Bernina sewing machines, what model ?

[Grassymike]

Who has experience with these. I have found a couple used ones and am wondering which models work best for gear making ?

 

[torrey.harris.5]

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[as.ks.ak]

I have an Activa and LOVE it. It doesn’t handle thick fabrics stacked up or layers of webbing well. But it’ll do 3/4 of the sewing you’ll want to do, I’d bet. I use mine for light weight stuff and then use my sailrite for the heavy stuff. Really enjoy my bernina.


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[Dos Perros]

There are so many models of sewing machines out there. The ones that'll work for most of the stuff you probably want to sew can be had pretty cheaply. $50, $100, used on Facebook or Craigslist. Generally speaking an OLD one with all metal components is what you want. I think there is little risk to buying one at that price and using it for a bit and chucking it if you don't like it, and try something else.

 

[Grassymike]

I should of posted more information here. I have a 1948 Singer electric machine that is like new. I know sounds stupid but it is true. It works quite well for sewing light stuff. I started with the "gateway drug" pullouts and went on to mod my pack then made a sand bag to train with on my pack. I have also made a Cargo sling like kifaru's. So it works well with several layers of cordura and webbing. The last two projects have been a tarp and a rain poncho/tarp. I have seen a couple Bernina's used and like the idea of reverse and zigzag stitches as these are two things I can not do at the moment.

 

[as.ks.ak]

I should of posted more information here. I have a 1948 Singer electric machine that is like new. I know sounds stupid but it is true. It works quite well for sewing light stuff. I started with the "gateway drug" pullouts and went on to mod my pack then made a sand bag to train with on my pack. I have also made a Cargo sling like kifaru's. So it works well with several layers of cordura and webbing. The last two projects have been a tarp and a rain poncho/tarp. I have seen a couple Bernina's used and like the idea of reverse and zigzag stitches as these are two things I can not do at the moment.

One of the things I like the most about my Bernina machine is the needle positioner. Pretty damn handy at times.


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[Grassymike]

One of the used ones I found is a model 531.2. They are asking $350 Can. for it. comes with a bunch of attachments and stuff.

 

[Dos Perros]

IMO reverse is damn near essential. I have a Singer 111W155 that doesn't have reverse, and I use that for my heaviest stuff. I bought a Brother TZ1-B652 for the reverse and zig zag but I have never used the zig zag.

Does that Bernina come in a table with a sizeable flatbed area? If not, I'd prioritize that.

 

[as.ks.ak]

Does that Bernina come in a table with a sizeable flatbed area? If not, I'd prioritize that.

I second this. Or plan on recessing your machine on your own into your own work space. I did and I am SO happy with that change. It’s really speeds up work flow.


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[feanor]

I used a bernina quilting machine and it zipped through 500 d with webbing and all.

 

[Grassymike]

It does not come in a table. The portable suitcase style setup, that is the same as my old singer. It has the elevated arm so you can slide stuff under to sew around. That would have come in handy making my poncho for the hood portion.

 

[Grassymike]

How big would be a good size to build my own table to drop my current machine in ? I have only seen pictures of the industrial machines with tables and they seem about 4 feet wide and 3 deep ,is that about right ?

 

[Dos Perros]

I see a Juki in a 47" x 21".

Sailrite Fabricator is 47.5" x 20".

No downside to larger table other than cost and your usable space.

 

[as.ks.ak]

I see a Juki in a 47" x 21".

Sailrite Fabricator is 47.5" x 20".

No downside to larger table other than cost and your usable space.

My biggest suggestion is a space with room to not have your sewing table butted up with a wall in front if you. Having space between the table and wall to let fabric fall off the end of the table is HUGE when working with large projects.


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[Dos Perros]

My biggest suggestion is a space with room to not have your sewing table butted up with a wall in front if you. Having space between the table and wall to let fabric fall off the end of the table is HUGE when working with large projects.


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That's a good point. I have rigid frame pieces extending a foot or more beyond my table.

 

[Grassymike]

Thanks for the help. I am a carpenter/cabinetmaker so have a shop where I can make whatever would work well. The space to set up will be a bit tougher.