OldSewinGear News Reviews & How To's

To the Moon! Singer Rocketeer 500 vs. 503

4/18/2013

Rocket style!

October 1957...Russia launches Sputnik, and the whole world goes into orbit...

America went crazy for "Space Age" style and Singer's response was the redesigned Slant-o-Matic, fondly called "The Rocketeer."

With sleek, futuristic lines, cool knobs, and rocket-motif levers, the 500-series was one small step for Singer, one giant leap for...well, you get the picture!

Launched in 1961, the 500 series introduced features not included on the early 400 series Slant-o-Matics. These included top-mounted enclosed bobbin winder and an additional "thread control" lever. A previous post, "Which is better? Singer 401 vs. 500 Rocketeer" discusses the differences in a side-by-side comparison of the two models.

The new Slant-o-Matic came in two models, 500 and 503. So how do they stack up against each other?

Readers of the earlier post "Singer 401 vs 403...Which is the machine for me?" will not be surprised by the answer.

Both machines are heavy duty powerhouses with the ability to sew straight-stitch, zig-zag, & decorative stitches. When properly adjusted and equipped with correct needle and thread, both machines will sew leather, denim, canvas, or vinyl.

As with the 401 and 403, the fundamental difference between the 500 and 503 is in HOW the machine sews zig-zag and decorative stitches. The 500 has decorative stitches built-in. The 503 requires Special Discs to produce any stitch other than straight stitch.

Let's take a look side by side with 500 on the left, 503 on the right:

Slant-o-Matic 500A

        Slant needle
        Rotary hook
        Steel Gears
        Drop-in Class 66 bobbin
       .72 Amp direct drive motor
        Double-thread capacity tensioner
        Double capacity needle clamp
        Thread control regulator
        Special Disc compartment
        Removable top-mount spool spindle
        2 fold-flat spring-loaded spindles
---
        25+ stitch patterns built-in

Slant-o-Matic 503A Special

        Slant needle
        Rotary hook
        Steel Gears
        Drop-in Class 66 bobbin
        .72 Amp direct drive motor
        Double-thread capacity tensioner
        Double capacity needle clamp
        Thread control regulator
        Special Disc compartment
        Removable top-mount spool spindle
        2 fold-flat spring-loaded spindles
---
        No built-in stitch patterns

Almost immediately you notice that the 500 has a large knob in the front and the 503 does not:

The large knob on the 500 is the selector for built-in stitches. A look inside reveals the cam-stack that produces these stitches on the 500 and the absence of the cam-stack on the 503:

Since the 503 does not have any built-in cams, it relies entirely on Special Discs to produce zigzag and decorative stitches. Once a Special Disc is inserted, the 503 is capable of producing beautiful decorative stitches using single or double needles.

On the other hand, the 500 has the capability of combining built-in stitches with Special Discs to create additional decorative patterns. (For more information on built-in stitches vs. Special Discs, see the article "Do I need Special Discs for my 401 or 500?")

So which Rocketeer is right for you? That depends on your sewing needs. If you want simplicity with the option to occasionally sew decorative stitches, the 503 will suit you perfectly. It is very easy to operate and typically a little quieter than the 500 since it has fewer moving metal parts.

But if you want maximum creative flexibility and don't mind learning how to use the knobs and charts, then the 500 is the better choice.

Whichever model you choose, you'll be 'over the moon' once you own a Rocketeer!

On a lighter note, my family reserves the term "Rocketeer" for the 500. Our nickname for the 503 is "Purtineer." Almost a full-fledged Rocketeer, but not quite!

Happy Sewing!
Barbara

73 Comments

Gail Frohnert

8/4/2013 09:55:14 am

Thanks for the very clear comparison of the 500 and 503 models! I thought I wanted the 503, but after examining the differences, will opt for a 500, especially since I've found a "one-owner" 500 in excellent shape, for an excellent price! =)

OldSewinGear

8/4/2013 09:59:29 am

Thanks, Gail.
Congratulations on your "find." Enjoy!

Jill

1/25/2017 03:42:44 pm

Help !!!! The machine is plugged in the light is on so I know there is power :). But when I push the foot pedal, it won't run. I can sew by using the hand wheel so it's not frozen

503A owner

2/8/2017 09:15:08 am

This just happened to me to!

Brian

7/18/2017 01:52:58 pm

The people with Singers that have a light on but won't sew, sometimes it is the connector that connects to the contacts on the right bottom side of the machine, the contacts can get expanded with age, you can get replacement cords and it's an easy replacement.

Kathy Klein

10/21/2013 12:07:52 pm

I think I have lost my mind to buy a 503A, but I started sewing again recently with my Singer sewing machine which is 5 years old and hardly used. It sounds like crap. It didn't take long for the thread to get jammed. Not any options for stitches.
I am an OT at work, so I took my old 1980's one to work. Honestly it works better. However, I remember my mother's machine which I learned on, actually felt better.
The new machine feels like it will break with one wrong move. So I am going old school, with no plastic parts, easy cleaning and oiling. I think I made the right decision. I could have spent more money on a fancier machine I didn't need, but I am happy I got a sturdier one. The fact we are still even talking about this model in 2013 speaks for itself.

Melanie

9/30/2021 03:44:05 pm

Hi from the year 2021! Still talking about these machines. 😊 I’m getting a 503a tomorrow! 💃💃💃

Melissa

10/29/2013 03:38:15 am

Hello, I have a Singer 401A in the shop (it's completely frozen up) that I acquired yesterday at a thrift store with manual, accessories, attachments, or cams. Today, I found a Singer 503 with it's original manual, attachments, feet, and cams (which was my primary reason for purchasing it) but the machine has been severely neglected, to the point where I don't know if it can even be repaired. My question is, can I use the 503 cams with the 401A machine that I have, or are they not compatible. Thanks in advance for your reply, and thanks for such an informative post!!

Melissa

10/29/2013 03:39:41 am

Sorry, I meant to say that I acquired the 401A with NO manual, attachments, accessories, or cams. :-)

10/29/2013 03:40:07 am

Sorry, I meant to say that I acquired the 401A with NO manual, attachments, accessories, or cams.

10/29/2013 11:22:06 am

Congratulations on two excellent finds. The good news is that yes, you can use the 503 accessories with the 401, because they are identical. The basic information in the manual is also good for both machines, but you'll want to get a 401 manual for oiling points and directions for using the built-in stitches. Otherwise you're good to go!

Jessica K. link

12/14/2013 11:58:14 am

Hello! I have recently acquired by great grandmother's 500 and I'm trying to figure out what to do with it. I have no idea what a value range would be on it, nor where to even look for a trustworthy source for an evaluation on it. I also have a White (FR 298850, I assume some sort of model #) that I am in need of also getting a value range on. This one is still inside of the wooden cabinet and through my research there are several styles, mine happens to have the 3 drawers on each side. I'd love to learn more if you would be willing to assist me or point me in the right direction! Thank you!

12/15/2013 06:31:02 am

Jessica,
Sounds like you've got a couple of great machines. Determining the value of any machine can be complicated, as discussed on the FAQ's page:

"The simple answer is: your machine is worth whatever someone is willing to pay for it. The value of any machine depends on several factors, including availability, condition, and presentation. Do some research before selling (or buying) any sewing machine. For example, check eBay or craigslist to see how many identical machines are currently for sale. Use the "completed listings" feature on eBay to see the selling price, not the asking price. Make an honest assessment of your machine's condition compared to others like it. If yours is dirty or scratched or in need of repair then you can't expect to sell it for top dollar."

That's the best advice I can give. Do lots of looking on eBay for comparable machines and see what they sold for.

Hope you find this information helpful!

12/15/2013 08:10:04 am

I bought my 500A for $150, and it was in very good condition (although in need of a good cleaning and oiling after sitting for at least a decade), and it had all the original cams and attachments, and manual, but the table it was in was probably the cheapest option available when this machine was purchased.

12/16/2013 02:42:36 am

Great find, Gail! It's always nice when all the accessories are intact. Too bad the cabinet is the "economy" version, but the more expensive expensive cabinets can take up a lot of space!
Barbara

Sara

5/24/2014 12:14:45 pm

I've been looking for a 401 for a bit, just found a mint condition 401a I about an half hour away, with manual and it looks like every accessory, in the absolute top of the line cabinet they sold, which looks like a pricey desk, drawers both sides. They are asking 250 with no give. I'm saving up for it.

In the meantime, I just found a 503 for twenty or thirty, looks very clean, a cabinet that may work with

5/24/2014 12:17:23 pm

Sorry, wouldn't let me finish. The 503 comes only with foot pedal. I thought I'd get it if it runs well because I could likely sell it for a bit more, and I can use it while I save towards the 250. 503 has no manual, no feet, no cams. Does that make sense or am I wasting my time? The 401 owner has basically taken it off the market and will wait while I save up. Is 250 too much for the 401?

5/28/2014 03:20:01 am

Sara,
If the 401 is as nice as it sounds, with all the accessories and manual, then $250 is a good price IF it's in good running condition. Try to find out when it was last serviced and what the servicing entailed. Make sure you check it over carefully to make sure there's no stiffness or binding before testing it with the foot pedal.
Can't be more specific without seeing the machine in person!

As for the 503, $30 sounds like a good deal if it's working.

Hope you get your 401 soon!
Barbara

Debbie

9/1/2014 10:56:16 am

A friend gave me a 503A machine and it brought me back to nostalgia as my mom taught me the basics on the machine. My mom had given hers away in the late 70s and trying machines over the years I learned I liked the all metal the 503 has the best. So this year when my friend gave me the machine, she had no idea of the value. What I did as it did not have a manual and missing some cams (she bought hers used at a shop), I searched online on eBay and bought the manual and missing cams. I am going to also get a few things I did not learn when I was younger like the gathering foot among other things. You may want to go online and look under eBay... I am sure you'll be happy you did.

rodney

5/26/2014 11:34:34 pm

Sara,

I wouldn't pay $250 for a 503, but that's just me.

5/28/2014 03:21:35 am

Rodney,
I agree I wouldn't pay $250 for a 503, but it sounds like that's the price for the 401 Sara's looking at. The price on the 503 is $20-30 which sounds like a good deal as long as it isn't trashed.
Barbara

6/4/2014 08:18:50 am

I'm starting to try out the 503 right now. It seems to be missing a pop-up spindle. Can I get those somewhere? Other than that, so far it looks great. Took me and my seven year old a minute to figure out adjusting the tension and loading thread into the bobbin.

9/1/2014 10:59:23 am

I wouldn't pay $250 either for it, you may find a better deal on eBay. However, if you love the machine, in my opinion its a better deal than these plastics made now days.

6/4/2014 08:22:09 am

Again, couldn't finish. I'm such a Luddite.
The 20 dollar table fit great. Came with a 714 graduate which I'm going to sell, I guess. Somebody has a 648 with accessories for 25, including another table. Those top hat cams should work with the 503, right? The 503 is such a cool looking machine!

6/4/2014 02:38:42 pm

Sara,
In answer to your questions:

1. The pop-up spool pins and springs can be obtained from Terry at http://www.tandtrepair.com His website is an excellent source for parts and technical knowledge.
2. The 648 top-hat style cams will work just fine in both the 503 and 401. Watch out for discs for 700-series machines...some work, some don't.

Glad the table is working out for you. If you do get the 401 later it will fit in the same table.

I agree, the 503 is a very cool looking machine. Not quite the mechanical equal of its 403 predecessor but a very fine machine.

Enjoy!
Barbara

7/20/2014 01:36:57 pm

If I have a 503 with a busted front hinge (not repairable, in other words) and a 503 that needs a pop up spindle, is it hard to take out the spindle from one and install it in the other? Am I better off buying a spindle from Terry?

Thank you. By the way, I did find a 401, lovely condition, for thirty. And I already have a nice table. :)

7/20/2014 01:39:47 pm

sara

6/8/2014 01:35:30 am

Thanks so much for the information about where to find new spindles and about the cost on a 401. I have already hemmed some pants with the machine. I like it!

Now, I need a little help. Something white and plastic, probably the missing spindle for thread on top, was stuck behind the stitch length adjuster. I took that apart--screw in knob, little washer, little ridged knob with threads inside, and this funny tiny threaded thing that looks like a cross between a pagoda and a razor blade. The white plastic spindlish thing fell down inside the machine.

I can slide the pagoda razor blade thing back into slot, but I can't get the ridged knob over the pagoda razor blade thing, where I think it should be from memory and photos.

I was able to open the bottom and find the screw and the broken spindle--it was the broken spindle--and dust inside. But i still cannot fit the pagoda razor blade into stitch length regulator.

Any ideas?

Sara

6/8/2014 03:31:02 pm

Sara,
Sorry for the delay in replying, I had to ask the expert (my Dad). But I got the information you needed and have posted a tutorial just now called "Rocket-eer Surgery" explaining how to put this gizmo back together. Hope it helps, Barbara

9/1/2014 11:04:12 am

Where is "Rocket-eer Surgery" posted?

9/1/2014 12:02:38 pm

@Debbie: "Rocket-eer Surgery" is another article on this same blog. It's currently the third article down on the home page. But if you select the Category "How To" it's the first article that comes up. Hope this helps!
Barbara

6/8/2014 01:36:15 am

Also, do you guys think 250 sounds like too much for a top of the line everything 401?

6/8/2014 11:06:37 am

Sara,
$250 is a fair price if the machine is in nice cosmetic and mechanical condition and has all of the original accessories.

6/12/2014 12:54:33 pm

Can't wait to look at the video! And thank you so much. I was looking for cams, and today found a 503 in a table with the face plate broken off--can't tell if it's the hinges themselves that are broken or not. It was taped together. The power also doesn't work, but, I picked it up for 25 dollars because it has 22 fashion cams, about eight special feet, the manual, and a professional buttonhole

6/12/2014 12:56:23 pm

I am so gung-ho , ! Worst comes to worst, ,y seven year old and I will have a Blast taking her apart and figuring out how she works. Plus, I will have spare parts if I need them. Yah!

6/14/2014 12:41:29 pm

Thank you, Barbara. I got the pagoda into the knob. Worked perfectly. Thank you.
I also learned that the foot pedal on the second rocketeer that I bought does not work, but the regs works with the other pedal. The one from my working machine. Now, I want to figure out if I can remove the thread spindle, the pop up one, from the machine with the broken door hinge (I think) and out it in the other machine.

Also, would accesories from the 648 work with the 503? The busted 503 came with a professional buttonholer with plastic buttonhole shapes, but the 648 came with a white plastic top buttonholer with a smaller , taller knob and metal plates, plus 7 different feet and a bunch of knobs and screws. Plus machine oil! I don't see this singer buttonholer on your accesories post, nor the feet.

Dang, this is fun!

Lily

11/24/2014 01:40:59 pm

Today I purchased two singers, 1 500 and the other 503..! i paid 50 bucks for 500A and 60 for the 503 special. the 503 came with a box full of cams and tiny thin singer screw drivers along w/ manual and and mini tiny baby bottle brush looking thing...I'm so excited to have found this site of wonders! my final goal is to purchase a 401
Lily

oldsewingear

11/24/2014 02:54:55 pm

Wow, great finds, Lily! Thank you for sharing and hope you find that 401 soon. Found one here locally a couple of weeks ago for $5. Couldn't believe my eyes!
Barbara for OldSewinGear

11/30/2014 11:17:37 am

I found a 401A for $5...!!

12/6/2014 01:55:34 pm

Way to go, Lily!

Miriam

12/7/2014 06:10:56 am

I think you left off one outstanding difference between the Singer 500 and the Singer 503.
Yes the Singer 503 requires disks. With the disks you can vary the stitch width. With the Singer 500 you can not vary the stitch width unless you have a disk. IMHO the stitches look a lot better on the Singer 503. Oh and there aren't any extra stitch designs on the 500 if you have all the disks for the 503. The 503 is much easier to clean up than a stuck set of stitch selection knobs on a Singer 500. Just my 2 cents.

OldSewingGear

12/7/2014 07:35:57 am

Miriam,
You're correct, that's an important difference between the two models. I'm updating the article to include a link to the article "Do I need Special Discs for my 401?" which discusses this topic in detail.
Here's the path:
http://www.oldsewingear.com/news/do-i-need-special-discs-for-my-401
Thanks for bringing this to my attention!
Barbara

Linda Wulf Koenig link

1/13/2015 05:35:35 am

Thanks SO much for this blog post! I inherited a 503a from my late mom-in-law, and love love love it. (I also learned to sew on it, right after I married her son 40 years ago.) As much as she used it (constantly for 30 years), it is still going fairly strong and pounds through several thicknesses of fabric. Just a wonderful machine. I had been wondering what the differences between it and the Rocketeer were, and now I know! Thanks so much!

Nelson

2/19/2015 06:34:03 am

I'm going to look at a 503 on Craigslist, it comes complete with all cams and accessories. It's listed at $75 and had been used to make rigging for parachutes and items in the home but hadn't been used for a bit. It needs cleaning but I think I can handle that. Do you think $75 is a fair deal? I'm going to look at this Saturday. Thanks!

2/21/2015 01:41:28 am

I went to pick up the 503 this morning. They were asking $75. I thought it was a fair price so I gave them the $75. I had taken out the passenger seat and it fit perfectly into the space. As I was about to walk around to the driver's side, the young gentleman tapped me on the shoulder and handed me $25 and suggested to use the money to have it cleaned, even after I told him I had planned on doing it myself!!! $50 for the 503, not bad at all. He said he felt good about giving me some of the money back because I wasn't a jerk... sounds good to me!

Helen gibson

7/13/2015 02:49:00 am

Just got a 503a.manual and disc included.Getting ready to start cleaning it up.Cabinet in excellent condition.Now I need a featherweight and I will be done collecting.Happy.

7/19/2015 12:57:21 am

Thanks for sharing, Helen! Hope you enjoy your find!
Barbara for OldSewinGear

Rosemary Wilvert

9/5/2015 02:59:28 pm

I have had a 503 since 1962 and have cleaned and oiled it regularly. It has held up beautifully with much use. Recently Its stitch length regulator broke. What is the best way to replace it?

9/5/2015 03:03:27 pm

I meant to say, it is only the knob on the stitch length regulator that broke.

9/7/2015 08:58:05 am

Rosemary,
I don't have one available right now. The best source for parts is eBay, but if you are a Facebook member, then I recommend joining the Vintage Sewing Machine and Vintage Singer Slant Sewing Machines groups. The community there may have some ideas for you! I hope you find what you are looking for.
Barbara

Gabriel Tottzi link

1/12/2016 11:12:27 am

OK. I like your commentary about the 500 and the 503A. But my question now is. What about the 401A? Do you know something about them. I'm talking about the 500 vs 401A. What's the difference?

1/12/2016 12:19:24 pm

Yes, there's a comparison article on that topic. Go to the Resources page for a blog index and it's near the top.
Barbara

jenn

2/13/2016 10:27:44 am

I inherited my 503 from my Mother-in-law, who received it as a gift from her parents when she graduated from high school. I have had it for over 15 years now, and have sewn soooo many things on it. It's magic! I just love this machine!

Dawn Maurer

4/10/2016 11:44:18 am

I just acquired a 500j with no manual. Apparently have no power to the foot pedal. Am I missing a trick to get the machine running, or is it possible the foot pedal is non functioning?

4/10/2016 02:32:27 pm

Dawn, first thing to do is check the wiring on the foot control. If there's no visible cracks or breaks you can use a volt/ohm meter to check for hidden damage. Try a different foot control if you can. If the foot control checks out then check the leads that crimp onto the bottom of the motor-they sometimes work loose. Hope it's easily resolved!
Barbara

dawn

5/3/2016 05:01:29 pm

I have realized that the foot feed is not working. No power at the plug. Anyone know where to find one that works?

1/25/2017 05:42:30 pm

I have a 500. The brown knobs are seized. Any suggestions on how to loosen them?

Dawn

1/25/2017 05:40:51 pm

Jill, I hope this helps. I got very aggresive with the plug at the machine end. Turns out it was a tight fit. My machine works fine.

Marcia

5/3/2016 03:08:05 pm

I love quilting, and through that hobby fell in love with the old Singers. I have been collecting old Singers for a few years, and just recently bought a 503 on Ebay. It had the lid from a 500, and the balance wheel was missing paint. I replaced those parts, and it looks almost new. It sews wonderfully, as I knew it would.

Of all the 401, 403, 500, and 503 I looked at, I choose this one because I've always wanted a rocketeer, and it had all but one fashion disc, including a basting disc. I recently found disc 18. Now it is ready to join the rotation of my other Singers in my quilting.

Richard Beman link

4/3/2018 03:21:54 pm

Do not attempt to use a "Basting Cam" # 23 on a Singer machine, other than a "Touch and Sew" # 640 or 645. You will break a needle and damage your throat-plate... That cam was specifically intended for a machine with a "split needle bar" assembly...

Susan

6/15/2016 06:19:18 am

I am trying to fix up a $4.00 Singer 500. It was/is pretty rough shape. All of the interior mechanicals are coated with yellowish stuff, which could be either old oil or tobacco smoke or both. But I've got it working. I don't think it had received home maintenance in probably 20 years. My biggest concern is the motor, with the tall gear that delivers the power to the rest of the machine. With the "tower" surrounding the tall gear was LOTS of black dust, as though the gear had never been lubricated and ground itself to dust. The machine sews, but sounds funny - like it's shifting gears when you power up to higher speeds. My question is: Which motors can I get to replace it? There is a Singer 301 at auction nearby, would that work?

Judy

11/2/2017 06:34:28 am

Hi! I have a 500a & love it most of the time! I am having problems with the top thread looping around a little bar underneath. The tread then hangs up & sometimes the spool jumps off the machine. I cannot figure out what to do after countless attempts plus a trip to the sewing machine repair guy. Can you help? I tried to post a picture but couldn't get it to post. Any help you could give would be really appreciated!

Frank Rollins

2/13/2018 11:02:07 pm

I have a 503A that was left beside a set of dumpsters one winter about 20 years ago. I cleaned and oiled it and it purrs right along. However, if I run a heavy fabric it will snap or bend needles one after another. Any ideas why??? I only have the original "0" disc and am getting more ordered. I love this little machine and don't want to have to buy a new one to keep my Carhart coveralls in repair. I just hate the constant needle breakage in heavy fabric, it does great in lighter materials.

2/14/2018 05:55:57 am

Frank,
I cannot say for certain without seeing in person, but the most likely culprit is a hook/needle timing issue. However, I would first experiment with the presser foot pressure adjustment to ensure the machine is feeding the fabric evenly. Also, when sewing heavy fabrics slow down and make sure not to pull on the fabric. Heavy fabrics place extra "drag" on the needle, so you want to avoid adding to that by pulling the fabric. Hope this helps.

3/7/2018 08:19:26 pm

Execllent compairison. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. What is the significance of an * (asterick) after the 500 on the owners manual?
What is the difference between a 500* and a 500A

Pat

10/21/2018 11:33:54 am

I just purchased a Rocketeer 500A machine. It appears to be in good working order, but the panel cover on the left side of the machine is missing. Does anyone know where I can buy replacement parts?
Thanks.

Sandra

12/4/2018 03:10:03 pm

I bought my 503A in 1962 and am still using it. I recently ordered a Singer walking foot for it. The description says it is compatible for a Singer 500 but does not list a 503A. I'm hoping it will work. Do you know?

12/4/2018 04:06:33 pm

Whoops!! My machine is a 500A, not a 503A. Still want to know if that walking foot is going to work. Thanks.

1/24/2019 02:00:19 pm

Sandra, I would love to know whether that walking foot worked with your 503A, as I'm thinking of getting one myself.

razz

11/17/2020 07:42:37 pm

I'm looking for a all metal machine, never sewed before. Which would be better a 400 series or 500 series machine for me? Looking to do basic alterations to shirts and jeans, etc.

Cam Morris link

1/17/2021 08:29:57 pm

Great post thanks.

Paula

6/12/2021 07:50:05 pm

How did you get those machines so clean inside?!? I just brought one home today and there's so much old, hardened oil.

Kay Hamman

2/13/2022 03:07:27 am

I accidently pushed the flip top of my 503 to far back and it came off. I do not know how it reattaches. Can anyone help me? I could use a picture of the back of the machine where the flip top joins the machine. TYA

To the Moon! Singer Rocketeer 500 vs. 503

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To the Moon! Singer Rocketeer 500 vs. 503

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