I hear lots of talk here about Bernina 830's. how many out there have one? Was in LQS today talking to ladies and 3 of them had 830's. Would not part with them for anything. Then went to Wal-mart and fabric sales gal had one also. she said hey! sell it on Ebay for $400.00 (probably what I paid for it 30 + years ago) I dont know of anybody who would part with this machine.

Keep in mind, Bernina has a new Bernina 830 that isn't anything like the original 830 of years ago. This new one retails for about $12,000, and is supposed to do everything but dishes... It is a huge machine, with embroidery capabilites and the largest sewing bed of any machine on the market or so they say. I know a lady that just bought one and she raves on and on about it. But I still prefer my older machines, I have a Bernina 1630 plus several old Singers. If I were going to put that much in a machine it would be a long arm quilter.

I saw that new Bernina 830 @ a Sew Expo in Puallup Wa a few months go. I almost had a Stroke when I saw the price. I ws talking abt the good OLD gal who just won't quit.... Thanks for pointing out the difference.

I bought my Bernina 830 for $555.45 in 1975. Still working today, and not a glitch. Best machine ever made.

Hi,

I have a 730, and am fixing to buy a 1090 from a friend. I've heard many, many wonderful things from folks who own 830's - the original 830, that is, not the $12,999 variety. They are in such high demand, that's one reason they are going for so much on ebay. If you find one for under $500, it's probably a deal. I've seen them run upwards of a $1000 at times. I believe there were two varieties of the 830, a totally mechanical one and one with a circuit board, or was that the 930's. Oh dear.

Tell ya what, tho. There's an awesome Yahoo Group called the Bernina Thirty Somethings, originally started for owners of a X30, whether it was a 530, 730, 830, 930 - you get my drift. I belong, and have found them to be wonderful folks, very knowledgeable and very helpful. They'll answer any questions before or after you buy a Bernina and also help you with any maintenance or usage question you might have. As well, they have a nice database of helpful information, too. Best of luck to you. Once you've sewn on a Bernina, you'll love it and understand why so many folks want them and won't sell them once they do have them.

Happy quilting,

Karla

I have an about 1972 830. I will Never get rid of it, and if it dies, I'll get another. I bought it about 5 years ago for $400. I used a 1630 a couple of Christmases ago to make a quilt in Alabama and... I didn't like it. Too much electronics that didn't work.

The only thing I wish the 830 had is a needle up/down switch.

BTW - my other piecing machine is an Elna Super, about 1969 model.
Call me old fashioned.

I wish Bernina had named the new machine 'George' or something like that. Why cornfuse people?

tim in san jose

Shouldn't that be 'Georgina' Tim? We all know women are better at sewing?! (just joshing with ya! :lol: )

K x

I purchased my first Bernina, the 730, in March of 2008. In January, my dealer told me that because my machine was less than a year old, I could trade it in at full retail value for the new 830. I would never have considered it had I not gotten full value on the 730, but I bit the bullet and do not regret it. For someone that embroiders a lot, it is a dream come true. It's unreal what the machine can do, and it is SO user friendly. I had a Brother Esante before the 730, and loved it, but it is no comparison to a Bernina. I also quilt and the quilting space is wonderful. I'll admit it isn't like a longarm machine, but to have the embroidery and other capabilities with the added space, it's worth every penny.

My cousin traded one of her Singer 221 (featherweight) machines for a Bernina 830...I feel she got the best end of the deal :-) After trying hers, I decided I "had" to have one. It's certainly one of the best...only wish there'd been a Bernina dealer in my area back in the '70s. My cousin then gave me the book "Know Your Bernina" by Jackie Dodson which I believe is out of print but might be available on eBay or used book stores. After reading several chapters I decided I "had" to have the 1130 and I bought one on eBay.

The Bernina machines are excellent Swiss quality and I highly recommend them. From what I understand the only negative is that repairs are pricey. I don't think one can go wrong with one of the older Bernina machines!

Pat B in Indiana

Old thread but can anyone point me to the link for this group please? Apparently it's a hidden group and not easy to find.

I've just got hold of an 831 from the 80s and would like to learn more about it especially oiling and maintenance. The manual doesn't include those things.

My parents gave me the "old" Bernina 830 in 1975 for my college graduation ... and when I turned 60 a few years ago my sweet DH gave me the "new" Bernina 750 QE... Love both machines.... I call the "old" Bernina 830 the "mechanical 830"... My sweet DIL has it now and is trying to squeeze a bit of sewing into her busy schedule. I've told her to use it before getting a newer machine. If you learn on an old "mechanical" machine, I think you appreciate the new one even more? My Bernina dealer keeps both machines in excellent condition and have advised me to "never sell!" I won't sell either one...ever!!!

Yeah... pretty stupid decision on Bernina's part. Now we have to call our old 830s, Bernina Records. I somehow resent that!

I remember wanting the 830 So much back in the late 70's, but the price was $1080, way out of reach for me. (Remember Bernina sold this model as their top of the line for 20 years, it was that good.) I was able to buy one later, secondhand, for about $300. I ran the heck out of that machine, replacing the motor along the way, and then bought a second one when I found it used but in like new condition (the owner had only about 10 hours of sewing on it.) I still have that machine and have it set up beside my Juki quilter. I love it... so well built and so easy to pop open to clean. (Why can't they make all machines to do that?) I will never sell it.

You may be able to find the manual for the 830 online. A lot of the models had red painted dots where you are supposed to oil. If you see those red dots, oil there. Open the top of the machine and also the arm plate to look for the red dots.

I bought mine from a garage sale 6 years ago. $40 for machine with attachments and heavy sewing desk. What a beautiful machine she is. Best garage sale find ever!! The thought of parting with her is painful.

My friend's DH bought her the new 830 and she hates it. It is way too much machine for her. She does not use 3/4 the features and already had to have it in the shop four times. One fix was under warranty the others was to remove a bit a thread that was caught in the needle/bobbin area that she nor her DH could get out. The cost of those were over $200 each as the housing had to be taken off. She was told it was user error each time when the thread broke and the end was pulled in the machine. She uses the thread and bobbin the tech says to use and doesn't reset the tension from where he sit it, and only pieces with it so she won't get another $200 bill. I told her I'd tell the tech and owner to stick the whole machine where the sun doesn't shine and find a different dealer to help her with it.

I have had my mom's 830 Record for 20 years. I was afraid that I would "wear it out" with quilting large, heavy quilts, so I bought a vintage Singer 15-31 for quilting. I still prefer my Bernina with the knee lift and perfectly functioning walking foot. I also prefer the location of the bobbin for access during quilting, so I usually go back to the Bernina. For dressmaking, I love to use all the feet I have accumulated over the years.

That said, I would love to have needle up/down, a blanket stitch, and a three-step zigzag (for bra-making!). I have tried to use my daughter's Babylock for those things, but it just feels foreign to me. I guess I am only suited for mechanical machines.

Side note: I found an LED bulb online with the correct bayonet-style base last week. Works like a charm, but I think I am going to add another stick on light for night sewing.

Sounds like the dealer/tech is ripping her off. To remove the housing all it takes it removing a few screws & lifting it off. I sat & watched my tech do it & he didn't charge me $200.00 to remove stuck thread! I'd be looking for a new dealer/tech & ask how much they charge.

I do all my piecing and domestic sewing on a Bernina 801 Sport. I love her and wouldn't swap her for anything. she is over 30 years old and I have replaced the foot pedal once.