This machine will purr like a kitten for many more years if you keep it clean. My 830 was a dream machine. I gave it to my sister when hubby complained about how many berninas I had. And my sis had been hinting for years. It was such a good machine.

I had every foot for it. That is key. Buy the ones you can get your hands on. They work like a dream for all those extra little jobs you need to do. Ebay has them. I suggest you buy real parts, I don't recommend the others.

I've found feet, bobbin case, etc.. available on ebay..just make sure you buy old style. If it is in good working condition, there may never be a need for a new part. I believe they are all metal except for one nylon gear. I bought one in the mid 70's and mistakenly sold it for a newer model. I had a chance to by one about 6 years ago from an original owner of one who wanted a newer machine. (After some convincing from the dealer, I'm sure.) I have used it for taking to classes. Still sews like it is brand new.

If you check what they are selling on ebay for, you'll find the one you've found a real BARGAIN.

I'm in love!
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I never knew a machine could run so quietly! The lady told me it does need servicing, the only thing I can find off is the Selector level is froze up and will not move. I think it just needs a good cleaning.

You got a buy of a lifetime there.

A: The top is easy to remove, there are two catches that look like screws.
The first one is visible in your pic above. The little chrome screw like gadget at the upper left of the top of the machine.
There is another one under the bobbin winding door. THESE ARE NOT SCREWS, to release the catch put a screwdriver in the slot, push down till it stops, and give it about a quarter to a half turn. You'll feel it release.
Then pull the top off.
The face plate is held on by a screw. Remove it and make it clean under there too. Also oil the moving parts.

B: Do not force the selector. Get some Tri-Flow and soak it. Gently work the selector till it frees up. There isn't many places that the factory will tell you to oil, but the main shaft has two or three places and anything metal to metal can use a wee bit too.

C: Pop off the narrow free arm cover and clean, clean, clean it inside. I cleaned a whole cats worth of fuzz and lint out of my wife's machine last year. The catch for that is in the bobbin compartment.

Be careful around the pattern selector levers. There are electronic control sensors under notched bar and other places as well.

Once you get it serviced you'll be amazed at what a great sewing machine that is.


Joe

Congratulations! I received a 930 for Christmas in 1984 and it was the best present ever! I still love it and won't ever trade or sell it. It is HEAVY and I have a Janome for classes and travel but always love sewing on my Bernina. It is a dream machine you will love it.

Joe thanks for the tip on how to get the top off. The pattern selector arm was not froze, I just didn't know you had to pull the arm to the right and move it. It sews beautifully!

The issue is that the red and green lights do not come on. So I cannot get the fancy patterns to work.

anyone have any suggestions?

I've heard a lot of good things about the Bernina 930. Lucky you!

Joe, thanks. I have a Bernina I would like to service myself, an older Quilters Edition (don't remember the number offhand). I thought I would need Bernina tools to do it and I think those are hard to come by.

Do you know about servicing an older Pfaff, an 1171? How do I get it apart? Do I need Pfaff tools? And are the innards to that plastic or metal? If plastic, what do I do about oiling?

Thanks! (And if someone in addition to Joe knows some of these answers, please post.)

Cricket,

I do not yet have any experience with Pfaffs. Someday perhaps.

NL Quilter,

I'm not sure why the lights wouldn't come on. Possibly a loose connection. Just a guess.

Joe