Singer Slant-o-matic 404: Part I
I’m learning to service sewing machines, and I’m starting with my own ever-expanding fleet. Come with me on my sewing machine servicing journey!
This is one of the Singer slant-needle machines. The 404 was produced from 1955 to 1960. I acquired it from an online auction. It runs, but it needs cleaning and a new bobbin winder tire to replace the one that is disintegrating before my eyes.
Amazingly, it’s easy to source parts for this machine. The fact that this random auction machine runs is a testament to its staying power. Speaking of power, I might replace the power cord and the foot controller, too. For safety reasons, I keep my antique machines unplugged when not in use. That wiring is older than I am! Some old machines don’t have a power switch, so when they are plugged in, they are “on.”
I’m in love with the mid-century styling of the Singer 400s and 500s. I’m partial to my 503A (nicknamed the Rocketeer), but I’m trying to familiarize myself with all the slant needle machines. This one is a flat-bed machine, and it came with a latching cover. The cover is in decent shape but needs cleaning, and the trim needs to be reattached on one side.
If you are trying to date a sewing machine, check out the International Sewing Machine Collectors Society. ISMACS hosts a treasure trove of information, including manuals for many old sewing machines, including the Singer 400 Series Sewing Machine Models.
Here’s the description of the 404 from the ISMACS site:
“Slant shank, gear driven, internal motor, internal light, straight stitch with reverse, bed is 16.5″ wide x 7″ deep. Flip-up bobbin winder on the vertical portion of the arm of the machine just under the handwheel. Has drop in class 66 bobbin in front of needle position accessible by a slide plate. Threads front to back. Thread cutter built into back of presser bar. Has rounded throat plate that raises instead of having feed dogs that lower. Tan and cream in color. The top and handwheel on the machine is cream while the rest is tan.”
No fancy stitches here, but most sewing is done with the good ol’ straight stitch. I actually didn’t realize it had a thread cutter until I read the ISMACS description. I thought thread cutters came standard much, much later.
The 404 is the no-frills model in this family. The ability to sew in reverse was a game-changer, so I guess no frills is relative. That’s really okay because I have every stitch cam known to woman for the 503. And my Viking Lily has more stitch patterns than I will ever use.
Vintage flat-bed machines were intended to be used in a table or cabinet. I’ll admit that I bought a few machines (including this 404, a 503A and a 338) before realizing that a base or table was more of a necessity than a nice-to-have. I finally learned how to spot a Singer cabinet (rounded corners on the insert) vs. a Kenmore cabinet (sharp corners on the insert), so I have my eyes open for a cabinet that’s been separated from its machine.
Did I buy a dud?
It did occur to me that I might have bought a worthless machine. So, naturally, I went to see what Randy and Andy had to say, if anything.
Randy the Sewing Machine Man says, “This machine is not only virtually indestructible, it’s also the easiest to master. It will last several lifetimes and will sew almost anything that you need to sew.”
Andy of Andy Tube has a 37-part series on the restoration of a 404. I’m guessing that means it was worth it. And spoiler alert: he named the fully restored machine Jake! (And lucky me to have a thorough guide to refurbishing this machine!)
Whew! The 404 work continues. Stay tuned!
