bkay

There is a Bernina Record sewing machine for sale on a local online auction. After looking at images on the net, it appears to be a 530 (the one photo is showing only the back of the machine). You can see the case below and it appears to be worn, but it's there. It seems to have one of those knee levers like the little Elna.

I read that they have plastic gears. It seems as if there might be a problem with them, or it may just be the 730 and 930 Records, since they had a recall on the gears. The one review I've found so far, said to look at them and make sure they are white, not black (and "don't mistake the black gears for metal").

Is anyone familiar with this machine and know about the gears and where they might be or how to get to them? Is there anything else I might need to know? I am going to look at the machine. I would think the having the feet as accessories (there is no foot on the machine in the photo) would be a big deal, given the usual cost of Bernina feet.

bkay

Mickey2

The earlier 530 and 730 (50s and 60s) Records have fewer plastic gears than the later versions. It's hard to say anything specific on a particular machine, but I generally take a chance on a vintage Bernina after a light inspection and if it looks nice. The paint on them is rather delicate, wear and use will show on these. I allow a few signs of age and wear, brownish staning will come off with a bit of cleaning and polishing.

For the internal plastic gears; they usually last decades, quite a few of the early Records still run fine with their original gears. That said, the nylon gear that turns the cam stack have cracked in some cases, the drive belts can need replacement. Theres probably two or three plastic gears in all. If a 530 is generally in good shape is generally worthy service and repair. These are probably my favorite zigzaggers, narrow freearm, runs light and easy, the CB hook and race give very even stitching, and good satin stitching. If the accessories still are with the machine, a fix up machine is often a bargain even after service and repair expenses.

There is one plastic gear turning the cam stack (under the top cover). There are one or two nylon gears in the freearm, the top of it comes off and there is a spring action part under the bobbin cover to relese it, rememer to take the needle and presser foot out to prevent scratching when you lift it off.

If the machine turns and stitches smoothly it is probably fine, but it's hard to tell until the machine is cleaned and oiled and you have had a chance to inspect it further.

Seb58

I have a Bernina 730 Record -which incidentally I am planning to give to my mum for Christmas since she fell in love with it when she tried it this summer when visiting me. Mine dates from the early 70s and as far as I have noticed, the only plastig gear is the infamous cam stack gear. I got my machine very dirty, almost caked up in old oil (including the motor which I had to degrease to remove the odious smell when the machine was running) but the gear is still intact.
I agree with Mickey; the paint is delicate especially around the free arm, where you slide the extension bed. If you're not fastidious about perfect looks...
Once nice piece of trivia I just found on a French sewing forum: the 530 in 1954 was worth 800Francs that is the equivalent of a month and a half salary of a skilled factory worker.

quiltedsunshine

There are two "nylon alloy" gears in the old Berninas. The camstack gear and the vertical shaft gear. Those gears are no longer available through Brewer (Bernina's sister company). The camstack gear is, of course, with the camstack. The vertical shaft gear can be seen from the top, and is toward the handwheel, and about 3" below the top edge.

There are lots of feet available for that machine, just ask for the "old style" feet.

The Bernina 530 hook is different from other Bernina hooks. The metal band around the outside is thicker.

Seb58

I even found a cheap Bernina / low shank adapter online. It may be the cheap solution because Bernina feet can turn out to be very expensive!

bkay

It had everything in the case. It had feet, the cord and the platform.

I didn't see how to get the cover off, so I don't know if the gears are shot or not. It turned, but slowly and with effort. It could just have been too long sitting and with old oil in it. It appeared to be in decent shape, with just a few spots where the paint was dinged.

The auction is tomorrow. We'll see what it goes for.

Thanks, Guys for the information.

bkay

Seb58

You're welcome. fingers crossed for the auction

Mickey2

Like you mention, the old Records can be stuck or very slow from regular reasons; packed up lint, in need of oil and cleaning, thread stuck some where,... You know it well. From looking down the top, I can only detect one plastic gear on mine, the part that turns the cam stack. I think there are some differences to these models, some swear they can detect two or three plastic gears in all.

To open the top of the machine, it's hinged in the back, and it lifts up in front (there might be slight variations to this, but I have only come across the hinged top lid). The top of the freearm comes off with a release push-in part, I think it's to the upper left behind the bobbin cover.

At the right price it's worth fixing up this model.

Kissamew

I just came across this thread. I recently purchase a Bernina 530 Record from an auction on eBay. Original case, extension table, 11 unmarked feet (Bernina apparently started stamping numbers a little later), swing out accessories holder, original owners manual and the original sales receipt, 1957, etc. Mine has some wear on the arm (one corner, not too shabby). I scanned the book with an app on my iPhone so I can make notes and have larger print, plus preserve the manual. Mine has a knee lever. I just took it in for service, so I won't be seeing it for a couple of weeks. The ladies at the shop were very excited to see "her". There are two "nylon" gears when you look down into the top. I pull up the top by supporting both sides of the top at the front end and lifting. Line it up with the levers and snap it back down into place when you are finished. No hinges. The book tells you where and what to look for to oil the machine and even the two places near the motor . The arm plate can be removed by using your finger to feel for a latch in the upper left side of the bobbin area that releases the cover. The book even tells how to remove the motor cover. It is about the size of my Singer 239. Both are real cuties, and in really nice cosmetic condition, so I am happy to have them.
As for presser feet, I didn't buy Bernina prior because I also had the impression they only could use Bernina attachments. So nice to know I may be able to use the attachments I am accustomed to! Mine has round shank feet, so I look for those on eBay just because of the collector challenge, I suppose. However, I find quite a few "newer" old style Bernina feet online. Finding information on the vintage Bernina has been a challenge. And I thought the Singer 239 was! Maybe one day I will be interested in the newer computer models...