Singer cabinets, heads and portable cases
#1
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Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 2,891
Singer cabinets, heads and portable cases
I'm wanting to switch my Touch and Sews for 401s or 403s before next school year. I use them when I volunteer for the quilt class at a local elementary school.
I can buy 401s and 403s in a cabinet for $100.00. In a case, they are $200 or more. The trapezoid cases are few and far between, so more expensive. Looking at my 401, it seems as if some other cases might work.
Trying the different cases I have (I don't that many) with my 401 seems like a chore.
Is there an easier way?
Does anyone have some answers on converting cabinet machines to "portables"?
bkay
I can buy 401s and 403s in a cabinet for $100.00. In a case, they are $200 or more. The trapezoid cases are few and far between, so more expensive. Looking at my 401, it seems as if some other cases might work.
Trying the different cases I have (I don't that many) with my 401 seems like a chore.
Is there an easier way?
Does anyone have some answers on converting cabinet machines to "portables"?
bkay
#2
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Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Victorian Sweatshop Forum
Posts: 4,096
You need the large grasscloth trapezoid case(not the 301 case) or the cases made for the 401/500 etc. A 401 won't fit in other standard cases/bases because they're longer than a standard full size machine. Most cabinet 401s still have a bottom cover so can be set on a table as a portable. You would just need to find some sort of carry bag for the machine. Walmart, JoAnns, Hobby Lobby, etc. all carry sewing machine travel bags, like luggage on wheels. Harbor Freight, Home Depot, etc. also have tool bags that can do double duty as a sewing machine carrier.
Cari
Cari
Last edited by Cari-in-Oly; 11-10-2017 at 09:14 PM.
#4
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Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 2,891
That, and I've just switched out my everyday machine from a 503 to a 401. It's really a nice machine. It reminds me of a 201 in that it's quiet, but not nearly that heavy.
I've also just spent several hours on trying to get a T&S to work properly. I gave up on fixing it and sent some of the parts to a forum buddy. I probably won't try to fix another one when it breaks.
bkay
#6
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Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Central Ia
Posts: 1,120
I love my Vintage machines, but, just a thought...Babylock has a BL9 that they put on a Holiday special for $99. Full size, mechanical, solid machine and portable. I do not work for Babylock in any capacity. Like I said....Just a thought...
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 474
Bkay, another option could be Singer 239 or 237(zz). Still have metal gears, straightforward, and sell cheaper than the well known models. Perhaps being younger, wiring is less of an issue. Or, a fleet of 99s. Tho those are getting quite a following.
#10
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Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 2,891
I love the old cast iron machines, but I'm not too much into hauling them around.
bkay
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