Is it worth fixing? Bernina Record 930 Electronic
 

I recently became the owner of a Bernina Record 930 Electronic as a purchase at an estate sale. I really wanted the cabinet and the machine was just a bonus. Several months later, I decided to try out the machine. It sews like a dream on straight stitch but will not zigzag or do any of the decorative stitches. I have consulted several repair persons and none gave me any answers without bringing it in and right now I am not able to transport it. My question is does this sound like something simple or am I better off to just use it as a straight stitch machine. I have several machines so I really am not pressed to use this machine but I love the way it sews.

There may be a little spot under the top cover that needs oiling.
http://www.fixya.com/support/t123273...na_930_zig_zag

Also a youtube done on an 830 with that problem:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=xxG-yyxe1BU

Hopefully it's just a simple thing like that.

Hope DresiArnaz is correct and you have a working bernina.

Be sure and let us know if you find a fix.

I have a Bernina 830 Record and it sews beautifully. If you can fix it, your efforts will be rewarded. "Nothing sews like a Bernina, nothing". Guess you can tell that I am a Bernina girl! I love my 830 Record, 440QEE, 330 and my 750QEE.

They are going for around $700 on ebay. This might help you decide if the repair is cost effective.

Definitely worth fixing but you have to find a good repair person.

Did you look at this info?
http://www.sewusa.com/Sewing_Machine...ernina_930.htm

I have a Bernina 1020 and a 1530 both bought new from open boxes. It just may need basic servicing.

I recently bought an 1120 that couldn't sew in reverse when I picked it up.

My DH is very handy, and he took the cover off, cleaned and oiled where needed and it sews in reverse beautifully now.

I would definitely have it looked at. I have owned a Viking, 2 Pfaffs and now a Janome 8900 and I can tell you that nothing I have had sews like that little machine.

https://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=UmN29xDSRU0

Here is a fix for an 830 that won't do ZZ or patterns

Many videos on the bernina

I would surely fix any Bernina.

It is definitely worth fixing. Nothing sews like a Benina that is well cared for. I would think a repairman will be able to fix it with a tune-up and oil in the proper places. Oil does dry out over a period of time. The 930 is a great machine. I had an 830 for lots of years, sold it to a friend in a moment of weakness; it still runs great.

I agree. My Bernina 1030 has been faithful since I bought it in 1988, and still going like new.

I'm not a do-it-yourself gal when it comes to machine repair. But it will be worth repairing, I know that! 930s go for $600-$100 depending on condition and what feet and accessories are included. I got mine from another QB member. It was my first Bernina and the start of a love affair. Now I mostly use my 630, 820, and 1030, but that 930 is such an amazing feat of engineering, I can't seem to let it go.

Anyway, if you can't fix it yourself, it will definitely be worth having it professionally serviced. Best of luck and enjoy!

There are three reasons for the decorative stitches to not work. (1) The stitch selector lever gets gummed-up. Which is an easy fix for a tech who's not afraid to use a little WD-40 on that shaft. (2) Or the camstack gear is cracked. (which can be replaced, but is $33 + labor -- not an easy fix). (3) Or the needle bar shaft needs to be re-positioned -- another easy fix. I'm thinking it's #3, because you're not getting a zig-zag.

YES! This machine is worth putting the money into! I just inherited one, and am working on getting it set up for our family business.

I have a Bernina 950 that is a light industrial kind of a step up from a home machine but not a full industrial. I need help with it the fly wheel is really stiff. I have looked for information on the Bernina web site but nothing on this machine. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Have you tried posting over on the vintage forum? One of them might be able to help.

I think you should get rid of it. And I just happen to be a self appointed Bernina Record Disposal agent. I'll even pay the shipping from your house to mine.

I love my 830. And how often do you zigzag in quilting anyway? If it goes forward and reverse, 98% of your sewing is taken care of.

Anyhow, that machine is a truck. Take it in when you can and get it troubleshot. In the mean time, use it. Beautiful machine. tim in san jose

Fixed it
 

Thanks for all your help. I kept trying one suggestion after another until I located the problem. The stitch selector was semi-stuck. It would go into the V but not far enough to engage the stitch selector I got the book out and saw the places to oil it. I kept moving it manually until it began to work on its own. I have now tried every one of the stitches and it works perfectly.

Yes, you Bernina lovers are correct. I love this machine. I am now going to get it professionally cleaned and just think what I can do now!

Yay!

I love the smell of sewing machine oil in the morning.

Smells like victory!

Your Bernina 950 has a clutch. If you lightly press the foot to start the fly wheel will engage. You can then turn the wheel with ease.

So glad you were able to fix the Bernina 930. My Mom has had her's since it was new in the later 80's. She is still using it...I have had the 1030 since the same time and sew daily.
Wonderful macines...