Davis Vertical Feed, info needed
 

I found this on Craigslist for 25.00 and couldn't resist. I'll have to learn how to clean it and what model it is. I hope I uploaded the photos right. If anyone can tell me anything about it, I'd really appreciate it. The cabinet is really nice, it has metal strips in between the drawers and silvery metal drawer pulls. The lid has a crack up one corner that someone hammered a nail into which I'll have to get out and then try to glue or something.

Oh she's gorgeous! I have one similar I got recently but your cabinet is prettier! When I can post from something besides my phone I'll direct you where I was sent for tons of help on these machines.

Thank you so much. I'm dying to find out about her. I'm hoping I can get her to work after I clean and oil her, I've never had anything without feed dogs before. I'm so excited about her.

Is that rope holding on the bobbin winder? :) She's gorgeous, and I'm sure others will be along shortly to ooh and ahh over her and give you more info than I can. I just know you got a great deal.

It seems to be a piece of cord holding the winder away from the balance wheel or whatever it's called.

ok, here's some references and info for you, and there's a couple of yahoo groups that can help you get acquainted with your machine.
http://www.kelsew.info/Domestic/DavisVFmodels.html


http://www.ismacs.net/davis/davis_ve...g_machine.html

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/davis_vf/

Hi Jean...ok, the best place to go for information is to the Yahoo groups Davis VF and Davis Sewing Machines. The Davis VF group was started just to cover the Davis Vertical Feed machines. The second one covers all the Davis machines. They have TONS of information. I have an 1890 Davis High Arm VF1. My finish looks like yours, which is basically really bad. The finish is extremely delicate and fragile, so only use sewing machine oil to clean off the dirt, and don't try to do anything else to it. You can clean the metal parts with Barkeepers Friend, which comes in a can like Bon Ami, and is gentle enough to clean the metal.

Jon on the VSMS thread is the one who is the resident expert on these machines. You got a HECK of a deal on this!! These machines are rather rare!!

I'm sure Jon will be along soon with more/better information for you...but it looks like your baby was made sometime about 1888.
Congrats on a great machine at a great price! Janice is right, ONLY sewing machine oil to clean with, and if everything moves, do NOT tear it apart!! You simply don't need to....

Hi Jean,

Congratulations on your Davis "New High Arm" (VF1)---great bargain. These machines are about the neatest thing since "sliced bread".
The needle your Davis takes is obsolete. You can use a Boye 10 needle, which can be found as new old stock or MTx190, an industrial needle which the eye has to be aligned (round shank).
The owners manual is your friend on this one.

Jon

Charlee, thanks for the cleaning tips. I was a little worried about even attempting to take something apart that I'd never even seen before. Your Davis came out lovely. I think mine has the same cabinet but my top has a crack down one corner that I have to repair somehow.

Jon, thanks for telling me which needles to look for I was wondering what I should use to replace the original which is in sad shape. Don't have a manual yet since I wasn't sure which model it was.