Correction, it’s a regular VF not a NVF. But it is still missing the shuttle...

Yep, It's a genuine Davis Minnesota A. The cabinet originally came with an inset. Perhaps the inset was replaced at one time. A VF2 and NVF will fit. The VF2 is the better match. You'd need to secure the front edge of an NVF so it doesn't fall off the cradle when being lowered. A cylinder or bullet shuttle is not difficult to replace. It will add an extra $30-$40 to the total cost. If the Minnesota A and cabinet is being shipped you want to make sure the seller knows their stuff. Way too many sewing machines are needlessly damaged in transit. I have fond memories of road trips / mini vacations to pick up Davis sewing machines.

Jon

True. It seems all the best stuff is located in the north and seems like most people aren’t keen on disassembling the machines and packing them up themselves.

That is the problem with the VF2 I found in Colorado. The seller became non communicative when the subject of shipping came up. I was going suggest she take it to the UPS store but that’s probably a lot to ask considering the current health circumstances. I imagine that it would also double the price of the machine if she was willing and able to do so.

The beautiful parlor cabinet in Austin is no longer available unfortunately but I found another Minnesota with some condition issues about 300 miles from me. The machine head is mounted to a metal plate instead of wood.

I hear frequently that vintage machines are scarce there. The new parlor cabinet is about 10 years later than the previous one. This is a Davis New Minnesota A made from about 1909 to 1913. Good Machines. The front edge attaches the same as the earlier Minnesota A. Tough to tell if the pittman which connects the foot pedal to the treadle wheel is present.

Jon

There are tons of Singers to be had. They are like the Ford Model T.
I will find a good VF eventually! Thanks so much for the information and help in my search!

So here’s the Davis built bike with my new Minnesota parlor treadle.
I have acquired a Davis Vertical feed head, a Minnesota model A mounting plate and the missing treadle components on ebay. Now I just need a few slide plated, a skirt guard and some extra shuttles.

Heres Bun E. Carlos, Mostly hand stitched from leftover ticking from binding Dad’s quilt.

That is impressive getting all of the parts together. Nice going.

Jon

Thanks, It would probably have been cheaper if I lived closer to the civilized world and could have just bought a complete vertical feed machine, but this is definitely more exciting!

Davis vertical feed heavy needles
 

I have been enjoying the Davis vertical feed machine and have made drapes for the man cave and a little leather work.
The thread/needle size Chart just confuses me.
what is the heaviest needle for the vertical feed machine?

Good to hear your enjoying your Davis. It looks good in the parlor cabinet. The largest needle size is usually around 20/125 though it is not often used. Size 18/110 is much more common. The Davis thread / needle chart can be translated by the cotton size. Cotton size is how cotton thread was measured back in the day. There is also silk and linen size if using that thread. Size 18 is 30-40 cotton size. Older Singer manuals have a list of cotton size information. The other needle numbers on the Davis plate are arbitrary. The smaller the cotton size the larger the needle and thread.

Jon