Originally Posted by
Lyncat
I found a Bernina Record 830 on Craigslist. It seems to be in good shape, and the dreaded nylon cam thing has been replaced. I am not familiar with Berninas, but I've heard good things about the 830. (Sorry about the weird title, it posted before I could fix it.)
Really good machines, but I didn't like the plastic bits (the bottom cover, the motor cover and a few bits on the inside of the motor cover) which all fell apart when touched. Check the motor brushes: Bernina *30s are the only machines I've seen with completely worn out brushes. I've only seen 5 Berninas but two of them had nothing left. If you let them wear completely and the springs will damage the armature.
I now have a 730 record which is identical to the 830 but cost $50 (old 830s sell for $450 here) and has none of the plastic stuff.
Who did you have to brib(e)?