singer 401 controller question
#1
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 2,893
singer 401 controller question
I've been sewing all week and have come to hate that two button controller that came with my 401. The 401 has a unique (I think) two prong plug that plugs directly to the machine body. So I assume you would have to use the cord that came with it and rewire it to another controller. Is that correct?
I really don't want to mess up the cord unless I have to. Can you use the cord like it is or do you have to cut the ends off and put new connectors on it?
I have several clamshell controllers left over from dead T&S machines that I might use. Would that work?
bkay
I really don't want to mess up the cord unless I have to. Can you use the cord like it is or do you have to cut the ends off and put new connectors on it?
I have several clamshell controllers left over from dead T&S machines that I might use. Would that work?
bkay
#2
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Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Victorian Sweatshop Forum
Posts: 4,096
As long as the controller doesn't have the speed control slider (630 and 640) you can switch them. It's just a matter of opening the controller and disconnecting/reconnecting the two wires, and it doesn't matter which wire goes to which connection.
Cari
Cari
#3
My 401 controller is a pain to open. It has 4 indents to keep the bottom slide of the controller in place. I pried the first ones up OK, but the ones in the middle are giving me fits. A hack saw is looking promising at this point. Any suggestions?
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#5
Member
Join Date: Feb 2018
Posts: 90
You can get new power cords on ebay. The controller doesn't look original to me. I have several 401's. I would get
an old black controller from any old Singer and just put new cords on the machine and not mess with the old controller
or cords.
an old black controller from any old Singer and just put new cords on the machine and not mess with the old controller
or cords.
#7
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 2,893
I've worked on the one button controllers (on 503s), but not the clamshell controllers. (I have several from dead T&Ss.) I was wondering if it would be an easy switch. The existing controller probably just needs to be taken apart, cleaned and the carbon disks replaced, so that it makes more consistent contact.
I was looking for an easy way out. I was just hoping that I could open up a clamshell controller and replace the wires with the wires from the original.
bkay
I would have to get this plug on a replacement controller. (I "borrowed" Leon's photo.)
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#9
Sew classic has https://shop.sew-classic.com/Cord-Si...rol-197628.htm and https://shop.sew-classic.com/Cord-Si...780-SCE122.htm for the 401 and others. I can't remember which machine I needed it for but did get probably both of them from there.
Janey - Neat people never make the exciting discoveries I do.
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