OldSewinGear News Reviews & How To's

Which is better? Singer 401 vs. 500 Rocketeer.

8/22/2012

This question pops up nearly every time I have a 401 or 500 (Rocketeer) for sale on eBay. Both models are excellent heavy duty household machines and are nearly identical mechanically. But there are some critical differences.

Singer 401 Slant-o-Matic

Slant needle
Rotary hook
Steel Gears
.72 Amp direct drive motor
Double-thread capacity tensioner
Double capacity needle clamp
25+ stitch patterns built in
Special Disc compartment
----
Front-mount, exposed bobbin winder
2 top-mount, fixed-position spindles

Singer 500 Slant-o-Matic

Slant needle
Rotary hook
Steel Gears
.72 Amp direct drive motor
Double-thread capacity tensioner
Double capacity needle clamp
25+ stitch patterns built-in
Special Disc compartment
---
Top-mount, enclosed bobbin winder
2 fold-flat, spring-loaded spool spindles
1 removable top-mount spool spindle

So what does this mean?

Simply stated, the 401 is the better-built machine. The Rocketeer is the begining of the end of all-metal slant-needle machines.  It is still metal where it counts, but it suffers from a severe case of 'style-over-substance'-itis. The futuristic "Jetsons" styling is super cool but comes at a price. Enclosing the bobbin winder stream-lined the styling, but the auto-stop kick-out spring is prone to breakage from metal fatigue. The spring-loaded fold-down spool spindles are also prone to breakage.   The removable top-mount spindle is easily lost and can be difficult to replace.

On the other hand, the Rocketeer does allow you to leave the top open while sewing so you can easily change stitch-patterns. The 401 spool spindles sit right on top of the pattern chart, which can be awkward.   The 401 spindles are also vulnerable to snapping off during shipping or storage, but they are simpler to replace than the 500 spindles.

Bottom line?  The 401 is tougher-built, but the Rocketeer is not far behind it. Both models are wonderful vintage Singer machines.

If you can't find a 401 in your price range, the Rocketeer may be the machine for you. A very good condition 500 will typically cost less than an equivalent 401.

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

35 Comments

elis link

9/17/2012 03:29:09 pm

Hi,
Thanks for taking the time to write such a good comparison between the machines. I own a Rocketeer and Im not satisfied with the straight stitch it makes. Do you have any ideas of what I can do to adjust it? If I stitch slow it seems to do a good job, but as soon as it picks up speed, some stitches dont line up quite well.
Any advice is highly appreciated!
Best

OldSewinGear

9/18/2012 12:56:12 pm

Without seeing the machine it's hard to answer definitively, but the first and easiest thing to check is that you are using the correct combination for straight stitching.

First of all, make sure your dial is set to "A" on the left and "K" on the right. Then set the stitch width selector at "3".

Setting the width selector at 3 keeps the needle in the center position rather than to left or right, which produces a nicer stitch. Quality of stitch will also be best when using the straight stitch needle plate (it's the one with the tiny little round hole rather than oblong hole) along with the straight stitch presser foot. The fabric is held taut and the needle has better punching power this way.

IF quality of the stitching is still poor when using the above settings then there may be something out of adjustment or worn from use. I hope this information helps. That's the best I can do without seeing the machine in person. It's a bit outside of my expertise to try to describe the adjustment process long-distance.

If absolutley perfectly aligned straight stitches are necessary then you may be better served by a machine that is designed for straight-stitch only, such as the 301, 404 or 604 which are also gear-driven slant-needle machines. In my experience the straight-stitch produced by a straight-stitch-only machine is slightly superior to that produced by a zig-zag machine.

Thank you for your question, I hope you are able to resolve the issue and enjoy your Rocketeer for many years to come.

Happy sewing,
Barbara

Richard Beman

10/1/2013 05:12:18 am

Hello, in regard to your inquiry about the # 500 machine stitch quality. You mentioned that it is satisfactory when you are sewing slowly..That may be an indication the the feed dog height adjustment may need to be modified to raise them a bit higher. This can loosen up as any machine subject to use or age. It is a simple adjustment, but the motor and bracket need to be removed and the
tools needed are a socket wrench and screwdriver.. The two top
connecting rods attach to the bottom to control the stitch length and
the feed dog height. You may want to reserve this for a trusted
sewing machine mechanic.. I bought the repair manual and out
of necessity, and taught myself.. I can re-time them, replace a hook, clean and oil the motor.. I don't trust any of the mechanics in my area.
Best of luck, Richard Ransom Beman

9/17/2012 03:32:30 pm

Warren

1/13/2013 02:59:58 pm

The 500 was the first new machine mom bought in 1962, she still has it, but has not used it in a long time as she mostly quilts, she bought a 401A a while back, and has made that her main machine, she now has 2 of the 401A's and a featherweight for her quilting. When it goes in for its semi annual check up, the Sewing machine repair man always comments on the 401, that the 401 is a good machine.

3/3/2013 12:37:05 am

Thank you for sharing your family's experience! Sewing repairmen really love the 401 because it's virtually indestructible and almost anything can be repaired because of the high quality of materials. Your mom is a smart lady! Two 401's, a Featherweight, and a 500! Now THAT's a sewing room!
Barbara

1/31/2013 02:07:30 am

Hi Barbara,
I had accidentally deleted your response from my email and couldn't remember where I had found you, until the other person made a comment, which I also got on my email.
I wanted to thank you for your tips regarding my 503A. I changed the plate and the stitching was perfect. I'm so happy with her. Then I went ahead and changed the throat plate on my late 70's kenmore too, and what I thought was great stitching became stellar stitching. I had never changed the throat plate on my relatively new (plastic) singer and never thought it could make a difference, but was I wrong!!!! Thanks for the great insight!
Best,
Elisana

3/3/2013 12:39:44 am

Thank you for the update! I'm so glad I was able to help. It is truly amazing how something as simple as a throat plate/needle plate can make such a HUGE difference. But the engineers behind these vintage machines knew what they were doing and they included all those extra gizmos for a reason! I'm just too lazy to use them most of the time!
Barbara

Paul Duba

3/2/2013 10:25:58 pm

I have sewn on both (I learned on my mom's 401A and I own a 500A). Can you comment on the little thread puller that is part of the 500A's threading scheme, it gives a little tug to the thread feed on every stich? I get how it works, keeping the spool of thread moving so that the pull-up arm doesn't have to do it through the tension plate. This feature seems both unique to the 500A and to also have not seen daylight again in future manufacturing. Your thoughts?

3/3/2013 12:33:29 am

Paul, thanks for raising this important question. This "extra" thread guide/take-up is one of the 500's more interesting innovations, but was dropped by Singer on subsequent models. I've seen it on one other model, the 411G Slant-o-Matic (see photo on 'Gallery' page) which was a funky hybrid of features from the 401, 400, and 600.

Like you, I 'get' the concept but have my doubts that it really contributes anything meaningful to the equation. Apparently Singer came to the same conclusion because they actually circulated an alternate threading diagram for the 500/503 that completely bypasses the additional tensioner. I prefer to use this alternate method because it's faster and there doesn't seem to be a lick of difference in stitch quality!

For more information and a copy of the diagram visit: http://www.tandtrepair.com/SlantOMatics.html
Terry shares a wealth of technical repair details on his excellent site. It's a great resource!

Thanks again for the question! Look for an article on this topic soon!
Happy Sewing, Barbara

Kelly

3/9/2013 03:53:26 am

Hi there:

I know this is a really basic/beginner's question but I just got a 500A and there doesn't seem to be a way to slow the machine down. Once my knees triggers the switch for sewing it seems to only go full speed ahead giving me no control at all.

Your answer is very much appreciated!

Thanks,

Kelly

3/10/2013 03:35:12 am

The original Singer foot controls don't have speed settings, but were simply designed to go faster the harder you stepped on them. Not as sophisticated as later electronic controls. Here are a couple of suggestions for sewing at lower speed.

Use the handwheel to start the needle moving at the same time you press on the foot control. This allows you to use less pressure on the control to get started.

If you are using a cabinet with a knee lever** make sure the knee lever mechanism is well lubricated. If it's stiff it can place too much pressure on the foot control.

If the first two suggestions don't help, try popping the foot control out of the cabinet and using it with your foot. You may find that gives you better control than the knee lever.

I hope these suggestions help.

Congratulations on your 500! They are wonderful machines.

Happy Sewing,
Barbara for OldSewinGear

**For the benefit of fellow readers, when using a Singer sewing cabinet, the foot control slides into a bracket inside the cabinet and a metal knee lever is hinged to press against the button on the foot control so you can operate the machine with knee pressure. No more cords on the floor!

sara

11/15/2016 08:17:21 am

Does this knee lever concept apply to the Singer 401A slant-0-matic?
Looking at purchasing one.

Shannon Hunziker

3/17/2022 12:52:42 pm

I have a 301, and I had the same problem with the foot pedal. Zero to a hundred. I found a video on Youtube about how to adjust it. Now you do have to open up the foot pedal to do this. But it was successful, and now it starts much slower than before, with light pressure.

I'm not sure about the knee lever, but I believe the foot pedals for the 301, 401 and 500 were pretty much the same. The bakelite foot pedals.

So it's a good thing to try, so you can use the original foot pedal and not have to pay more for a new one.

3/17/2022 01:10:57 pm

Here's a video about adjusting the 221's foot pedal. I think they're pretty similar.
https://youtu.be/_OeMDz37aUM

andy

11/13/2013 02:10:36 am

Hi I was wondering if anyone could help. I would like to know how much I could sell my 401 singer machine for with original manual and case also in excellent condition.

11/13/2013 11:18:51 am

Andy,
The value of you machine depends on several factors that cannot be determined without seeing the machine up close and in person. Values go up and down based on supply and demand, so it's hard to predict what a machine might sell for. Condition and accessories do matter, so it's a good thing you have the manual and case. My recommendation is to visit eBay and look at recently completed listings to find a comparable machine to yours. You can also check your local craigslist to see what similar machines are selling for. Hope you find what you're looking for.
Barbara for OldSewinGear

ron

12/3/2013 02:27:32 am

Why I have to help my 401 to get started by
Turning wheel every time? After you help it seem to go till you slow it down, and you need to help it again thank you ron

12/3/2013 10:18:59 am

Ron,
I'll need a little more information to help troubleshoot the problem. What kind of fabric are you sewing...thin and lightweight, or thick and heavy-weight? Also, what kind of needle and thread are you using?
With a little more information I might be able to point you in the right direction for a fix.
Thanks, Barbara for OldSewinGear

Rebecca

3/1/2015 11:25:27 am

Hi Barbara,

I'm also having this issue with my 401A. It was was my grandmother's machine that hadn't be used in 25+ years so I'm very excited to have it. I had it tuned up at a local repair shop and they said it was in amazing condition.

Anyhow, when trying to sew slowly the machine is having a really hard time getting going, or if I slow down too much it stops and hums. I have to press the foot pedal more to get it moving but then it's sewing much too fast. I'm sewing with thin/lightweight fabrics using a 90/14 needle and poly thread.

I would appreciate your input as to what you think might be wrong. I've read the foot pedal might be a problem, otherwise I'm at a loss.

Thanks for you help!

Rita

12/17/2013 11:40:35 am

What a wonderful review! I fell in love with a Rocketeer after watching a couple of youtube videos and have been looking for one with price that is friendlier to my wallet. Well, I am rediscovering the joy of sewing decades after my mom gave my beloved Singer sewing machine, an old treadle, that I inherited from my late auntie (dad's side) to another auntie (her side). I scored a 1940s Kenmore model 117.959 for cheap from an estate sale and have been happy with it. However, the thought of Rocketeer has been bugging me for awhile, though I wasn't sure if I should really invest in one considering my finances a bit tight. Then I came across your review, which prompted me to check CL and, lo and behold, I found a couple of them! One is 503A ($45, no cams/accessories, with table, no clear shots so I can't tell its condition) and the other is 500A ($125, no table, looks very clean). In addition to the Rocketeer, there is also a 401A (accessories + table, originally priced $300, now $150, photo with accessories isn't clear so other than bobbins I can't tell what else is there). I wish I can include the photos of the three Singers here so you may be able to tell me if the asking price is fair.

12/18/2013 10:15:06 am

Any one of the three could be a good buy, depending on condition and accessories. If you're planning on looking at them, I suggest that you look over the 401 checklist on the "cheat sheets" page. It provides some helpful hints on what to look for. It's specific to the 401 but the same principles apply to any vintage slant needle. Hope you find what you're looking for!

Christy Ray

2/10/2014 09:50:24 am

Hi all ! I just wanted to say I was born in the late 70s and am just now finding out "they dont make 'em like they use to!" I have been dealing with my plastic inards singer with 46 stitch functions that will only sew a strait seem lol found out a cam cracked and that was that !
I replaced her with a 503 and I am IN LOVE with this machine!!! Im so glad I got her ! I say youre doing real well to have EITHER one of them !!! when I went to go pick mine up the woman who was selling her (and had another one too almost couldnt let go ! lol I wasnt real sure I was getting out of there with that sewing machine !!! she also showed me all kinds of things with her too like she sewed a 1/4 inch thick leather strap and a swatch of heavy denim folded to make 12 layers, was blown away! my walmart singer would never have gotten through4 layers I know, I tried to hem a pair of jeans and couldnt ! Im so glad these are still around to be had !!! have fun with your machine!!! I will with mine!!

2/12/2014 12:23:35 pm

Thanks for sharing, Christy! Like you, I was born after the heydey of these magnificent machines and I've really enjoyed experiencing the brilliance of old-fashioned vintage quality. Thanks for visiting, Barbara

Marianne

3/1/2014 07:12:43 am

Hi, I just bought a Singer 600e and like all of the stitch functions and the fact that it has a metal gears. I keep hearing about how great a 500 is and just saw one at my local thrift shop for $40, and I know I can get the price down to $30. Is the 500 a significantly better machine than the 600e? Or is the retro look the only major difference? Thanks for any help Barbara. I love your site!

3/2/2014 02:40:04 am

Marianne,
Other than style, there is no significant advantage to the 500 over the 600. The Rocketeer-style machines are sharp looking and are a great machine, but the 600e has the chain-stitch basting feature, smoother thread feed, and wind-in place bobbin. $30-$40 is a great price for a 500, but be prepared to pay for servicing if it's been sitting unused for a while.
Hope this helps!
Barbara

3/2/2014 04:13:59 am

Thanks for your help and quick response!

yolande

3/17/2014 12:34:04 am

My singer 401 motor has "died". I am devastated. Where can I get a replacement motor?

3/20/2014 11:19:03 am

Yolande,
The simple answer is to look for a reputable seller on eBay or other website (tandtrepair.com is a source I've used). But before you order a new motor, you might consider taking the one you have to a small-motor repairman locally. Many times these old motors can be rebuilt to last another 50 years. And be sure to rule out any other possible causes (foot control, electrical connections, power cord) before replacing the motor. Keep in mind, too, that the motor shafts on the 401 and 500 are different, so be very sure you are purchasing the correct motor for your machine. I hope this information helps and that you get your machine up and running again soon! Barbara for OldSewinGear

Nelson

2/24/2015 08:34:51 am

There are helpful videos on youtube to show you how to service a motor. While I haven't tried to do it myself, they seem fairly straightforward so that anyone can do it.

3/2/2015 12:04:33 pm

Thanks for the encouragement, Nelson! I agree almost anything can be found on YouTube these days!
Barbara

Bonnie Zink link

6/18/2015 06:51:54 am

Thank you for posting this comparison. I am the proud owner of a 1956 401a, Cinnamon. It is spectacular. Although I love the look of the Rocketeer, function rates higher. Cinnamon sews steady and true and I love the fact that she is all metal. She is also my "forever" machine.

Lynne

10/26/2016 12:43:25 pm

I bought a Singer 500 last week in a table, all in great shape! Has all accessories and manual. Was serviced by an Amish lady. Paid $25. I have a newer Singer portable, plastic case, etc. thinking I will sell the portable as it moves around when seeing due to vibrations. Is the 500 a good machine and will I be better off with it versus the newer portable.

Renita D Harvey

2/24/2019 09:20:22 pm

Personally I prefer my older machine to the portable. I have a 401a and 638 Touch and Sew. They have a feel more close to the industrial Juki that I used in the factory where I worked. The advantage to the portable is just that... it's portable. I wouldn't sell it unless of course you don't have space for it because you never know when you may just want to take it someplace.

Deborah Dauray

8/19/2017 10:52:59 am

I am so excited with my singer 503 and it is stamped 503j on the machine. The manual says 503. I am so happy to find you.

Which is better? Singer 401 vs. 500 Rocketeer.

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Which is better? Singer 401 vs. 500 Rocketeer.

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