Info on a Davis for a complete noobie
 

Hello all,

I am a complete beginner in regards to sewing machines, but I have been wanting to purchase a treadle for quite a while. I found this Davis locally but I am as of yet ignorant of what to look for.

Could someone let me know if any components appear to be missing or broken? Are there any typical issues to look out for when looking at a Davis? The price is $80.00. From what I have been able to find on this site in looking the last couple of days the vertical feeds seems as thought it would fit the needs of the types of projects I would take on. Any information would be appreciated.

https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net...ea&oe=5E878A69


https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net...a0&oe=5E895387


https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net...cc&oe=5E8B5104

https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net...71&oe=5E765CEF


Thank you,

It looks like a Davis model 8. Here is a link to help you out.
https://www.fiddlebase.com/american-...wing-machines/
Check the drawers for extra needles bobbins and a bobbin shuttle. I can see one needle in the needle clamp. So that is good.

I can't help you with your questions, but that is an absolutely gorgeous machine.

Lovely machine. open the slide plate and be sure the bullet/shuttle bobbin is in there. It probably will be since it is in a home setting rather than a shop, but best to check.

Whatever you purchase, don't take soap and water to it, it will silver the decals.
welcome to the board from SW Washington.

When I started looking for a treadle I settled on looking for a Singer, and one that took a standard round bobbin as parts and needles and bobbins are still readily available and the bobbins hole more thread than the shuttle type.
Hopefully someone will come along with a Davis and say if the needles are standard, or hard to source.

I have that same machine and love it. Great for doing quilt bindings. Yes it uses standard needles.

2. things. since you are a noobie.
this is what the shuttle and bobbins will look like,
[ATTACH=CONFIG]620335[/ATTACH]


2nd, normally I would say oil everything that moves. However, oiling the needlebar and presserfoot on this beastie is a challenge. When you get to the point you want to open up the front for a serious clean/oil, give me a holler.
Oil what you can on the outside.

Thank you everyone for the responses. I'll also do a search for some of the terms listed here to understand better. Whatever I end up purchasing I will like to completely service before I begin using it. Though I have no experience with these machines I have experience restoring antique automobiles, so I have some measure of technical knowledge and want to make sure I care for the machine properly so it will function and last a very long time.

What Leon said about the face plate is so true! There are things you should know before attempting to remove the face plate. Incorrect removal can result in interior damage.

And putting them back on is no picnic, either
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ps I am thinking, but not certain that the needles are longer.