bearisgray

Interesting - I had a 401A for a while - and "dumped" it on one of my granddaughters. I thought it was hard to operate.

Frankly - I like the little 237 a lot better - it's heavy thing, though.

janjj

I have a 403 Slant-o-Matic and I love it. bought it in 1959 or 1960. has cams.

MrsWiggs

Love my 237. Had it for 50 years. just had it tuned up a year ago, sews great.

ArchaicArcane

For tailoring/clothes making, I agree that the 411G has a benefit that makes it a touch better than the 401/500. It also chains. Wonderful for making a mock up and sneaking up on exact measurements.

Cari[/QUOTE]

Sewnoma

Never seen/heard of singer 411's! There are SO many different Singers out there... one could spend a lifetime just trying to get a "complete" set of Singers!

J Miller

I find the 401 / 500 series very easy to use. They do tend to need a lot of maintenance and they need to be kept clean, but what the hey, you maintain your car don't you?

Our 401 was in need of a good cleaning and oiling as well as some TLC when we got it, not a problem. Both of the 500s we got needed a major cleaning and lubing but that's something that should have been done anyway.

Joe

ArchaicArcane

The 411G is part of the German series of these machines. It is a 401A with the addition of the ability to treadle the machine (it has a "knock out" for the belt) and chain stitch. Its color scheme is one tone vs 2 tone for the 401A and its styling seems to be an evolutionary step between the 401A and the 500A.
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If I recall, the 401G treadles but doesn't chain, maybe someone who's actually seen one in person could confirm that?

The 431g is a free arm version - so not treadle-able - but it chains.
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The 421G is a free arm but doesn't chain.

There are also others that are far less common.

Lyncat

I love my 401a and my 201-2.

manicmike

That's right Tammi (I've had two of them). The German ones are almost the same as the US ones (I've had a couple of 401a too) but they feel smoother and 'tighter'.

And the 431G is a free arm with chain stitch. Now that would be one worth having.

quilterpurpledog

Hands down its the Singer 401A. I bought mine new in 1959 and it still sews perfectly. I would not part with it. I have other machines but love my Singer.