Again I have become very interested in the early and 2nd generation computerized machines, with my background in CNC machining I have an affinity towards motor controllers and believe that the over concern regarding a computer board failure is just that.
I think the Virtuosa is a lesser and more rare version of the Artista, but it is still a Bernina
A handsome machine, classic late 90's
During clean up I found thread wrapped around the counter weight crank and all the joints involved with the take-up lever, that was a new one!
Got the knee lift working with a DIY steel rod it makes such a difference in operation, did a small upholstery leather project very well
Another endearing feature, if they even intended it is the thread cut-off on the left side of the machine. About 90% of the time the cut-off holds both ends of the threads up in place, this is really nice because you know where both threads are and starting the next stitch line is like having someone holding the threads up for you
Made in Switzerland, that's all we care about!
It has a Stainless Steel free arm top cover; it will NEVER show signs of wear with that!
Reverse switch at the head
Very heavy... stop complaining about heavy; heavy is good!
The wall plug is extra long, the foot pedal has a winder feature on the bottom, nice
The foot pedal also has the needle up-down feature, just press with your heel and the needle goes down, press again and it goes back up.
Without any effort the basic controls are extremely easy, I used it for a little repair project and just love the sound, it is an oscillating hook but Bernina does it different than everyone else, seems hard to beat.
The small LCD screen may look a little lost on the front face but it's all you need
Look at this...
- Needle left - right with two buttons close by
- Needle up - down one button for that
- Stitch width with two buttons for that
- Stitch length two buttons for that
All in all there are a large number of nice options
Has a separate motor for the bobbin winder
Needle position left - right and ZZ are controlled by a separate servo for super accurate positioning
It came with nothing but the No.3 foot, manual, and a flat bed conversion
One small thing... made in Switzerland, not Sweden
ReplyDeleteThanks, fixed
DeleteI have the same machine im trying to sell. Asking 350$ anyone interested please email me at ogwestern@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI have one of these . Good machine to bad the interface is serial and not USB.
ReplyDeleteBest Machine I ever had - gave it to someone who could not afford a new Bernina as I had a new 430. Still miss it.
ReplyDeleteWould this machine work for leather belts and dog collars?
ReplyDeleteI don't think that any home sewing machine is meant for sewing on leather all the time, you need an industrial machine for that.
DeleteThe vintage domestic singers are terrific for that.
DeleteDoes the machine have something similar to acu-feed or IDT? Or do you have to have a separate walking foot?
ReplyDeletewalking foot.
DeleteI purchased this machine a couple of yrs ago. Need to have my juki cleaned so thought I would try this Bernina. Love it. Live the stitch quality better than m juki. I wondered, however, how this does in freemotion. Don't want to but a fm foot before I find out. Anyone?
ReplyDeleteAgreed. I made a pleather zina costume and it blew the timing out. Actually lost timing 2x and cannot consider it to be reliable at all. Husband disappointed.....he bought for me as Xmas gift overv 20 years ago.
ReplyDeleteI am still discovering this machine. Very precise and I really love what quilting I have done so far.
ReplyDeleteVery informative article. hand operated sewing machine
ReplyDeleteOne of the biggest advantages of Embroidery Digitizing is that it eliminates the need for manual labor, reducing the time and cost involved in the embroidery process. Digitized designs can be easily modified and edited, making it easy to make changes and tweaks to the design without starting from scratch.
ReplyDelete