Jon; Thanks for this information. I am stoked about going to see this machine with an understanding that it may be a disappointment if it is not what the seller said it is. Oh weel, going to look anyway even if I'm not buying.

Jon,

I am working on a Low Arm Vertical feed with serial number 75144. The stitch in test is next as I just got the walking foot freed up and moving. As this is one of the oldest Vertical Feeds, are you saying that I need the Boye 20 needle and not the Boye 10?

Thanks,
Cathy

I wouldn't worry too much about a shuttle for a later VF (VF2 or NVF) Their are tons of them out there since many Davis Sears machines (Minnesota's) used them. Boye #9 is new old stock shuttle. The boat shuttle like Janice got a great deal on is a lot tougher. This machine has the pie shaped tension disk on the top middle of the arm. Hoping your machine is in great shape with a good shuttle and all this information is not needed.
Jon

Oooooooo yummy! I could really go for this one!

I excited for you too! Look at how much you have learned just from preparing for this event. Looking forward to seeing the pictures of your machine.

[QUOTE=Mizkaki;4866496]Jon,

I am working on a Low Arm Vertical feed with serial number 75144. The stitch in test is next as I just got the walking foot freed up and moving. As this is one of the oldest Vertical Feeds, are you saying that I need the Boye 20 needle and not the Boye 10?

Boye 20 is the needle called for on the Boye chart. This is a round shanked needle and slightly shorter than the Boye 10. My LAVF (186XXX) had a round shanked "Davis" needle a hair shorter than the 20 in the needlebar. Still looking for some parts and a shuttle so I can't say how it worked out. If you have Boye 10's I'd try them out as there both pretty close in size.
The LAVF is on my wish list to have a working machine---did you notice the wheel turns away from the sewer (operator)? I think the Davis VF group has a manual if you need one.
Good luck with it
Jon

You said "Boye 20 is the needle called for on the Boye chart. This is a round shanked needle and slightly shorter than the Boye 10."

Jon,

I have a copy of this LAVF manual and it says to "set the needle with the flat side to the needlebar".
I find this confusing as the Boye 20 is a round needle with no flat.
Any thoughts on this?

Thanks,
Cathy

Wow Jon, great information to keep on hand. I remember hunting for a shuttle for my DVF because I thought the reason I couldn't get my DVF pre 1900 machine to pick up the shuttle thread was because I thought I needed a new shuttle. I hunted and finally found a shuttle that actually said Davis on the shuttle and it was priced at $50! Now, if I need a shuttle I'll remember to check out the Minnesota's shuttle!

Nancy

Cathy, I accidentally bought a couple tubes of the Boye # 20 needles when I was buying the Boye # 10's, then found out they are for the older - boat shuttle Davis - and you are right, they are round without a flat side.

Nancy

[QUOTE=irishrose;4866247]I found a 15 clone branded MW- probably Montgomery Wards tonight. The machine is in very good condition, but the case is ugly and worn. It's not for sale, but I may write the organization a letter. Is $50 a reasonable offer? There is also a Pfaff from the same time period, but it didn't call to me.[/QUOTE

Irish, was the Pfaff a plastic wonder or older and metal? I really have a soft spot for a Pfaff. I would probably have bought the Pfaff!

I went to see our sewing repair guy today and even he can't find a Pfaff 4228! If you google the 4228, it will come up, but when you go to the site to start the search - nothing! No manual, nothing, although, I did find a slide plate listed for a Pfaff 4228. I contacted the company and they want a picture of the machine and plug because they can find nothing out on it either?

Nancy