Bernina 125 joins the team
I'm stoked to have found a third machine to add to my "collection". While the 217 can do everything I need and then some, I was looking for a lighter machine I can bring with me when I'm out and about, or use for simple domestic sewing, and found this beauty online.
She needs some light work, but mostly the usual things: cleaning and oiling, capacitor, .. the feed dog control was stuck but that was an easy fix as well. I'm still pondering on whether to keep the knee speed control (with a carbon stack regulator), replace it with a modern pedal but keeping the original motor, or swap the motor entirely.
I'll probably post about the 117L and 217 in the future but here's what I've done so far to make them usable:
- 117L got a 3D printed bracket with a small modern motor, will be mounted in a small box soon
- 217 is on its table but the clutch motor was replaced by a 750w servo with a small pulley for speed control. It has the cam attachment so I plan to 3D print custom cams for it.
I mostly use these for MYOG type of work (bag making, gear modification etc) and practicing towards a "parachute rigger" certification.
I live in Belgium so these type of machines are not that hard to find used online, yet they feel very precious to me ! To give a rough idea, I paid 30€ for the 125 (with a lot of original presser feet which also fit the 117L), 100€ for the 117L (bought from the first owner .. crazy right ?) and about 200€ for the 217 on its table with plenty of accessories.