Grammahunt

I was gifted with a Minnesota B machine by Davis.
It is is sad shape--missing the needle clamp, bobbin winder tire, and her paint job is in serious trouble-- but she purrs like a kitten. Of course the belt also needs replacing. The wheel and gears turn like greased lightening. I've been instructed to use baby oil to clean her with. And after about an hour of work I can see a huge difference already.

Is there anyone that can help me find a source for parts? I bought a manual and will still need all the good advice I can get. Apparently there are very few of these machines around.

I'd really like to know she is not the last one of her kind. Please????

Macybaby

If it's like mine, it's a 3/4 size Davis machine, but it takes a full size Davis shuttle (which is good because the 3/4 size are very rare).

However, "Minnesota" is a badge used by Sears, and there are at least 5 companys that made machines with the "Minnesota" name on them. So it's best if you share a picture before we'll know for sure who made it.

This is my MN B (behind my MN A, also made by Davis). I do have a MN by Davis that is a true 3/4 size machine, but I don't recall what the letter on it is (just got it last week).

jlhmnj

Fortunately your MN B is not one of a kind and their is no danger of them going the way of the Dodo bird anytime soon. Make sure your B looks just like the one above. On main Vintage machine page their is a sticky for sewing machine resources. Perhaps this will help with all the parts your looking for. Standard belt is 3/16" x 6' leather. Bobbin winder tire is part 15287A. You'll also need needles if none came with your B as they are not standard.

Jon

Grammahunt

I have many, many images of my machine. I have mixed feelings about whether or not the restoration of this machine is over my head. I'd like her to be beautiful. As you can see, a new paint job is in order. My husband and I both question if she has been repainted previously. While cleaning her with smo I often cannot tell the difference in gunk and paint. Thank you for any and all advice and opinions.
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Grammahunt

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Grammahunt

Some of the photos are before and some are after cleaning off with sewing machine oil. It needs more time than I had to give it yesterday but it certainly showed where she needs concentrated attention.

QuiltingVagabond

Grammahunt, you have the same parlor cabinet as mine! I really love my Minnesota B - named her Florence after my grandmother who was from Minnesota.
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QuiltingVagabond

Here is a better pic of the machine.
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Grammahunt

Oh my! Oh my! Florence is beautiful. If only my girl will someday recover from her current state of health and be so healthy looking.
And I'm certainly amazed to hear from another Minnesota B owner. If these machines are so plentiful then where are all the owners and machines???

Grammahunt

QuiltingVagabond--where is Florence's bobbin winder?