeverTooMany2023
      @NeverTooMany2023  ปีที่แล้ว

      Oh that is great! I am glad to have helped, if at all :) Good work. I am sure you will love your machine. Thanks for watching!

  • @shelliecarlson7015
    @shelliecarlson7015 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    I picked my 401A at a thrift store too. I was on my way to pick up a 306W and stopped. I debated with myself and my wife. She ended up just telling me to get it if I wanted. Glad I did. Pretty nice machine.

    • @NeverTooMany2023
      @NeverTooMany2023  ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Nice! It is amazing the treasures that one can find at a thrift store. I am sure you will enjoy your 401a for many years to come. I know my wife and I will enjoy ours. What an incredible piece of equipment. Thanks for watching and following along!

  • @PamGriffiths-u6f
    @PamGriffiths-u6f ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Theses machines are a work horse I have 4 of them 401g made in Germany in the early 50’s
    1 of them I used daily for my business making curtains for 20 yrs in North Wales uk. The other 2 were working spares, the 4th I never used as it was jammed solid filthy thick with grease and in a singer cabinet in the house
    Now newly retired I enquired about a service for them and was quoted £65(82.48 dollars) per machine, so after watching you on TH-cam I’ve taken a wk and serviced them myself even moved the selector as 1 machine would not go into the A as it was in the wrong position as yours was
    Thank you so much throughly enjoyed watching and I’ve saved a fortune

  • @julianachandler2975
    @julianachandler2975 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Definitely “nifty”! Love it. Great job ❤

    • @NeverTooMany2023
      @NeverTooMany2023  ปีที่แล้ว

      Thank you so much! Thank you for watching!

  • @jenglenn6985
    @jenglenn6985 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Oh my gosh I loved your reaction when you got that piece back on! I could feel the excitement, haha. Glad I found this video since I just picked up mine at a thrift store and am eager to learn. Thanks!!

    • @NeverTooMany2023
      @NeverTooMany2023  ปีที่แล้ว

      Thank you so much! I am glad you enjoyed the video :) Good luck with your new thrift store gem. I am sure you will love it . Thanks for watching and following along!

  • @kogabear1
    @kogabear1 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    These are a great machine. I use one as my daily sewer. Mine was a thrift store rescue also that needed a lot of TLC. It took a bunch of internal cleaning and oiling.

    • @NeverTooMany2023
      @NeverTooMany2023  ปีที่แล้ว

      That's great! Yes, these are awesome machines :) That is cool that you use a thrift store gem as your daily machine. Thanks for watching!

  • @e.keesey
    @e.keesey ปีที่แล้ว +4

    It was fun to watch it pop in. Watching you maneuver was kinda like putting a diaper on a baby monkey! Well done.

    • @NeverTooMany2023
      @NeverTooMany2023  ปีที่แล้ว

      That's funny :) Thank you so much. Thanks for watching!

  • @lyndamatthews5995
    @lyndamatthews5995 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I cleaned mine with an antibacterial wipe. Ordered new rubber feet to put on the bottom and plugged it in. Seems to run really well. It has not been taken care of and has some rusty spots on it. I’m thinking about spraying the bottom with rust oleum. When I wiped it down a lot of black came off. I also got a buttonhole attachment. It is said that it makes perfect buttonholes every time which is why I purchased it. Also said to be the best machine Singer ever made and the last model made in America.

    • @NeverTooMany2023
      @NeverTooMany2023  หลายเดือนก่อน

      That is great! Sounds like you are off to a great start. Yes you will absolutely love the 401. Good luck and thanks for watching!

  • @allanfifield8256
    @allanfifield8256 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Both my stitch selectors did not work. I oiled and then WD 40 all the appropriate metal surfaces. Gently rocked the outside knobs with my hand and used a screw drive to gently leverage inside parts to move a bear fraction. First the metal selector began a bit on one side and then the other side. Both now slide freely up and down
    The secret is gentle patience. 15 minutes at time and then walk away for hours. The vibrations that you can not see are allowing the oil - WD40 mixture to slowly infiltrate the jammed surfaces.
    This should be true with any other frozen metal surfaces.
    These are gem machines when restored.

    • @NeverTooMany2023
      @NeverTooMany2023  2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Agreed. These are wonderful machines that are a ball to use. We just finished up a donation quilt top pieced together entirely on this machine. Timeless for sure :) Thanks for watching!

  • @bonniedeaton7349
    @bonniedeaton7349 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Thank You so much! I am learning learning learning! I dont have one of those machines but knowledge is Good!

    • @NeverTooMany2023
      @NeverTooMany2023  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thank you so much! I am also learning learning learning! This is my first time diving into one of these machines and I love the adventure. Thanks for watching!

  • @steviedriver2234
    @steviedriver2234 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    I found this same Singer not long ago and iI am a new sewer. I went on TH-cam to find out what i had. Came across your page and it has been soooooo helpful, THANK YOU!! I do have a question, my machine did not come with a bobbin. What size or type of bobbin does it need? Again thank you for your videos!

    • @NeverTooMany2023
      @NeverTooMany2023  11 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      That is great! I am sure that you will love your new machine. Thank you for the positive feedback :) The 401a takes a standard 66 series bobbin. You can buy them online in a pack of ten for pretty cheap. Many machines use this style. Thanks for watching!

    • @steviedriver2234
      @steviedriver2234 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@NeverTooMany2023 Thank you!

  • @gergemall
    @gergemall ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Beautiful machine. Thank you for sharing

  • @Cass_772
    @Cass_772 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Hey good job!!

  • @JFSteinman
    @JFSteinman 7 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา

    The post height is adjustable. There is a set screw on the back of the machine.

  • @stanleyblackwell2066
    @stanleyblackwell2066 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    Lver needs to be on 3 then pull inner knob all the way down to K then that will allow you to select I and J ots like a combination lock

  • @JesusisKing222
    @JesusisKing222 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    What was that cleaner you used on the outside of the machine? Mine has the same grime and oil spread it around nicely😂

    • @NeverTooMany2023
      @NeverTooMany2023  3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Great question. On machines of this era I just use a very light kitchen degreaser that I picked up at the dollar store. Thank you for watching!

    • @allanfifield8256
      @allanfifield8256 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      409 works for me.

  • @truecynic1270
    @truecynic1270 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I would happily appreciate it if you would consider one of your informative videos to cover the Singer Model 500J. Thank you!!!!

    • @NeverTooMany2023
      @NeverTooMany2023  ปีที่แล้ว

      Thank you so much for the request! I have not yet acquired a Singer 500. I have however picked up a Singer 503 but have not rounded up a foot pedal, power cord, and cams for it. I will be doing a video on it as soon as I get the parts gathered. The only difference between the 500 and the 503 is the built in cam stack (like the 401 in this video). Thanks for watching!

    • @truecynic1270
      @truecynic1270 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@NeverTooMany2023 Thank you so much!! I'll keep watching the excellent and informative videos you produce until then!!

  • @copperhousefarm4794
    @copperhousefarm4794 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Can you tell us what is the name of the cleaning products. Thanks Great job. You can buy the manuals or download a pdf file.

    • @NeverTooMany2023
      @NeverTooMany2023  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Sure. I cleaned the machine body with a mild kitchen degreaser. It came from our local dollar store and it is called Oxygen Orange. You can order used manuals from ebay. You can download a free manual online. Just google Singer "401a manual" click on "ismacs.net" and click pdf download. Thanks for watching!

  • @slowsmooth3440
    @slowsmooth3440 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Do you know, can you please tell me what LED bulb I can use in a 400 series machine?

    • @NeverTooMany2023
      @NeverTooMany2023  10 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

      Thanks for the question. We have had luck with the AlphaSew brand of LED bulbs. We picked up a few at our local Singer shop. I don't see them on Amazon, but here is a link to a bulb that states as compatible with Singer machines:
      a.co/d/0yQVs6I
      You may find that you need to file the points down a bit to make them fit in your old machine. At least we did in ours. Sometimes the electrodes stick out just a little too far and it makes the bulb really tight and hard to install. Just take a fine file or emery board and take the top off of the nodes until it snuggly fits into your socket. Hope this helps. Good luck!

    • @JesusisKing222
      @JesusisKing222 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I found the bulbs on the featherweight shop website fit without any struggle or adjustment!

  • @tvc190
    @tvc190 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Andy tube is your best bet

    • @NeverTooMany2023
      @NeverTooMany2023  2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Definitely a great resource :) Thanks!

  • @rhondamercado7527
    @rhondamercado7527 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I recently bought the tires for the specific 401 a machine but when I got them they seemed a tad bit smaller than the one I removed from the machine. Is there an adjustment that can be made so that the tire works correctly?

    • @NeverTooMany2023
      @NeverTooMany2023  ปีที่แล้ว

      Thank you for the question. I am not aware of any adjustment for the bobbin tire assembly. I believe I remember having to kind of hold a little extra pressure on ours when winding a bobbin to get it to feed properly. If your new tire is a bit smaller then hopefully you can do the same to get it to contact better. It is unlike other machines that use a locking mechanism to hold the bobbin in place. Hope this helps and good luck! Thanks for watching!

    • @JesusisKing222
      @JesusisKing222 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I have found that they come in different inner/outer diameters. The best I’ve found are from the featherweight shop.

  • @rosemarietoscano8237
    @rosemarietoscano8237 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Help! The top spool pins broke off during shipment to me. They only stick up about 1/8”. I cannot grab from the top. How can I remove what’s left to replace them?

    • @NeverTooMany2023
      @NeverTooMany2023  8 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      I think those are just either glued in or just pressed into place. If you haven't got enough sticking out to grab with a small pair of pliers, then you might try screwing in a small wood screw into the center of them and once you get a good grip on them you can work them out. If they don't come out after that you should be able to dig the rest of the plastic out with a pick until you have enough clearance to insert a new pin. Hope this helps. Good luck!

    • @allanfifield8256
      @allanfifield8256 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Needle nose plyers may do the trick. Patience may be needed.

  • @karenward3542
    @karenward3542 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    My question is how do the size run with the machine needles for different types of projects

    • @NeverTooMany2023
      @NeverTooMany2023  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thanks for the question. I am not sure about all of the ins and outs of needle sizes. I just use the smallest needle that I can get away with on any given project so that I make a smaller hole. I only usually try to use a heavy duty needle if I am making a bag or sewing canvas. Thanks for watching!

    • @chrisjackson9102
      @chrisjackson9102 24 วันที่ผ่านมา

      Old post I know, but, thought I'd add my learned knowledge...
      Try running top stitch needles on these old machines. They leave a cleaner stitch and have a bigger eye that is easier to thread and more forgiving with wonky tension and/or cheap/fragile thread.
      Like he said, use the smallest you can get away with. I recently bought a pack of size 12 because that's what they had. Works great on your Standard weight fabrics (garment sewing here). If they would have had size 10 or 11, I would have bought those instead. I don't think top stitch needles have quite as many sizes to choose from though.

  • @madvelila
    @madvelila ปีที่แล้ว +1

    How is front to back axle needle position adjusted on this machine?

    • @NeverTooMany2023
      @NeverTooMany2023  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I am not aware of a front to back needle bar adjustment. You can loosen the needle bar screw and adjust the height of the needle bar and even twist it if it is clocked wrong, but both the needle bar and the presser foot bar run parallel through the body in tight bushing holes that offer no adjustment. If your needle bar is not running straight it might be bent? Hope this helps. Thanks for watching!

    • @madvelila
      @madvelila ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@NeverTooMany2023 I have tried those things and did not find solution for my problem, which is needle that scratches to hook. Maby I disassemble everything and assemble again.🤔

    • @NeverTooMany2023
      @NeverTooMany2023  ปีที่แล้ว

      Oh ok, I see better now...Ya, your needle shouldn't be making contact with your hook. A bent needle or a needle not properly seated in place might cause this. otherwise, if you already took it apart, make sure you reassembled properly. Make sure the hook assembly is mounted all the way into position and not wobbling. Otherwise, I would say you might have a timing issue. does it still make a stitch but makes a grinding noise, or does it not even stitch? If your timing is off, your needle could be staying in the path of the hook for too long and allowing it to make contact. The needle should only be in the path of the hook for long enough for the very tip of the hook to run through the skarf (indent in needle) and hook the thread. Hope this helps.

    • @madvelila
      @madvelila ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@NeverTooMany2023 it is making a stitch. The touch is just a slight scratch and not so audiable when sewing. I can only hear it without fabric.
      But about the bushings that the needlebar travels in; the upper bushing is connected to eccentric housing and also rhe housing can be adjusted little bit vertically. I think it is som how possible to adjust it so that my needle is not scratching the hook.

    • @madvelila
      @madvelila ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@NeverTooMany2023 I have tried with multipple needles

  • @ronalddevine9587
    @ronalddevine9587 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    These machines as well as the 500 series were designed and built to be used FREQUENTLY, and to last nearly forever. That bent indicator would never happen on the 500a. It is cast in one piece. But that's for another video!

    • @NeverTooMany2023
      @NeverTooMany2023  ปีที่แล้ว

      Agreed! They are remarkable in their build quality and precision. I haven't come across a 500a yet but I did just pick up a 503. I am waiting on a power cord and foot controller for it, then I will get to play with it as well. Can't wait! Thanks for watching!

    • @ronalddevine9587
      @ronalddevine9587 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@NeverTooMany2023
      The most comfortable foot pedal for me is Kenmore 6813, or 6816.
      You won't be able to use the cord, but the size and shape of it is excellent. The performance is equal to or better than Singer.

    • @NeverTooMany2023
      @NeverTooMany2023  ปีที่แล้ว

      Ok, thanks for the heads up! I will check those out. :)

  • @gergemall
    @gergemall ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Never force a mechanical part. I see what you mean

  • @redmonkeyTracyk
    @redmonkeyTracyk ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Sorry I use speak and spell anyway I'm only missing one piece for my 401A and that's the specialty foot

    • @NeverTooMany2023
      @NeverTooMany2023  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      That is great. I am sure you will find one :) Thanks for watching!

    • @redmonkeyTracyk
      @redmonkeyTracyk ปีที่แล้ว +1

      the cabinet and the machine were most likely going to end up at the dump and I do think I have the original cabinet for the 401a with the hidden compartment on the left side just a darker stain I also have a couple of other machines a new home janome I think it's a 4 66 and the other machine that started it all I can't even think of the name right now it's pretty heavy duty though there's videos about the singer Restoration on my cheesy channel if you go there you can check it out I guess

    • @NeverTooMany2023
      @NeverTooMany2023  ปีที่แล้ว +2

      That is all cool. You have a channel? Thats great. I will check it out for sure :)@@redmonkeyTracyk

    • @sewingintrifocals-alisonde7778
      @sewingintrifocals-alisonde7778 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      I found a specialty foot on eBay last year-they’re definitely around. 😇

    • @newyorkramsey
      @newyorkramsey หลายเดือนก่อน

      Great, FUN video watching you figure this out! Just wondering what degreaser you used? If it’s water based, is it okay to use a damp cloth instead first?

  • @PamGriffiths-u6f
    @PamGriffiths-u6f ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Theses machines are a work horse I have 4 of them 401g made in Germany in the early 50’s
    1 of them I used daily for my business making curtains for 20 yrs in North Wales uk. The other 2 were working spares, the 4th I never used as it was jammed solid filthy thick with grease and in a singer cabinet in the house
    Now newly retired I enquired about a service for them and was quoted £65(82.48 dollars) per machine, so after watching you on TH-cam I’ve taken a wk and serviced them myself even moved the selector as 1 machine would not go into the A as it was in the wrong position as yours was
    Thank you so much throughly enjoyed watching and I’ve saved a fortune

  • @PamGriffiths-u6f
    @PamGriffiths-u6f ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Theses machines are a work horse I have 4 of them 401g made in Germany in the early 50’s
    1 of them I used daily for my business making curtains for 20 yrs in North Wales uk. The other 2 were working spares, the 4th I never used as it was jammed solid filthy thick with grease and in a singer cabinet in the house
    Now newly retired I enquired about a service for them and was quoted £65(82.48 dollars) per machine, so after watching you on TH-cam I’ve taken a wk and serviced them myself even moved the selector as 1 machine would not go into the A as it was in the wrong position as yours was
    Thank you so much throughly enjoyed watching and I’ve saved a fortune

  • @PamGriffiths-u6f
    @PamGriffiths-u6f ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Theses machines are a work horse I have 4 of them 401g made in Germany in the early 50’s
    1 of them I used daily for my business making curtains for 20 yrs in North Wales uk. The other 2 were working spares, the 4th I never used as it was jammed solid filthy thick with grease and in a singer cabinet in the house
    Now newly retired I enquired about a service for them and was quoted £65(82.48 dollars) per machine, so after watching you on TH-cam I’ve taken a wk and serviced them myself even moved the selector as 1 machine would not go into the A as it was in the wrong position as yours was
    Thank you so much throughly enjoyed watching and I’ve saved a fortune

    • @NeverTooMany2023
      @NeverTooMany2023  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Wow! That's awesome! Thank you so much for the positive feedback. I am really glad that you were able to tackle your machine maintenance on your own. It is really empowering to make things work with your own hands. Thanks for watching and following along!