Bernina 930 machine question
 

Anyone know the process to add the foot and chip/card(whatever) to make a 930 so when you tap the heel of the foot peddle the needle goes down into the fabric?

I changed machines and this one doesn't have the feature that will allow me to tap the heel and put the needle down with out turning the flywheel.

Appreciate any info thanks

I've had a 930 for ages, and this is the first time I've heard of this option. The needle up thing is the only negative I've encountered about this machine. If someone has positive news about this possibility, I'd welcome it!

Shirley, you would likely have to pay as much as another 930 to alter it to do what you're asking? I've never heard of anyone doing this. Since the parts needed to do this would no longer be made, you'd have to have a donor 930 with the needle down capability. Generally speaking , the 930's that were made with the silver, disc thread cutter on the free arm have the needle down capability. This is what I looked for when I purchased my 930. So, to answer your question, this would not be an easy, cheap or cost effective thing to do. It honestly would be better to buy one with this feature.

Shirley, I have a 930 that I now use as my back-up machine. I purchased it used and when I took it to a dealer for a tune-up, they told me the foot should work as you described....it has never functioned properly for me, and I never pursued it. I am told it is very difficult to get parts for this model...which is too bad because I love that machine! Will be interested to see if someone has some info for you!

Interesting - My mother's 930 has the heel/needle down option and it does have the thread cutter on the arm. Didn't realize that was the identifier. Does any one know a Bernina dealer or repairmen that could answer this. I talked to our area guy and he is supposed to be looking into it but I haven't heard back from him.

Yes, the thread cutter is a good way to determine if the needle up/down is present. I would be very surprised to hear if your tech will tell you differently. I repair them as a hobby, but it's just not cost effective IMHO.

I've been casually shopping for a 930 (or a 910 or 920) and I found this information online:

"If you want the "heel tap, needle up & down" feature, make sure its serial number starts with 24 or 25. Early Bernina 930s do not have any of the heel tap electronics, or the necessary pedal."

THANKS for the update. I was curious trying to locate the info in my manual but couldn't find any reference.

The machine repair person at Nancy's Calico (Patch or Cupboard, I can't remember which) in Newport News, VA, is a premier Bernina service person. He teaches repairman classes all over the US and those who can't repair a machine send them to him. He's very skilled and could likely answer your question. I've used him for 13 years.

Jan in VA

Nancy's Calico Patch [TABLE="class: ts _UQ, width: 100%"]
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[TD]21 Hidenwood Shopping Center, Newport News, VA 23606
<nobr>(757) 596-7397</nobr>[/TD]
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I've had a 930 for over 30 years and have never heard of this.