Originally Posted by quiltdoctor

I have a Ruby, but haven't used her yet. She was another junk heap find, but looking good now. I was told she was probably a Davis made machine.

Texas Jan

Texas Jan

Originally Posted by Charlee

I got one for free today...not sure of the age, it's an industrial Brother...tan...actually has a zigzag, which surprised me! Can't wait to have William help me move it so I can play with it a bit!! The thing is HUGE, so am not sure where I'll be able to put it, but I'll figure out something!! ;)

Originally Posted by jljack

Well, unfortunately DH is not fond of the "Steven Tyler" name, so I have to decide on another.

I looked at the finish under bright light last night, and it really looks like someone tried to paint it. Or the original japan "melted"?? Is that possible? I can see the decals (kind of) sort of "under" a dark covering....like paint didn't stick to the decals. I don't know. Very hard to figure it out. Anyone seen anything like this before?

Originally Posted by melinda1962

http://www.shopgoodwill.com/viewItem.asp?ItemID=8768015

This is a singer 301 zigzagger. There is another one as well without the cams.

Originally Posted by Charlee

In response to your "ruffler" post....BRAT!!!!!! :lol:

I think that instead of being decals, these flowers are painted, and what you're seeing is the ghost of the flowers...mine is the same way...the impression of the flowers remains, the color is gone.

Originally Posted by quilt addict

boy, it has taken me a week to get caught up on the thread. There has been some great machines and information posted this last month. :)

Here are my two latest purchases. I have been actually sewing instead of cleaning machines but now that it is getting cooler I will try to spend some time in the garage. I am running out of room.

This is Davis VF2 that I picked up in Lincoln, NE when I was back for my nephew's wedding. Came home in my carryon luggage. Serial number is 1064910 last patent date is May 18th 1885. I hope the flowers are as pretty as yours Glenn.

2nd is unidentified handcrank. I just picked it up last night off CL. This is the worst condition one I have ever gotten. I don't know if I will ever get it working. There is so much rust. But the needle bar and pressure foot will move. No movement in the transvers shuttle though. And there is no shuttle or bobbin.

Originally Posted by jljack

OK. Well, I'm gonna stop scrubbing away at it, then. I got it initially clean last night...not all the cracks and crevices, and not all the metal pieces, which need lots of scrubbing. But the body and bed are pretty good. You can still see some of the DAV on the arm on the front and back, but everything else is pretty much gone. Anybody in favor of stripping it down and repainting? :?: :?:

Originally Posted by auniqueview

I don't know how "vintage" my machine is, but the fact that it is all metal, no plastic tells me that's a good start. It is a Dressmaker model 101. I finally pulled it out of the bag, put a needle in, threaded it up, and started it. All the stitches work nicely, bobbin runs smoothly, and the machine is nice and clean. But is started making a squeaking noise. Belt? I didn't run it too long, don't want to damage it, because I finally have one I can get a quilt under without ending up in muscle spasms, lol. Any info on this machine? I bow to all of you, because I have realized that you are better at finding this info than I am, and I used to think I was good at tracking stuff down on the net. Thanks.

Originally Posted by BoJangles

Ok for you Rocketeer folks, are any of you having trouble with the cams wearing out? I use my 503a Rocketeer all the time for decorative stitches on my little Patchabilities. I use mostly the #8 cam, which is now slipping and messing up sometimes. I did some research and the only thing people complained about with those machines were the cams. The people who bought them loved the machines because they are all metal, well-made machines, but couldn't understand why Singer made such a nice machine then used plastic to make the cams. The cams wear out! Has anyone tried filing off the rough edges on those cams to see if they will have more life. Now I am a little concerned about getting a 319W -it uses cams too. The top hat cams are easy to find, not sure about the flat cams of the 319w?

Nancy

Originally Posted by jljack

I saw that and thought about bidding on it for my 301, but decided I probably would never use it, so I passed on it.