Bernina Record 807 or 817
10-22-2013, 08:50 AM
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Posts: 459
I have a 707, a 730 and a 831. I noticed that even after being cleaned, oiled, etc. the 7 series are a bit more noisy and less smooth than my 831. Still very nice machine to operate and superior to many other vintage, IMO, but I just have the feeling there was some improvement in the enginering of the machine between each "generation". So maybe the 530, being older, is more "rough" than the 7 serie... I would for sure try it if the price was good, but I loooove Bernina...
10-22-2013, 09:52 AM
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Posts: 459
I paid 100$ for the 707; the motor brush were worn (it cost me 25$ to replace it) and the machine was coming with no other accessories than the case and the sewing table. It was the first Bernina I have found in my area after looking for months, so I was glad to have it for this price. Afterwards, I don't think it was a very good deal.
I found the 831 a month or two after; paid 150$. The 831 only have the "utility stiches" (not decorative) so it is worth less than the 830. Still, it`s the same body and the same fine sewing machine. It was in absolute perfect condition and coming with a tons of feet (they are worth 20$ each). So this one was a good deal.
A few months later, I found the 730. I paid 75$ for it with a cabinet (didn't have the place, so I give it to charity). It was coming with the case, all the original accessories, and even more feet than the 831 (they use the same) but no table. The capacitor was leaking on this one; I had to remove it. There was also an issue with the knee controller. I was able to fix everything quite easily, and the feet alone were worth more than what I paid for, so this one was also a good deal IMO.
So, is this 530 a good deal for 100$? Only if it is coming with a lots a feet, and if, after trying it, you found it is sewing smoothly, with no weird sound coming from the motor (you have to make it run for a few minutes). You have also to consider that it is knee operated (like my 730). Some like it, some don't. I like it, and it`s useful for me because I have small children so they can't mess with the foot pedal of this one :-)
If not, try to offer 50$... or wait for another one.
I found the 831 a month or two after; paid 150$. The 831 only have the "utility stiches" (not decorative) so it is worth less than the 830. Still, it`s the same body and the same fine sewing machine. It was in absolute perfect condition and coming with a tons of feet (they are worth 20$ each). So this one was a good deal.
A few months later, I found the 730. I paid 75$ for it with a cabinet (didn't have the place, so I give it to charity). It was coming with the case, all the original accessories, and even more feet than the 831 (they use the same) but no table. The capacitor was leaking on this one; I had to remove it. There was also an issue with the knee controller. I was able to fix everything quite easily, and the feet alone were worth more than what I paid for, so this one was also a good deal IMO.
So, is this 530 a good deal for 100$? Only if it is coming with a lots a feet, and if, after trying it, you found it is sewing smoothly, with no weird sound coming from the motor (you have to make it run for a few minutes). You have also to consider that it is knee operated (like my 730). Some like it, some don't. I like it, and it`s useful for me because I have small children so they can't mess with the foot pedal of this one :-)
If not, try to offer 50$... or wait for another one.
10-22-2013, 10:59 AM
#6
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Windsor, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 144
It does come with a lot of feet and she wants $100 because she just spent $100 to have it serviced, which I understand...hmmmm. Going to check the listing to see how many feet! lol
10-22-2013, 11:29 AM
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Posts: 459
Well, if it is freshly serviced and comes with a few feets, then I think it`s a good deal. Getting a vintage sewing machine in shape is a very time consuming job, and even if I like it, I would sometimes have paid twice the time I paid for some machine just to have them ready to sew!
You also have to consider the area... I'm sometimes looking for sewing machine in Ontario because hubby works one day a week in Ottawa, so I can tell vintage sewing machine are more expensive in Ontario than in Quebec. Don't know why...I would for sure try it and buy it if I like it.
You also have to consider the area... I'm sometimes looking for sewing machine in Ontario because hubby works one day a week in Ottawa, so I can tell vintage sewing machine are more expensive in Ontario than in Quebec. Don't know why...I would for sure try it and buy it if I like it.
10-22-2013, 01:48 PM
#8
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Outer Space
Posts: 9,319
I have the 530 and many other vintage Bernina models. I think 8 or 9 others? I've lost track on purpose. LOL. Mine has been adapted to use a foot pedal instead of the knee control. It's a lovely machine and I'm very happy with it. If it has the case, the tiered tray that fits on the back, the cords etc. it's a decent price. However, if the case or tiered tray is missing, I'd offer less.
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