My 401 A has several cams. My cord was damaged and my repair man got a new one for me, So the one you use may be able to replace it for you.

FYI, when I go to the blog sew-classic link in dunster's message and try to download the manual I get a "bad encrypt dictionary" message from Adobe Acrobat and it doesn't download it. I'm not sure if this is specific to my computer, but I thought I would let everyone know.

Oh! The 401 is what I learned to sew on way back....never mind. I later inherited it from my DM and I wore it completely out. The singer dealer I took it to recommended I get a new machine.

Sorry you're having problems with the download, but the link is good. Here's the page on ismacs that has the links to a bunch of manuals, including for the 401. The previous link also references the 401 manual on this page, so I don't think you will be able to get to it from here if you were unable to get to it with the previous link, but you can try:

http://www.ismacs.net/singer_sewing_...e-manuals.html

The link for the 401 is to a 14MB file. It takes a while to load on my computer (a newer model with lots of memory running Windows 7), but it does load. You might check to see if you have the latest Adobe Acrobat. I would offer to email you the manual, but at 14 MB that probably wouldn't work either.

That's the link to the 401 manual that I downloaded.

The 401 is a lot of fun to sew on. I found one in the trash, it had to be thoroughly cleaned, I made all necessary repairs, bought parts and have been hooked on them ever since. You can get repair manuals, user manuals, parts are readily available, they were built as a precision sewing machine and your sewing will reflect that quality. There are other posts on the vintage area about the 401s. Feel free to ask questions. Sew classic has the best price I've seen on new cords - good idea anyway considering the age of the machine.

Thanks for the info Miriam. I'm taking her to the Dr. next weekend for her check-up and to get her cord. I already have a owner's manual. Looking forward to sewing on her later this month, hopefully.

These machines are very basic really. They are like an old car. If you have a manual, you can actually make them work. I have restored dozens of them. I have no special training. I can read and follow instructions. (I learned to sew a very long time ago - back when they made decent instructions) What is it that isn't working?

To wind the bobbin you put a spool on the pin at the bottom right corner. Run that thread through the little thing next to it and up - there is a thing with a wheel - on the opposite side of the wheel is a spindle you can put the bobbin on it, run that thread through and push the rubber wheel against the balance wheel and you are good to wind the bobbin. You can release the clutch so the needle won't move. Just give the knob inside the balance wheel a turn and you are good to go. When you are done you can just put the wheel back where it was and the needle will go again. You can make the next bobbin while you are sewing. Just keep the balance wheel engaged as you wind it. I had no manual when I got the one out of the trash. It took a while for me to figure out all the stitch patterns. Be sure to read that part carefully in the manual.

Do you still have the 401? You really can't wear them out. With all of the help you can find on this forum plus different sites on the internet you could easily get it up and running again!!!