My hubby has started collecting sewing machines for me :wink:
He has found an older mechanical Bernina model Favorite 740, looks like it is from the 60's maybe. It is for $95. Should I check into it further? I know some of the board members repair and service machines. Does anyone have one?

I have the 1031, it is about 17 years old and runs like a top. These older machines have metal gears, very few plastic parts, that is why they work so well. If it runs well I would purchase it.

Thanks, I think I may investigate it.

I have an 817 and it runs like new. That is a good price. I would look into it.

I have a 33 year old Bernina 830 and it still sews perfectly. Mine is so old they have started using the # 830 again. LOL. I recently got the Aurora 440 QE because of the BSR. I kept my "old faithful" and still use it from time to time. $95 sounds like a steal to me.

I bought a Bernina in 1962 - it was one of the top of the line ones from that era (don't remember the model - and my daughter has custody of it - I'm thinking of tryiing to get it back from her) - and it was a wonderful machine.

Thanks for everyones responses. DH is doing some more checking into it. It would require about a 2 hour trip from my house, but heh, I could check out LQS on the way :thumbup:

I have a 27 year old 930 and my sister still has my moms she bought in 1956 in Germany, not sure of the model, think it might be a 530 Record. They both sew like new machines. Love them.

Thanks for all the responses. Update, it is not an old 740 it is a Favorit 540. My DH seems to want this machine pretty badly, but still not sure. It doesn't seem to have many feet, and it is about 2-1/2 hours from my home. But...on the upside, we could find some quilt shops on the way. :thumbup: Below is a pic of the machine, would be interested to see if anyone has ever had or seen one like it.

I'm still using my 830 record - 30+ years old. It runs like a top. I don't think you've got a winner.

I have the Bernina 800.... it's over 30 years old, she has been very kind to me over the years, poor old girl has been replaced this year only because I wanted something bigger to quilt with.

So you think I should steer clear of it? That is is why I love this board, keeps me from making so many boo boos.

Thanks.

Isn't it funny that we give our machines names and then feel kinda bad when we have to say good bye? :-) (My first Bernina a 440QE was named Nina...she was just replaced with Sadie my new 730E). My DH was just saying today that Nina probably feels abandoned :roll: Course my Bernina dealer assured me he would find her a good home 8-)

I can't throw my girl away she has been too kind, she will just sit around and take in the sights in my sewing room. I'm sure she is content after all the hard work she has put in! :D

Crlyn, course it is always nice to have a back up...then we don't wander around aimlessly when ours is out of commission! :-)

I am sure the old girl enjoys the slower pace, just viewing all the eye candy (fabric) and creativity going on around her.

Wow! Did I ever mess up I think it's a great buy and you can't go wrong with it. I must have fallen asleep when I was writing - so sorry!

OH! Ok, now I definitely will rethink this :-)
Thanks!

I don't think you could ever go wrong with a Bernina. Top of the line machines. I also have an older Bernina 830 record, sews like a dream, every time. I say go for it!

I would buy it for $95. Sounds like a deal.

I'm using a Bernina 830 as well and I love the machine. It is a work horse and has been extremely reliable. I have really come to rely on the Bernina brand. I actually had to have the motor replaced a couple of years ago because my grandmother (original owner) hadn't been able to take care of it and lived in AZ where the heat had affected it. My DH fixed the feed dog drop yesterday and now I get to see what more this wonderful machine can do! Wahoo!

I would buy it in a heartbeat. There arent any bad Berninas!

I am beginning to feel that way. :-)

Does anyone know anything about a Bernina Favorit 540?

It is a Bernina and it is 95.00 - what was your question?

I have a similar one! Mine is a 640-2 and I hear they are semi-industrial and rare are the 640-2s....

I have a Bernina 930 and 1530 both are still running strong.