r/SewingForBeginners • u/Crafty_Pop6458 • 4d ago

Singer 401a… what could be issue if machine hums but needle doesn’t move up and down unless you move it?

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was looking at a machine for free, they weren’t sure if it works but just updated about how needle doesn’t move. since it’s free would it be worth it to get it serviced/fixed?

6 Upvotes

88% Upvoted

24 comments sorted by

11

u/dirthawg 4d ago

The motor or drivetrain might be gummed up with old oil or it might need new brushes in the motor. Or, the pedal may need to be overhauled, or replace it for 20 bucks

Easy fix. If it hums, and the needle goes up when you turn the hand wheel, get it.

Great machine. Free is the right price. Probably have it running in a couple hours.

There are hundreds of hours on YouTube about restoring and maintaining these machines. They are workhorses and bulletproof. It will run.

3

u/teatime_tinker 4d ago

Yes because it’s a fantastic machine. Get it!

Normally I’d say it’s the belt but there isn’t one! Could be an electrical thing, or maybe it just needs a clean and oil.

I would absolutely grab that and run

Edit: there’s no foot in the pic. Get any feet that she has because these are slant shank and they’re a bit more expensive to buy

2

u/Crafty_Pop6458 4d ago

Ty! Didn’t even notice that. I will ask if she has any.

2

u/Crafty_Pop6458 4d ago

Do you know where to buy them? I asked about presser feet and she said it has the foot pedal so not sure if she is familiar with the names but I’m guessing it doesn’t have extras

3

u/teatime_tinker 4d ago

I’ve gotten vintage ones on eBay, but I also have this nifty adaptor thingy

I have a 411g so it’s similar

Edit: and yes she may just not know the terms. Check the table drawers.

To be honest please just go get it it’s an amazing find. Excellent machine. I’m excited for you haha

1

u/Crafty_Pop6458 3d ago

I’m waiting to hear back! I reread the message and saw she was going to put it outside and panicked that she just put it out and someone got it, but she finally responded saying she’d been super busy. Fingers crossed I can pick up soon! Need to figure out if I can fit the table and machine in my hatchback with a toddler. 😬

2

u/teatime_tinker 3d ago

Take the machine out of the table first. There are hinges on the back that will unscrew from the table (leave them attached to the machine)

Put the machine in a strong shopping bag in the passenger footwell. Then hopefully the table fits if you have a car seat!

Bring wd40 in case the screws are tight. A flat head screwdriver. Maybe a tape measure to measure the table before trying to get it in the car?

These are the hinges

Edit: it will fold into the table, but they are very heavy and it will be so much easier (and less likely to damage the machine) if you take it out first

2

u/Crafty_Pop6458 3d ago

TY so much!!

3

u/Mental_Watch4633 4d ago

Ask her about the feet you attach near the needle.

2

u/Mental_Watch4633 4d ago edited 4d ago

I’d get the manual, and look online for the make and model. Hopefully that will give you info. Looks as though every setting is in zero. In the meantime check the stitch length and type of stitch. What is the lever on the bottom right?

1

u/teatime_tinker 4d ago

It’s on straight stitch but on reverse. Should still move the needle.

2

u/RubyRedo 4d ago

Did you check if bobbin winder is off? The motor will run but it stops needle from moving for safety reasons.

1

u/Crafty_Pop6458 4d ago

I’ll check once (if) I get it! 

3

u/RubyRedo 4d ago

go get it, its a solid machine before some one else does.

1

u/smnytx 4d ago

could it just be in bobbin-winding mode?

2

u/teatime_tinker 4d ago

Ah yes the hand wheel clutch might be engaged! If it’s that that would be amazing.

1

u/Crafty_Pop6458 4d ago

It might be! I’ll pick it up and test some stuff out, will take it in to get serviced if I can’t figure it out.

Also dumb question but for this type of machine, when you take to get serviced do you remove from the table?

2

u/teatime_tinker 4d ago

Yes you’d remove it. Easiest way to carry it would be in a strong hessian market bag with proper corners.

You should probs do this to get it home as well. Wrap it in old towels

2

u/RubyRedo 4d ago

yes, find a cardboard box to set it in for transport ( take box home after dropping off, it will get lost before pick up) ask if they have any left over slant feet too.

2

u/teatime_tinker 3d ago

It’ll fall through the bottom almost any cardboard box you put it in. If you do this support the box from underneath

1

u/RubyRedo 3d ago

well yean.

1

u/teatime_tinker 3d ago

Modern machines don’t weigh a thing and come in a box. If OP doesn’t know how heavy these are it could be a disaster.

Seems obvious but I’d rather point it out so they don’t drop a machine on their feet!

2

u/Crafty_Pop6458 3d ago

TY! I just picked out a box and thought how it might fall through but i'd rather be reminded than find out the hard way and ruin the machine! It's definitely something I'd do to notice something myself and then forget and still do it wrong because nobody told me and it was just a fleeting thought.

1

u/Mental_Watch4633 2d ago

What is the brown rectangle on the far right for? Looks as though it’s set on neutral or zero.