Regretting buying a used Bernina record 730.... trade to Juki?
 

So I just bought a used Bernina record 730 yesterday for $280 but it didn't come with the carrying case, table, feet, and all the other accessories... :shock: I thought it was a pretty good price and the machine works very well. But when I got home and started a project (a coin pouch) the machine would sometimes not pick up the thread and stuff.. and the knobs and stuff are a little stiff. So now Im kind of regretting getting it! I also looked at a Juki HZL-35z and the HZL-27z. THey were both awesome!! The 35 was $295 I think and the 27 was $245. So the prices were generally the same. Well what do you guys think? Go for the new machine with all the accessories n stuff, or old used Bernina? I also was thinking that parts and servicing for the Juki's will be cheaper right? So please help me!

Firstly if you bought the machine froma dealer/ shop i would take it back as it clearly isn't working correctly sadly bernina accessories are extortionate so I can see why a seller would hang onto things to use for the newer machine if they upgraded but that makes the machine not such a good deal.

I personally think berninas are overcomplicated and overpriced. I have always bought my main sewing machine new. I have had two Pffafs and one brother. the brother was computerised the others not. I love my non computerised Pfaff. it is aworkhorse, and it doesn't have a mind of it's own.

I also have an embroidery Machine. I have had three second hand ones I bought from the brother dealer. they were trade ins from people upgrading and were known to be hardly used.... until I got may hands on them!!! I ran the first two into the ground and now I have a galaxay whoch is also a sewing machine. I had to use it as a sewing machine when I knocked out the timing on my pfaff two days before my City & guilds submission deadline. I broke 3 needles within two minutes becasue it kept parking the needle and hitting the 1/4 inch foot. (see mind of it's own!)

So if buying secondhand I would really only buy from a dealer where you have some immeadaite support and comeback unless you know the person you are buying from and know what it's history is.

Always check what it comes with and if those are the acessories you need. Also be aware of the replacement cost of the items you are going to need.

becks

Will the shop take the Bernina back? When you posted about your machine I thought it had everything with it for that price. Take an your Grandmother or you parents with you when you go back to the shop.

Juki's are good machines, Juki's history is industrial machines so they know what they are doing. My dream serger is a Juki. Good Luck.

i agree with cheezythequiltmaker. they are overpriced and complicated
and for people who do more with there machines.

i would bring the machien back to the dealer. as you had said yesterday...sewed perfectly at the dealer's, then when you got it home, played with the settings, and now having a problem. i would ask the dealer to help you operate the machine correctly. and if not able, to return it. i would also do this NOW and not later. while his memory is still fresh about the sale....

i would also ask your parent(s) or grandma to go with you. sometimes having an adult back you up is a good thing.

It doesn't matter what anybody else thinks, if you're not happy with it take it back. You're the one using it, it needs to fit you. Jukis are great machines too.

Im 99% sure she said i have one month for free repairs and to bring it back... But Im still not sure... What should I do if she says no??

That's why you should take an adult with you (in case she should say "no"). :) If it's a reputable store, she has a LOT to lose, by saying "no," only a day after a purchase.

You'd be surprised to learn how many times "no" does not mean "no", LOL! Ask for a higher up if they absolutely say no, a manager, etc. Sometimes a salesperson won't have the authority to issue a refund, or the skills to deal with it. Most managers/owners don't want an unhappy customer.

Thats good to know.. My parents will come with me and my dad is a very good negotiater.

I'm sorry to hear you don't like the Record 730. I was just 19 when I bought this same sewing machine. I know I had a little instruction on it .... but mostly from the manual.

As for Bernina's being complicated to use ... I never found this one complicated, pretty simple with just a few knobs; but maybe the newer, computerized ones are harder to learn.

Good luck with getting your $$$$ back and finding a machine that will work for YOU!!!

jody

I agree, but this bernina has much potential!! The only problem is the lack of accessories which are expensive to purchase.. Would negotiating with the dealer to add in extra accessories make this any better?

I love the old Bernina's, but it sounds to me as if this 730 is not going to meet your needs. I would take it back and trade in for something that is more immediately satisfying to you. You can always buy a vintage Bernina again later on!

If you are going to be using it a lot you will need the accessories and as happinessbears said they can be very expensive. I would trade it back for one you are very comfortable with.

I don't know anything about Bernina's except what I have gleaned from the internet. I have never sewn on one, although I would love the chance! My biggest concern is about parts for the 730. Are parts available after market? I know Bernina doesn't support the 730 any longer. I do hope they will take back the machine with a full refund toward another machine or repair the Bernina and maybe toddle into the backroom and find the accessories that go with it..

Very good news! I went to the store today and decided to give the Bernina (which I've now named Q-tip) one last chance. The mechanic fixed my machine (it was the thing behind the bobbin and my needle was too high) and also put in a new lightbulb and everything. The dealer and I together, we searched around the shop for feet and such for the machine and we were lucky to find about 10 bobbins, a pack of needles, the knee lift :o, zigzag presser foot, and a walking foot! Yay!! Although that wasn't everything, it was really great and she gave me everything free of charge :)

That's great news! Now, it's time to go make friends with Q-tip!
Enjoy!!

Oh, I'm soooo glad you are keeping Q-tip :) You will love this machine. I've always found it very easy to use!!! Keep us updated on how you like it!!

jody

Ok so I know this is a teeny bit off subject but does anybody know any good sewing projects that I can do that can kind of get me aqquainced with my machine? Ps I don't have any quilt batting, felt, or zippers on me right now! So anything that doesn't involve that will be nice. Thanks so much

How about some log cabin pin cushions? You will be needing some and they make good gifts. Do a google search for free pin cushion patterns. Or make a table runner and use it as a dresser scarf on your chest of drawers. Make a pillow case I'm sure there are free pattern directions.

glad this has a happy ending

You could always use a blanket for the batting if you have one and sheets for the backing .

http://www.allpeoplequilt.com/millio.../freepatterns/ Take your pick and have fun! These are great for gifts too.

piney

woops, forgot to mention the patterns are for pillowcases.

Tote bags or re-usable grocery bags are always good to have (and make great gifts, too). A summer quilt would be good, too (no batting); you could make a "throw" or lap-sized one, for the sofa/couch.

you will find a machine that will fit you. as i said before i loved my Bernina 830 record which is still in use after sewing clothes for 8 persons and the wedding outfits for 3 weddings. however i did have my feet etc because i bought a store display model. recently i found an attachment for it that acts as a serger, trimming the edges and overcasting. i like the machine and though repair is high, i only had it tuned up 3x in 30 plus years.

Hi....so you went for a Bernina in the end....I hope you really like it....and it sounds like you have a really decent dealer which is also really important.
If I was looking at doing a fun quilting project...I would probably recommend going onto You Tube and checking out the tutorials from the Missourri quilt company...
http://www.youtube.com/user/Missouri...&view=0&page=1
Hopefully this link will take you to the page that shows all the videos available
They have so many fun and inexpensive ideas, that would really get you used to using your machine in no time
Love to see what you make.

So glad you took the machine back to the dealer and she made things right for you. She's doing a good job (although she could have done better--those items you "found" for the machine should have gone with you and the machine in the first place, imho). But all's well that ends well. Have fun with your new machine! :thumbup:

Congratulations on your purchase and for getting it made right. I see great things ahead for you. I agree with Little RoO about the Missouri Quilt Co you tube videos. They are great. The video for pillowcases is great.

I'm looking forward to seeing pictures of your productions! Have fun.

I have 2 Jamome's and a Bernina . The Bernina's are great, I do like them, but the Bernina is a real work horse, can't be matched in my opinion. Take the machine in for a ccleaning and an adjustment. My shop does that before they sell them, but maybe the place you bought yours skipped doing that. I am sure once you get it running right you'll enjoy sewing on it.

Take it back! I would, and they would give me what I want just to get me out of the store!

I am so glad to hear they worked with you and got your machine running. And as for giving you the accessories, that was very nice of them as well. This is the kind of shop that has return customers and they are looking at you as a good prospect to upgrade later on. Enjoy your new machine and have fun !!

Please do't let this one experience with your used bernina cloud your opiion about bernina. I have been quilting for almost 40 years and I would not use anyother machine except a benina. (i do have a featherweight that I love) I think the price of a bernina turns some people off, but you get what you pay for. I have owned 4 berninas, I still have 2 of them and I can't say enough good about them. I would think that maybe the shop you bought it from is the problem, not the bernina. Good luck in the future with your quilting, with a good machine it will be a woderful experience!!

So glad everything worked out to your satisfaction. I've had five Berninas and still have two. Love, love, love them.

Start with a mug rug or two. They are easy, fun to make and fun to quilt and you can use scraps. And you can use layers of flannel s (old pajamas, maybe?) as batting..... I'm sure others on this board will have even better ideas for substitute batting.

Take your machine and get it cleaned and oiled as they can loosen it up so it will sew better. Mine had actually frozen and would not sew and after I took it in, now sews like a new one. Good luck. Also you might be able to buy the accessories from the dealer or off amazon, ebay. Just google for accessories on the internet.

I went to ebay and found this, Bernina Sewing machine 9 feet set for 730 Record. right now it has no bids ans it is $49. Keep watch may you will be the only one to bid on them.

I have a Juki 98Q that I love, love, love! I also have a Baby Lock Ellegante that doesn't get used anywhere near as much as the Juki and cost several thousand dollars more. I bought my Mom a Bernina expecting to be able to use it until I died because of the way she took care of it, 6 mos after her death it was time for a cleaning and guess what they found something wrong with it that couldn't be repaired. I was so disgusted!!!! Anyway, I highly recommend the Juki, don't think you can go wrong.

You are very dedicated for a 14 year old. My nieces and their friends who are 14/15 will sew an easy project that takes a few hours and then they are done sewing for months.

I'm glad the Bernina purchase worked out. It sounded like the original sales person was sort of lazy. I have an old 830 from the 60's and love it. My friend bought a used 730 and found some used feet for it for good prices. Some she got from the dealer and some online I think. It should last you a loooooong time. You could try making some square pot holders to start. I have a much newer Bernina too and a Singer Featherweight to take to classes. But, the Berninas can sew anything.

You still have "3 day buyer remorse". You can return it, no questions asked. That's just till the end of today. Other than that, if they are reputable they should allow you to return it or exchange it.