Originally Posted by
sierraacres
Well, my 830 will be three years old next week and was put on the boat today. After being replaced at 6 mos. of age, the replacement has been in the shop more than I used it. Thankfully I have my Brothers to fall back on. I have had problems with threading, bobbin & top thread sensors ,fatal error messages and every other kind of message available. Two pc boards have been replaced, one two weeks ago and memory loss problems with 20 minutes of getting it home. I documented the entire sceniro in writing, packed up the machine in the original box and gave it to my dealer. The machine is now on its way back to Bernina. I requested a complete break down of parts and reconstruction with parts not made in China. I have been advised by my dealer that Bernina is not going to sell the 830 any further do to excessive problems. They are not "recalling" them but will make a deal for you to trade to the new 700 series. Allegedly the machine has a better threading system, bobbin, sensors etc. You will lose about 2" of embroidery space off the mega hoop, but I don't know what else you will have to give up. My concern is who made the parts and what assurance is out there that you won't have the same problems. The 700 series is still in the $7-K range. Have to see what I get back..
I had three Berninas plus a serger and felt confident about sinking my retirement separation pay into the new 830....almost all if the accessories, too. It was a lemon. I was humiliated by my dealer every time I took it in for repairs. After one repair trip, I started sewing on it immediately and the bobbin mechanism plopped out of the machine onto my lap. Of course, it had to be my fault. Instead of making the 2 hr round trip back to the dealer, my DH purchased two small hex drivers on his way home from and had it fixed in 15 min. After 3 years of hassling with the dealer, I documented all of the problems and parts that were replaced, and explained that if it was not replaced, it would be the last Bernina anything I would buy. Took the letter to my dealer and said he can deal with it or corporate, made no diffetence to me. I did receive another 830...not sure if it was brand new as I was told. It had 27,000 stitches on it at delivery. I was afraid to use it, because using it seemed to break it. Eventually, I made a few embroidery items, then problems with the top thread tension started, just like the first machine. I stopped using it. When the 780 became available, I traded in the 830 for it. I wanted so much for my 830 to work properly; I was fond of its good features. The 780 is wonderful. I have been able to actually use this machine. no thread problems, and I can hem a pair of jeans, which I could not do on the 830. But so much poor history with the dealer, Im considering selling it so that I do not have a need to go back to the dealer again.