Should I buy this Bernina 831?
 

Hi,
After looking on my local CL (called Kijiji) for a year, I can say Bernina are very rare in my area; may be one showing every month or two, and usually in the 300$ or more range. For exemple, a 730 goes for 350$; a 830, 600$. Never saw any 930.
Last month I finally had some luck; I found a cute 707 minimatic for 100$ and I was quick enough to be the first to get it. One owner, mint condition, but very few accessories (only three feets). It just needed some oiling and it was ready to sew beautifully.
Then, last week, another Bernina showed up: a 807 for 200$. Not bad, but it didn't caught my attention. Then the machine was relisted for 175$; I checked again the picture and saw the machine was not red as the 807 is supposed to be, but black; I looked furthermore and found the number on the side: it's a 831.
The seller is located about 30 minutes drive from the city center, and to go there by public transportation would be a real pain. Also, I think the seller put her ad in the wrong category. This may explain why it was not snatched after a week.
I sent an email to the seller; it's the daugher of the owner. Her mother is moving and need to part with her beloved sewing machine. It is one of those full of memories (seller told me she and her sister made all their clothes on it) and it seems in mint condition.
The seller is open to negociation. I told her I couldn't know how much I could offer before trying the machine, see if it need any repair/servicing, and the exact number and type of accessories coming with it.
Sooooo... what do you think? Should I get this one? How much should I offer (a fair price for us both)? Or should I just be happy with my 707 and stop before becoming an addict :p?

Here's the listing:
http://qc.kijiji.ca/c-acheter-et-ven...AdIdZ510143268

Looks awesome to me! Ah, don't stop, it is too much fun. You could try $150. and if she accepted then maybe you wouldn't mind the trek so much!

If the machine is actually an 831, everything is there, and it works, $175 is a good price. You can offer less, but if the owner balks, I wouldn't let a few dollars get in the way of picking up an excellent machine.

Do you want it or need it? If you're looking for someone to talk you out of it, I think you came to the wrong group. LOL.

LOL Candace, of course nobody here will tell me I shouldn't buy a machine just because I like it!
I don't think I would be able to keep the 707 AND the 831. For now my excuse to have a Bernina is because it's the only one who have the two holes that allow me to put the binder foot (a good Susei brand; works really great!) I bind a lot when I'm sewing children clothing; still experimenting for quilt.
I think the 707 and the 831 have the same number of stitches; but I prefer the look of the 831. I was thinking to try the two for a few months, than keep the one I prefer and sell the other one (preferably to a friend... so I will see it from time to time) :o

The only problem with older Berninas is that apparently, their factory at one point suffered some sort of catastrophe, so parts availability for the older machines is not very good, though if you take it to an Bernina service center, they might have what parts you need from donor machines.

Mark, what a good excuse to keep the two:thumbup:
Seriously, thanks for your comments.

My friend has an 831, it is the same as an 830 without the decorative stitches, a real workhorse. The price is not bad but as you say the accessories would make a difference. Mark is correct, the Bernina factory in Switzerland had a flood and most parts for older machines were lost. But is all mechanical and should go for a long time yet. You can get a lot of information from the Yahoo group for older Berninas "Berninathirtysomethings".

Nice machine but with no decorative stitches it may not always meet your needs. I would think twice about it. If you plan to use for quilting only, then it is fabulous. I own several bernina's and they are great, however as mentioned to get parts is nothing short of a nightmare...it took me two months begging dealers to get the parts I needed.

There are old style feet, and new style feet, and the 831 uses the old style feet, though adapters can be used for both types.

Thanks everyone for sharing your toughts. I have an appointment tomorrow with the seller. I feel I should at least try it. Problem with vintage sewing machine is you can't go to a store, try several and choose the one you like the most
;-)
Dan is right, it don't have any of the decorative stitches of the 730 or 830. But I have a modern Viking for that. It's the machine I keep for fancy or specific tasks that are easier with a computerized machine. My Singer 15-91 is set up with cotton thread and 1/4 inch foot for piecing. The 707 have the binder attached on the bed. If I end up buying the 830, it will take the place of the 707 and this one will have to find a new home.

Profannie, Profannie, Profannie.

Hasn't anyone ever told you that going to "see" a sewing machine is about as good as going to "look" at puppies at the shelter? ;-)

Congrats in advance on what I am willing to bet is, by the time you read this, your newest machine. You will love it. :-)

Hehe, of course Cecilia. At least, the sewing machine don't look at you with big brown wet eyes if you decide to walk away because it need more than a few drop of oil! :p

Can you post a link to the binding attachment you use?

I have 5 vintage Berninas and can honestly tell you, that I only use about 4 stitches on them for quilting and my other sewing needs. All of these 4 or 5 stitches are on the minimatics and lighter weight models. I similarly have other machines with embroidery functions that I use if I ever need fancy stitch outs. And that's not very often.

Candace, it`s this attachment
http://www.ebay.com/itm/JAPAN-SUISEI-TOP-BOTTOM-DOUBLE-FOLD-BIAS-TAPE-BINDER-Bernina-Quilt-Binding-A9S-/390619453234?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&var=&hash=item9 9b3d04df9
There is some less expensive, but this one is exactly the same they sell for 3 times the price at Bernina retailers (I understand Susei is the japanese manufacturer for Bernina feet). It work great! Of course there is a learning curve (you have to go slow to be sure your tape doesn't get twist when it enter the binder, etc.) but I got good result to bind a blanket the first time I tried it. I hope to bind my next quilt with it.

As I said; good priced Bernina are not showing up often.
This one just appear (sorry, it`s in french): 495$ and the seller explain it was her mother sewing machine. It has not be used for 15 years and she don't even know if it work.
http://qc.kijiji.ca/c-acheter-et-vendre-loisirs-artisanat-Machine-a-coudre-Bernina-730-avec-meuble-W0QQAdIdZ513403308
The 831 seems to be a better deal...

Thanks for the info. about the binder. Unfortunately, it doesn't do true, French double-fold binding, right? Or at least that's what people have said.

Unfortunately not. But it's useful to bind quickly and easily girl dresses, bibs, placemat, baby blanket... and those quilts you want to finished nicely and quickly (like a gift for a nephew whose birthday party is... in a few hours!)

I so agree with this statement. Going to look at a machine means I have cash in hand to purchase said machine. Hopefully also have DH along for needed muscle to get it into my vehicle.

I have had a Bernia 1260 for about fifteen years and have had no problems. I have it serviced about every four years and keep it in good shape. I love it. I need a lighter weight machine to take to me quilting classes and "quilting bees", so I have been considering a Baby Lock Grace. After much looking and trying out the machine, I believe I am ready to make the purchase.

YES! YES! YES! ... go see it even though it is a bit of a trek ... buy it! Even if it has a few issues it is a workhorse. My MIL has had one she purchased new that she still uses on occasion (especially for sewing group days). You can get extra feet if necessary online, flea markets, thrift stores or yard sales. People don't know their worth and just get rid of them. My DIL bought a case full thinking they would fit her electronic Bernina but she has the new style feet so she passed them on to me (I have an original 930) ... Lucky me!

Thanks everyone for your comments!
I'm an happy new owner of a 831.
I did the "trek" to go see the sewing machine yesterday and found it it was in pristine condition and coming with 7 feets. The owner assure me she was taking it to service every year. The sound of the motor was awsome. Visual inspection of the inside showed nothing dirty or rusty. Because it was not possible to try the sitches on the spot (the owner have forgotten she had an apointment to the hospital, and it was too far from my house to come back later), I offered 150$, just in case. Everyone was happy with this deal. I tried it this morning: nothing is wrong! This beautiful lady sew soooo smootly... I could use it in the middle of a bedroom and wake up nobody. I'm in love!!!
In comparaison, it made me understand that my 707 is not quite right; too noisy, and not quick enough at starting. I dismantle it a little and found out a lot of black power on the side near the motor; something to do with the carbon brushes? For now I will put it away, and eventually try to fix the problem myself. A good way to practice my skills on a less valuable one.

Congrats. The motor brushes on your 707 probably could use a check to make sure they're still long enough. Black powder residue is not uncommon. You should also check the belts on your 707 to see if they're loose or need replacing. And of course lubricate and oil it. It's amazing how dry machines don't respond as well.

Candace, I follow you suggestion and found out the motor brush is exactly 3/8 long. It's a big on the short side, do you think? Otherwise the belts looks fine (not loose or damaged).
Is there supposed to be two motor brushes? I found the one that is obvious, under the cap on the top of the motor; where is the other one?

Yes, they should be changed. I don't own a 707, but typically they're across from eachother. The top one is the easy one to check. If one is short it's a give the other will need replacing too. You may have to go through the bottom of the machine or remove the motor case to give you access to it.

Directly opposite of the one on the top.

Thanks for the laugh...and Truer words were never spoken...I say this as I sit here with 7+ machines...sigh...;)
Kif

Congrats on your "new" find!

Thanks Kiffie... I feel proud like a new mom!
Eeehhhh... the other motor brush is on the opposite side? Thanks Mark.
Damn, I was hoping not having to put the whole thing off. Do you have to take off the pulley to be able to remove the motor? Sorry for the technical details...

You'll enjoy 1200 stitches a minute for sure. You STOLE that machine...enjoy it. They are easy to open up but be careful. Only use triflow cause there's tons of plastic parts in there. DO NOT remove the handwheel unless you absolutely have to because they are plastic and can distort easily. Other than that ....Sew On!

I looked underside of the 707 and found out the hole giving access to the other motor brush. It look like I will not have to open up everything after all. Thanks Candace for the suggestion. The 707 stitches very well and run good once started, so I bet changing the brushes will solve the problem.
Dan, thanks for the recommandation about the 831; I remember my good old tech telling me that there is more plastic in the 8- vintage Bernina than in the 7-. I will be extra cautious on this one. Anyway it is in such a good shape that I don't feel it need anything for now. It sure run fast for such a mature lady!