Check. Sparkle-ing sucks. I will try not to do that anymore. Once in my lifetime is more than plenty!
It's really hard to put screws in tiny holes with the shaking it induces too!

Tammi,

Yup, sparkle-ing does give one the shakes.
Glad you didn't have any lasting damage.

Cathy

There may be a motor shop somewhere that can check the motor if you pull it. You can have them put in new brushes. But if it runs...

Okay, will consider what if anything to do about the motor.

What kind of lightbulb does this take?

Thanks. :) I don't think there was. My left arm, shoulder and heart ached for a bit (grabbed with the left hand) and I shook for a while, but other than that, I was fine the next day, no memory of it in my muscles.

I wouldn't do anything like that unless it was causing issues. Unless I misread, I think Alyce only wanted to know about upkeep.

Alyce, I edited a previous response after I submitted it on the previous page. The 401 takes a "regular" 15w Bayonet style light bulb, like most Singers. It's possibly one of the most common bulbs you'll find at the sewing stores.

Here I am again! I decided to take my machine out of the wrong case. But now I need a bottom cover. I've googled my heart out all afternoon and either they are sold or can't find one. Does anyone know a source or have one they would part with for $$$? Thanks!!

PS. I guess I can put it on something absorbent and still use it outside the case and with no bottom cover?

Wish i had it! I got one awhile ago (had one for years and DD wanted that one)This one cost around 80+ and I was afraid I had gotten taken...would not sew. stitch selector would not turn..I cleaned and oiled. extensively! and little by little got all the gunk out and oiled and greased. and I works so great..I need some more feet for it like the tiny rolled hem foot.. Love my 401 and my featherweight!

There's no reason you can't use it without the bottom plate. The only thing that's going to happen is that the grease on the gears may migrate to whatever surface you're sewing on.

I took a 401 in trade the other day. Today I tackled it. I knew the stitch selector was frozen. I cleaned and oiled. As I cleaned and oiled I realized it was much worse than I thought it was - the zig zag pins were frozen - the front and back selectors were frozen - the needle arm was not moving at all either. I oiled, gave time out, oiled, took apart things I didn't want apart - oiled, cleaned put things back, still frozen. I took time out. I finally used heat. I hate using heat. After 4 or 5 hours... Now it just needs the tension worked on - I noticed the screw that holds the bobbin tension is very loose. I bet the upper tension has been tampered with, too. The pressure foot tension was all but off - one more turn and I think someone might have been in for a surprise. That will need some adjustment, too.

I did find one through Glenn in Florida. I was prepared to keep using the blue bath towel!!