Bernina 580 vs 830
 

I just purchased a pre-owned Bernina 580 3 days ago and used it for the first time yesterday. Not too sure how much I like it. I have 30 days in which to return it for a full refund so I need to make up my mind pretty soon. I already have a 730E that I bought as a pre-owned machine and love it. Need a second embroidery machine so that's why the 580. My questions are: what have you experienced with either machine? since I need another machine, should I bite the bullet and get the 830? (if I can find a pre-owned, not brand new) what can you do with the 830 that can't be done with the 580 or 730E besides the increase in design that can be stitched out?
Thanks for your input.

I had a Bernina 830. It does not have an embroidery module. And it has to be babies. After two trips to Chicago for repair I traded it in for a 550 which I love.

I went in to buy a 580 and got talked into an 830. I wish I had stuck to my guns and bought the 580, the 830 is too problem prone. There is a yahoo group that is dedicated to the hassles of this precious princess of a machine that is so sensitive it can spend more time being lugged back to the shop than sewing. I have always owned Bernina, recommended it to many, but no more. I am going to trade mine in for a Brother Dreamweaver. Talk to owners before you buy.

A friend of mine has both the 830 and the 580. She really prefers the 580.

I much prefer the old mechanical Berninas, because the newer machines seem to be too fussy.
I've had some of the newer machines and just didn't like them. I am happy that I didn't trade my old girls in like the saleswoman wanted me to. I have the 930 and 1031.

I have the 830 and a 200 Vista, both of which embroidery. I like the wide arm which will accommodate a large queen for FMQ. It also accommodates the very large hoop for embroidery as well as machine quilting a programmed design. Check out the programmed designs offered with the 830, ie., Diane Gaudinski, etc. Diane's designs are beautiful. I use my 830 for most of my piecing as I like the built-in walking foot. The 200 is a backup and for traveling.

I must correct myself. The 830 does not have a built-in walking foot. There is a foot, 10D, that snaps onto the machine, a lever is lowered and it acts as a walking foot to provide an even feed from the top and bottom. The foot is easy to snap into position. Sorry about my error in #6 above.

Thanks for all the input. I did some more embroidery on the 580 today. Worked fine. Might just stay with it. Can't babysit a machine and can't afford to put that much money into a touchy machine. Thanks again.

I love my 830 and have never had any problems with it