Davis Vertical Feed Frustration
 

I was gifted a very dirty, tired Davis VF through a friend. I have at least four quilts that need to be quilted and I have dreamed (literally) about stitching those layers with this machine. It has been torn down, cleaned and is ready to sew. Down side? I need to treadle it and nothing I have fits!!! Suggestions please. I'm willing to just set the machine on a bed with supports as long as it works.

No White, or Singer fits the hinge pin placement. Necchi is the closest but I don't have one of those as a treadle! HELP!!!!

Annette

Hi Annette,

You could build a new top or modify and existing one without hinges if that presents a woodworking problem. You could also buy a cabinet that would fit the head. I could probably give you a few possibilities if I knew your local Craigslist search areas.

Jon

I have hopes to find a Davis Vertical Feed machine!!! I saw one demonstrated at a Bonnie Hunter workshop and it was so interesting!! Hope to find one!!

I'm in the Seattle CL area and live further south. That suggestion of modifying a top just may work! I have a White base that has been semi-cannibalized. The section where the head would hinge is gone and the cross pieces in the back are missing. Let me take a picture.

If it's not needed to be "folded away", making a base for it to sit in isn't all that difficult.

And Davis machines aren't all that rare, so finding a treadle that it would fit in shouldn't be that difficult. Look for the square needle plate and the belt on the outer side of the flywheel.

Do other machines made by Davis fit the foot print?

Annette,

I could only find one Davis treadle in a quick search of Seattle CL:

http://seattle.craigslist.org/kit/fuo/5104260960.html

This will fit the Davis VF models VF2 and NVF though they may not drop down due to clamping system of head. I'm a little suspicious that the head is not attached to the cabinet so it would need a close inspection.

The White irons will also work fine.

Jon

I found this video of a simple alteration that will fit what is needed.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-dE9CBMSQo
Her base is a Singer so the pins are still functional for some machines. Has anyone else tried this type of modification? Trying to wrap my brain around how deep the shelf would have to be. I'd rather use what I have than get another cabinet!

If you're close enough to Centralia I can probably help with putting together some sort of adapter plate.
Rodney

That would be a good idea!