Candace

Sure, no problem.

quiltedsunshine

Don't worry too much about those gears, they can be replaced. You can get the "after-market" replacements from Brewer. Don't remember if it was at Bernina University or somewhere else, but I remember being told that those gears are a "nylon alloy" -- whatever that means. The vertical shaft gear is about $70, and the camstack gear is about $33. It's not an easy job, but I think the old Bernina's are worth it.

ArchaicArcane

Joe, in a lot of cases what you're describing sounds like a user adjustment - In the kenmore user's manual for my (admittedly newer) computerized machine, it talks about the Feed balance dial and the need to adjust it when the patterns, monograms and numbers are distorted. In a lot of cases, most of the machines I've seen have this adjustment under the free arm "cover". You can see it in the photo here on the lower right portion of the photo.: http://janome-sah.com/media/catalog/...free-arm_4.jpg

J Miller

Tammi,

There is a lot of work needed on that machine. I'm not sure I even care to work on it. Yesterday I tried to read and understand the touch pad instructions. They made no sense to me. With the manual in my hand and reading as I was doing, I could not make it work properly. Just like my digital cameras. Me and computer controls just don't mesh.

Joe

lwbuchholz

I have a 830 and it has plastic gears. I have had it for about 35 to 30 years and I have sewn all my kids and my clothes as well as for others to support us. The only thing I have had to replace is the brushes. And I think a cord for the pedal. Those gears are strong!!
Lynda

Bonniemac

I recently picked up a 1005 mechanical Bernina, but haven't had a chance to put it through it's paces. If someone is interested, I'll check inside about the gears.

I also have a classic 830, but thought the only nylon gear was the camstack. It's out of reach at the moment, so now my curiosity will motivate me to clear off the sewing table so I can get to it.

Sue

Candace

I believe the 830 and all other vintage machines from the 600 series onward have 4 nylon gears. Typically, it's the camstack gear that can go bad, but also the top vertical shaft gear can go. There's also a nylon gear behind the hook assembly and one at the base of the machine. So, that's 4.

Littlebearquiltingboard

I am VERY tempted by a new 1008. They retail in the UK for around £600, depending on offers and accessories. I know I don't need one but I think it would be a good investment and last for many years. I need to reduce the number of Singers I have and it might make sense to replace them with the 1008.