question about embroidery machine (Deco 330)
 

This really is quilt related since I do machine embroidery on some of my quilts! Currently I have a Bernina sewing/embroidery machine but I find it cumbersome to have to put away my sewing in order to set up the embroidery machine, and then vice versa. As a result I don't use the embroidery part as much as I would like. So I decided to buy a free standing embroidery only machine that I could have available all the time. I am not interested in paying a hugh price so I have been looking at used machines. Our local sewing machine store (I have done business with them before and they are very honest and trustworthy) has a used Deco 330 for $500. I know it is an older machine but would do pretty much everything I want and, of course, I still have my other machine. Does anyone know if this is a good price? Or does anyone know anything about this machine? I would really appreciate any input.

I have a deco (bernette) .... Not sure which model number but i think maybe a 330. (i am not at home right now) I hardly use mine, have listed it for sale at a much lower price, and it did not sell. A good machine BUT small embroidery area for 2011.



2 places to find "comparable" pricing:
Patternreview.com (sewing machine reviews)
Ebay completed listing search

Just saw Husq Viking has a new embroidery machine out for less then 500...Really should ck out other brands and prices...Ck ALL Brands.com...

Thanks for your input. The sewing machine store dropped the price to $350 which includes a store warranty and lessons. However, after looking over the machine more thoroughly, I am thinking I want to take it up a notch. I was offered a new Brother 780D for $999. The good thing is that the store is very close to where I live and offers good support. My other option for the same price ($999) is a Bernina Deco 340 from the Bernina dealer about 45 minutes away and a real nuisance to get to. I am sure they would offer some lessons but the distance involved makes me think twice. Any thoughts on the Brother 780D?

Make sure you have a USB on the machine.

All right, I know this is an old thread, but a friend just kind of handed me a Deco 330 and a Bernette 340, along with a handful of mixed embroidery cards. She runs an animal shelter, and we are considering using the machines to personalize bedding and to make things which we can sell to raise funds for the shelter. Both machines appear to be in good working order, but I've only tested one. The other powers up and will read cards.

I've got a couple of questions about the machines. My friend that they both take the smaller cards, but I've had to practically dig those out of the card slots (very carefully) after inserting them. The larger cards DO fit, however, and one of the machines does have a USB slot. My friend does have a Magic Box, and somewhere she's got a re-writable card, but she needs that for her Artista.

I'm wondering a couple things:
a) Is the card a standard computer hardware data storage format, or is it specific to Bernina products?
b) Does the software write the card in such a way that it's specific to the Bernina products, much like a Viking does, OR is it just a general storage device and the machine can access the data as long as the designs are in the proper format? IOW, will I need Bernina software to write cards for it?
c) Is the USB slot intended to be for a thumb drive filled with designs? That machine didn't have a manual. :shock:
d) Am I crazy for thinking about using these machines?