According to the repairman that couldn't fix the machine is that I have a timing problem. The needle hits the bobbin case.

I don't have a Bernina but I have a Babylock that has somewhat the same problem. At first I thought it was because the bobbin winder did kind of an odd job on the winding but then later I put in a prewound bobbin and it did the same thing, though not as bad. It's in the shop now. I don't fix them, I just ride them hard and put them away wet! If they don't sew to suit me they go to the shop. (This is the third one since November!_

I have a Bernina 1230 and never had a problem with the timing...like someone else said...I do know that sewing over pins can cause timing problems...hope you are able to get it looked at again and that the problem gets fixed to your satisfaction.

I have two Bernina machines, a old 730 Record that I've had and used a lot since 1994 and a 1090 that I've had for almost two years. Just a couple of age/wear related ones with the old 730.

I also own a Baby Lock and a Singer. While they each have their strong points, I prefer to sew on my 1090. My 730 will sew ANYTHING, tho. :thumbup: I oil them both as needed and take them in for service as needed.

I have an 830 that I've had since they came out in something like 1975, I've sewed on that machine for days straight for years on end.. Never have had a problem.. I also have a 1230 that I've used about as much since I got it.. I generally have more than one project going and use either one machine or the other.. Or I'll use one machine for sewing the other for topstitching when it's in a different color... I have never had one minute of a problem with either machine.

There is no finer machine that a Bernina. I have four computerized Berninas and I treat each of them with care as far a keeping them cleaned and oiled. I also have them serviced once a year. I hope you can find a resolve on your timing problem. If I notice something wrong with my machines. I simply turn it off, count to tenm and turn it back on and everything is working nicely.

I would find a new repairman.
Something sounds fisshy to me.

It seems as I read these posts that the problem may be with the technician, not necessarily the machine. If you have a great technician, as I do, he can repair anything. I have NEVER had to leave my machine for 2 weeks, nor have I been told to lay a machine on its side, etc. I would suggest that you go to a Bernina store and speak with a good technician. If necessary, try a different Bernina store. Good luck!

I have had my baby girl (440 QE) for over two years and never had a bit of problem with her! Love, Love, Love my Bernina!!

My 440 is six years old and the least picky machine I've ever owned. It's predecessor on the other hand I could cheerfully have flung out the window on more than one occasion (a 153)!

The messages that come up telling you to oil and to bring in for maintenance are all based on the number of stitches the machine has done and nothing to do with there actually being a problem. If you press clear when you turn it on it goes away and after three times no longer appears until the next time the stitch count triggers it.

I did cause my hook problems on the 153 by using a needle brand that was slightly longer than Schmetz / Bernina needles. Since it was the old composite (black plastic) hook it got scratched and kept catching my threads. I found out on the Internet that there was a metal replacement so I rang London and ordered one, so that finally sorted me out on that one.

I wouldn't really even look at another brand now.