Quiltingboard Forums - New (to me) Minnesota S

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- - New (to me) Minnesota S (https://www.quiltingboard.com/vintage-antique-machine-enthusiasts-f22/new-me-minnesota-s-t315058.html)

I can't really help with #2 or #3, but more than likely that is exactly what it is. See https://www.quiltingboard.com/vintag...k-t246122.html There is one post that shows how to make it with a spool pin felt. Also, posts 3 and 6 should be read and advice followed, regarding the hole on the side. It can be hard to find, but is generally plugged.

Janey - Neat people never make the exciting discoveries I do.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZombieDad (Post 8480317)

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

1. Yes, it is an oil wick to lubricate the shuttle when it passes by. There is a very tiny hole at the base of cavity with the wick in it, you'll want to poke a pin or something through that hole, from the shuttle side, to make sure it isn't clogged.
2. That's what it looks like. One treadle I owned had a screw that kept the machine tight to the wood frame and it had to be removed to tilt the machine itself back..
3. Looks like the stitch length plate. I have used an appropriately sized screwdriver held firmly in the screw while giving a light tap with a hammer.

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoeJr (Post 8480432)

3. Looks like the stitch length plate. I have used an appropriately sized screwdriver held firmly in the screw while giving a light tap with a hammer.

Finally got it off with doing what you said along with plenty of oil. The one hole feels like it needs to be re-tapped.

Gave it a thorough cleaning last night using Goop original hand cleaner (newer versions have pumice in them). Took apart as much as I could for a two hour soak in a crock pot of water and Simple Green. Tonight I started wire brushing various unpainted parts. Buffing will be next.

Scott

Quote:

Originally Posted by OurWorkbench (Post 8476692)

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 https://www.quiltingboard.com/8476656-post20.html 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 https://www.quiltingboard.com/vintag...s-t190315.html 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.
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I've been slowly taking the Minnie apart, de-rusting and polishing, and found that it does have a Davis shuttle and long needle! I'll try to find a few more of each.

Scott

I keep getting confused about what Singer model the Minnesota S is supposed to represent. I know people that can recognize models with a glance, I'm just not there yet.

Scott

Minnesota doesn't represent a Singer. A lot of manufactures made long shuttle machines. Since yours is this Davis, it will use different shuttles and needles. Also the stitch length is different. While it looks similar, most parts will not be interchangeable between the different actual manufacturers.

Janey - Neat people never make the exciting discoveries I do.