ZombieDad

The top of the cabinet is completely salvageable. The drawers are bent wood to match the curve of the cabinet and well above my talents in woodworking.

It may not show up well on the photo, but the back leg is broken off and completely missing. I do know places that still do castings but I fear the cost would outstrip any chance at reselling this.

I'm looking forward to repairing more. They are well built machines with simple construction and even those who don't sew appreciate them for their beauty.

Scott

JoeJr

A lot of this depends on a person's approach to working on these old machines and the furniture. Some people want them to stay in the original condition, some want to restore them to look original, some just want them clean and working. I fall into the "just want them clean and working" category. Where you fit will dictate how you want to proceed.

In your situation assuming the iron is not salvageable, I would start looking for replacements from Singer tables. I have a sister who lives in Minneapolis so I regularly check craigslist for machines for her to pick up for me, and right now there are three different Singer treadle bases, iron only no wood, for sale there, one set as low as $25. If you want to go this route start with craigslist and facebook marketplace. Will a Singer base work? I'm not sure but for $25 I'd be willing to find out, and if it's not an exact fit then maybe I figure out a way to make it work. Once I knew I had a replacement base I would get the glue, clamps, brad nailer, and Howards, and start putting the wood back together.

I started doing this with zero wood working skill, and don't have much more than that now, but it's immensely satisfying to do what my abilities dictate, and when I need help I come to this Board. And finally, I started with zero knowledge about the machines themselves, some mechanical aptitude, and have learned a lot by trial and error and from the many posts and people here willing to help.

ZombieDad

And such a shame that it has! The cabinet has a beautiful fiddle shape, complete with curved drawers and an applique on the center drawer. I could potentially wait for another Sears cabinet to come along, but that may take a while.

Scott

OurWorkbench

Scott, when I was researching the Minnesota S, I happened across a thread that was started by Jon. I responded as I had noticed a comment about the Minnesota S. I referred him to this thread. His response at Sears Iowa by Davis indicates that your machine does takes the Davis Shuttle & Bobbin and the Davis long needles. Occasionally you can find some original needles on ebay. There is a substitute that is round shank rather than the original flat shank that will work per Substitute needles for the Minnesota and Davis, as well as others, machines The substitute can be found at https://www.ebay.com/str/jackssmrepair?_bkw=davis+long

Janey - Neat people never make the exciting discoveries I do.
Not affiliated with off-site link(s)

ZombieDad

This is incredibly awesome and kind of you. I spent part of the day taking the cabinet apart (couldn't salvage much beyond the top and some of the hardware). I've yet to dig into the machine itself, but I spent a lot of time learning about how to clean and oil my sister's treadles (a Singer "Sphinx" that uses shuttles and a more modern "Red Eye" that takes regular bobbins).

Speaking of red eye, I've got a possible lead on an electrified one that's quite affordable. The madness begins!

Hooligan

Nice looking machine If your up to it, then you can replace the veneers on the cabinet. I've had good results doing so

WIChix

The Howard products are great! Follow with Howard Feed N Wax.

Hooligan

I'll second the use of Howard products

ZombieDad

I'll be sure to look into the Howard products.

Meanwhile,
I scored another Red Eye for a very good price. Seller says he has a treadle in rough shape so I may be able to use it for the Minnesota as a Franken stitcher.

This one has similar cabinet problems. The top is original, but underneath is made of low grade plywood.

ZombieDad

Started cleaning up the Minnesota S and I have a few questions.

1. Odd little felt pad or plug under the front slide plate. Used to oil places underneath?

2. I'm guessing that the iron piece with the wing nut is meant to catch the wooden top of the cabinet. Please let me know if I'm right.

3. I think this is the stitch setting plate, but cannot seem to remove it. Any ideas? Already tried a penetrating oil, but no luck.

Thanks in advance for your help!

Scott