Bernina 820 and older Horn cabinet

[LORI M.]

Hello - I am getting a new machine - Bernina 820. Yay!! anyway, I have a Horn cabinet (Quilters Dream) purchased in 2003 that I think should work size- wise for the new machine, but I'm concerned about the weight of the new machine on the air lift. I really don't want to purchase a new cabinet for $2000. Has anyone had to retrofit their old cabinet to the new heavier machines? Thank you, Lori in Wis

[Teri L.]

I'd suggest calling Horn and asking them if the cabinet & air lift will bear the weight. They might have some great suggestions and if other equipment is necessary they can work with you on getting the right stuff for it.

Teri

[LORI M.]

well I finally heard back from Horn - I was told the air lift in the cabinet I have only supports 30-35 pounds and the new machine is 40 pounds. He suggested that I contact a local Horn dealer to order the larger airlift and replace that in my older cabinet. Just thought I'd let you all know in case anyone else runs into this problem. Cheers! Lori in Wis

[LORI M.]

Thanks, Lori! I have the same predicament. My Horn 3156, purchased in 2007, has a large enough opening for the 820, but the Horn tech who finally answered me about the lift says I need the newer, stronger one. Only he didn't say how much it costs or where to get it, just that the screw holes won't align with the old ones. I replied with these questions, but haven't heard back yet. I'm debating between buying the new lift (once I know how much it will cost), buying a Tracey's Table and using the Horn for my 440, or adding support to the platform myself. I love the Unique cabinets, but I don't want to spend that amount on a cabinet if I don't have to, since I've yet to buy the QuiltMotion software. Any advice?

[LORI M.]

well....I'm quite disappointed to know that the holes won't line up with the new lift! I ordered it, I didn't even ask how much it was (much to the horror of my husband!), and I haven't received it yet. I ordered it through my Bernina dealer, who also sells Horn cabinets. I also was trying to avoid spending so much on a new cabinet since this one isn't that old. And I really can't fit another cabinet in my "studio."! Right now I have the 820 sitting on an old computer table (very sturdy) that I got for $6 at a yard sale. It's working out well, except there's not a whole lot of room on the left side where I need more surface for a larger quilt. My Koala chair lifted up so I can use the knee lift (thank goodness!). I can post again when I get the new lift - I WILL be making it work, new holes or not. I like your idea of using the cabinet for your 440, and figuring out something different for the 820. Sorry...I don't know anything else to tell you. (It also took FOREVER for Horn to get back to me about getting the heavier lift - this can't be the first time someone wants to re-purpose there cabinet for the larger machines - not everyone wants to spend another $2000 for a new cabinet) Good luck figuring it out, Lori

[LORI M.]

Just wanted to give an update on the Horn cabinet/Bernina 820 situation. Never received the new airlift. Got nothing but excuses from the dealer. So....this was my solution. I put the 820 in the older cabinet. I bought a piece of lumber (2 inches by 2 inches by 8 feet long - that's how long it was) and had the store cut into 2 pieces, each 24 1/2 inches. Shoved these two pieces under the machine/airlift to give it extra support in case the airlift tray in the cabinet decides to give out! Since the pexiglass piece didn't fit around the new machine, I got a piece of foamboard at the office store. Fudged around with it to get it fitted around the machine, using a utility knife. I am back in business (had to figure out something as I had a large quilt to do) and it was only about $5 for all of this. I may take the pexiglass to the glass cutter place and see if they can re-cut it to my foamboard shape.

[Jo H.]

Very creative Lori! Congrats on making it work. Sometimes I wonder how businesses stay in business when their customer service is obviously so lacking.