Singer Slant-O-Matic Sowing machine
Mum had a junior single thread sowing machine when I was a small boy, she had made dresses with it. Later in the 1960s she bought an Electric Singer Sowing machine which had the same foot controller as this 401. You help it start gently by rotating the drive wheel with your hand whilst pressing the foot speed control, sowing machine shop explained when selling a machine.
The foot speed controller is not like a drill speed controller the motor does slow when the machine is working harder, that is there is some feel fed back to the operator. After the required oiling, the Slant-o-matic is in perfect order, much as you would expect of any Singer sowing machine of any age in 2024. It should be oiled with barbers cutter oil, this is the same very thin as Singer oil and veteran Bicycles use. Don't use 3-in-one it leaves a black residue which becomes a problem after a few decades, cyclist find. If you don't have the correct oil, thin mineral engine oil is a better option than using 3-in-one (that oil has some harm to many veteran bikes)
Although the motor should not be lubricated normally but now after 55 years greasing the bearings is due. Also checking and cleaning the brushes and the commutator.
I think mum purchased it in 1970. It was the best of the last Singer Sowing machines, that could be treadle foot driven or electric motor driven. No electronics, but has clever mechanical computing and 6 programme wheels for various features. There are a number of sowing attachments such as buttonholes, zigzag, pattern stitching, one two or three threads with one or two needles.
"The greatest sowing machine ever made"
This machine has many more functions than were every likely to be used, plus many more program wheels that could be purchased for it. Nearly all parts are cast and machined steel.
User Manual for the Slant-o-matic - model 401, 96 pages
https://amandawynn.com/2016/01/31/sewing-machines-slantomatic-401/
This sowing machine was donated too; https://www.twam.uk/ they are a Christian charity that refurbishes tools and sends them to the developing world countries such as Africa.
Later mum purchased a Singer Samba 4 which had all the basic functions zigzag, one plus one or two threads with a single or double needle sowing. Automatic bobbin winder, buttonhole, and reverse sowing plus all the settings but none of the program wheels. Additionally, part of the front table could be removed, presumably to handle sowing a small bag or a larger sleeve?
This machine is made of very good moulded plastic and the same machined steel and tool steel parts. It is conveniently for modern smaller homes is, portable.