Singer 401 vs 403...Which is the machine for me?

So you have a project or cottage industry and you need a heavy duty sewing machine.  You've heard you should get a Singer 401, but can't find one that fits your budget.  Then you see a 403 and wonder...what's the difference?

Good question.  The simple answer is that 401 was top-of-the-line and 403 the next step down.  But what does that really mean?

Let's compare:

401 Slant-o-Matic
Fully Automatic

Features:
        Slant needle
        Rotary hook
        Steel Gears
        .72 Amp direct drive motor
        Double-thread capacity tensioner
        Double capacity needle clamp
        Special Disc compartment
        25+ stitch patterns built in

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403 Slant-o-Matic Special
Semi-Automatic

Features:
        Slant needle
        Double thread capacity tensioner
        Double capacity needle clamp
        Rotary hook
        Steel Gears
        .72 Amp direct drive motor
        Special Disc compartment
        No built-in stitch patterns

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Inside the 401:

Note the stack of steel cams at center right. These are the "built-in" stitch patterns.  Special Discs are not required for zig-zag and over 25 other patterns.  However, Special Discs 1-5 are additional designs not built-in on the 401 and can also be used in conjunction with built-in stitches to produced additional "Combination" stitches, such as scalloped zig-zag.   

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Inside the 403:

Note the absence of steel cams.  Unless a Special Disc is inserted the machine will only produce straight stitch. 

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So which machine is better?

The bottom line is:  it all depends on what kind of sewing you will do. Both models have the same motor, the same steel-gears, and the same basic design. 

If all you need is heavy duty straight or zig-zag stitches, go with 403.  It is simpler to operate and a little less noisy because it has fewer moving metal parts.  And you can still do decorative stitching with a set of Special Discs. 

If you need maximum artistic freedom, go with the 401.  It's harder to use at first, but once you get familiar with the controls, you will enjoy the variety and flexibility of built-in stitches.  And you get the prestige of owning "top-of-the-line" if that matters to you.

Happy Sewing!
Barbara
OldSewinGear...dedicated to helping you get the most out of your old sewing gear.