I am looking at buying the 8 Series Bernina 820 with the quilting frame. I was wondering if I can hear from people that have both and let me know how they like using them.

Just curious, how much were you quoted for the frame? I'm assuming your talking about the Bernina frame rather than another. I was offered a Horn Table or the quilt frame with my purchase and I went with the table and automatic lift instead.

Yes I am talking about the Bernina frame that goes with the machine. Right now there is a manufacturer deal if you buy both it will be about $7200. I don't remember the frame only cost because I was interested in buying them together. Sorry. I wanted the frame instead of a quilting table because I want to do free motion quilting without having to pin the sandwich together.

I have no room for a full size table right now, so hence the cabinet:> Does your dealer have one set-up? Mine didn't...but they had lots of the Horn cabinets. I'd have liked to have seen one in operation.

Yes the dealer has one set up. I know how to use a long arm machine. I rent time at a local quilt shop. I needed a new sewing machine anayways. When I was told about the deal and saw the quilting frame, it was very hard to resist. I liked the way you load the layers of a quilt onto the long arm machines but I don't really like the machines. I prefer the home sewing machine with free motion. Do you like your Bernina 820 though?

I'll PM you.

I'm getting the 820 with frame, bought with 48 mos no interest financing. The frame was included. I don't have room to set it up at full length right now, but it seems like a great frame. My family goes overseas for a month or two every other year, so I'm thinking I could set it up in the living room then and go crazy. But even without the frame, it's the only domestic machine dual feed, BSR, 12" harp, jumbo bobbin. I'm wondering how much the 820 weighs? I'm concerned about taking it to the classes and the ability of my cabinets to support it. The openings are big enough.

I have the 830 LE and it weighs about 38 pounds. I think the 820 should be about the same. I love mine. Good luck.

Thanks Nursie76. This helps me plan. Should I be Nursie72 (year of birth) or Nursie96 (year if graduation)?

It all depends :-D

76 is the year I graduated from nursing school....the first time...when you were 4 :oops: That was with my LPN, then in '03 with my associates RN, '06 with my BSN and '08 with my MSN...
Gosh....seems I spent a lot of time in school! :roll:

Nice to meet another nursie. My eldest daughter is just 1 year younger than you! Man! I am feelin' old! ;-)

You will need a specially made cabinet with a lift system for the weight of the machine. You don't want to transport it more than necessary. I.E. for service yearly. People who move this machine to classes etc. are just asking for problems, IMO. I know of at least 2 people who've damaged the knobs in transit. This machine is not made to be carted about to classes. Koala and Horn both make cabinets especially for the weight of this machine. They also offer a few retro-fit kits for the lift system, so I've been told.

I'd love not to move it except for the yearly service, but there are 3 machine mastery classes. Actually, I hope to pick it up on the day of the first class, making three times that I'll have to transport it, until next year. I'm strong, but short and clutzy, so....

Yes, I did my machine mastery classes and then it stays put!! And during those machine mastery classes 2 students damaged the machines. So be very, very careful.

There are many 830 LE owners that take theirs to the embroidery classes at my dealer, but you are right Candace, you do have to be very careful. My dealer showed us the "right way" to lift the machine and it does seem to help distribute the weight better. I have a 330 for my travel machine when I won't be embroidering or FMQ'ing at the class.

I have taken my Jenome to many many classes and so far no damage. I have a rolling tote and am very careful with it. It is not an embroidery machine. I have been told many times to use the same machine on the whole quilt. I bought a small Jenome to transport to classes, but the 1/4 inch foot was not accurate. My big machine has a perfect 1/4 inch, so off to classes she goes.
Sue

I'll say right now, be very leary about buying the 820. Mine has been nothing but trouble and it is way too heavy to be dragging to classes. As sensitive as it is , it probably won't appreciate the jostling either.

I have several Berninas and love them all. However if you are looking at this just for quilting your quilts, I would say look into Long Arms and Mid Arms to see what you can get for the same price. While this does have a larger throat plate it is not that big when you get your roller with the quilt under it. Every time you advance you will be losing more space. I am not sure if you can use the embroidery part on the quiltframe or if you have to have special software to do that. Just a thought

That sounds like a really good price for machine + frame. Isn't the MSRP for the machine about $7,500 and the from $2,000?


Our Bernina dealer lets 820 and 830 users use demo models for their mastery classes if you don't want to bring yours in. AND they offer trunk to classroom carry service if you do. Since the classroom is upstairs, that is a huge help, even just bringing in a 430...