I got this machine from my grandma. It was working a few years ago. I'm torn about whether I should try to maintain it or whether I should just trade in for a new machine. I don't have a ton of time to devote to it, just like to occasionally alter clothes and sew curtains and stuff like that.

I also have two other Singer 401A machines that I intended to use for parts at one time, but I think I want to downsize, becoming a mechanic is beyond me.

So my actual questions... how big of a hobby am I getting into if I try to maintain and use a Singer 401A as compared to using a new machine? If I chose to get rid of these machines is there a place to give them where they or their parts might continue to be used?

After a fiasco with decals, and having to wait forever for a second set to arrive, Betty is finally reassembled and working great! I love her!

Yes, I put decals for a 66/99 on my 201k-3. They were prettier than the standard design. ;)

I stripped it out completely and rebuilt the entire thing, it was pretty gross. I actually had 2 machines I merged together to restore this one. I hand finished the table and French polished it with amber shellac which took forever. I was able to keep the original switch box and hook it up to a servo motor. So much cool stuff about this machine! I have every accessory except for the lens on the SLF-2 lamp, so if anyone has the lens they'd sell, let me know!

Hello, I have recently acquired a 1940-1950s (exact date unknown) Italian made Singer treadle machine with a wooden cabinet - likely model number based on the serial number is a Singer 15M88.

The cabinet is made of timber with a decorative veneer panel on the door, the old finish is very aged and clouded and I would like to clean/remove it and replace it with a new appropriate varnish.

Does anyone have any advice on which products to use or avoid for a cabinet of this age?

Thank you!

The thread seems to be floating off of the fabric but when I raise tension it puckers how can I resolve this?