petite-mom

My MIL gave me a Bernina 930 that she had serviced and put away without using it since she bought a new machine. The pressure foot will not go down with either the lever in the back or the knee-lift. I can't take it to the place she had it serviced since this was several years ago and in another state. Does anyone have any advice on what might be wrong?

J Miller

More than likely the oil that was used to lubricate the machine has gummed up. It will take a thorough cleaning and re-oiling to make it work.

Bernina 930s are not simple machines, but certain things are constant, and oil gumming up if they're not used is one of them. If you do not feel confident servicing this machine, do take it to a service shop.


Joe

Mickey2

The 930 model has a lot of marked off oil points, like Joe mentions, tend to them all with a a drop or two of oil. Can you se anything behind the faceplate? I think you have to take off a screw to get to the bulb, and maybe you have the preser lever and bar in view there? You might have to inspect them from the top, by lifting the top of the machine. There is a large flat set screw there, it's the presser bar tension (top of the presser bar); try to inspect what goes on further down there. There might be some auto fuctions interfering, I don't know the 930 model that well. Make sure the buttonholer knob is set to zero, try and slip some fabric under the presser foot and wham it at full speed after you have oiled it (start of carefully). The fabric is to protect feed dogs and presser foot a bit. Take it out on a table in a heated room, give it some gentle care the next few days, try to wiggle the parts involved now and then, test sew a bit. It's often all that's needed to loosen parts and get it going again. It's at least first step, since you know it worked well before it was stored away, my guess that exactly what it needs.

Remember to take out needle and presser foot before you attempt to take the top of the free arm off. The paint so easily get scratched with them in place.

purplefiend

One other thing about the, Bernina 930, you need to use the basting stitches or they will freeze up and the machine won't work. Join the Yahoo group, BerninaThirtySomethings, there is a lot of good information there. There are many knowledgeable people in that group.
Sharon in Texas
Berninas:1031,930,817 and 818

AuntyLynn

Don't give up trying to get your 930 running properly. I have had one since about 1983 and love it. I have two other sewing machines and a serger, but I always use the Bernina when I am working with faux leathers and canvas. I hope you have the user manuals that came with the machine. They are very helpful.

Gerbie

Do get it checked out by a Bernina dealer repair service if you can. I have a 930 that I bought in 1985 and love it. Sorry, I can't help you. Mine is used all the time so it doesn't have time to get gummed up with oil, good thing, because the nearest Bernina dealer to me is over 200 miles away. You might go to Bernina's web site and contact them. Good Luck.

roisinom

Oiling points on a Bernina 930:

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/344314333991646476/

ManiacQuilter2

I need to take my Bernina 1530 in for servicing. I would take it in and have it go thru a through cleaning and maintenance checks.