If you can get a good deal on it.... the Phoenix I have is a wonderful machine - very well made! Easy to use once you figure it out. Sews a very nice stitch.

Thanks Miriam - that's good to know! .... the good deal is the next tricky part. It's $150 AUD (about $160 USD), which may well be a good deal once I've used the machine and fallen in love with it; but sight unseen it's enough to make me nervous. Particularly where electrics are involved. What do you think?

Yes, the free arm aspect is what interests me the most as none of my other machines have one! I was just posing the question about the price... interested to know what you think too, Caroline - but I also don't know how the market in Australia compares to that in the US. I picked up my Bernina 640-2 for $50 in a thrift shop (which was a bargain, even by that measure) but paid to get the electrics checked and the machine serviced - so all up it cost about $200. Now that I know how good it is, I'd pay the same over again! It's really tricky when making the initial outlay when you've no idea what the machine is going to be like. I know the seller tried to get $200 and nobody bought it, now they've dropped to $150. I still think it's a bit expensive if the seller hasn't used the machine and can't provide much info about how it sews or runs.

I would not pay that much unless I knew the machine had been thoroughly cleaned and any mechanical problems repaired plus I would want the wires in good shape. My Phoenix is an older model, but I think it is well made and would go a very long time. The bobbin area is very unique. After I learned it I love it.[ATTACH=CONFIG]402881[/ATTACH]

On mine the bobbin case comes out but goes in with a hinged door - there is a loop for thread to go through
[ATTACH=CONFIG]402882[/ATTACH]

Does anybody know how to take the camstack apart and put in different cams? The manual I have doesn't cover the camstack. I know how to get it out of the machine, just unscrew that big screw in the back then hold the lever at the top of the machine and pull it out. After that I am drawing a blank.

Hey Miriam... what model is yours exactly? It looks almost identical to my 283F but yours is a flatbed. I have a service manual and regular manual. I'll have a look at the camstack question.

My machine is with my dad at the moment getting rewired but I should be getting it back tomorrow. Itching so violently to try it out!! Have you found yours to be an enduring favourite? >> Amelia

I had a little gal come along looking for a foot control for a very dead nicer machine. I took pity on her and she got the Phoenix. I hated to part with it but I think it was a very good match for her. I figured out how to get the camstack apart. It was pretty intuitive.

I hate for you to part with it as well because I want to bombard you with questions!!! :D

.... but no, that's very generous of you, it does sounds like it went to a good home.

My questions relate to the two levers on the front.

Question 'A': Why (????!!!??) can't I get the stitch length/reverse spring lever and face plate back on/assembled after taking it apart to clean? I actually did get it back on once, but had to take it off again for some reason... Now no matter how many times I try, I can't get it back on again. It's driving me batty!

Question 'B': What is the lever numbered 1, 2, 3, 4 next to the stitch length lever actually for? Even though I have the adjustment manual, it makes no reference to this anywhere. The manual that came with the machine is for a 282 and the 282 looks almost identical apart from this mystery lever.

Are you able to help with either of these questions? I'd be SO grateful!!
Thanks, Amelia

Question A - I don't know - you took it apart....

Question 'B': What is the lever numbered 1, 2, 3, 4 next to the stitch length lever actually for? That is the selector for your designs. The disks should be in the back of the machine.