Bernette machines aren't even real Berninas, they're badged for Bernina but built by Brother, Janome and one other manufacturer. Not all of them are bad machines.

Cari

But I love mine! It is so cute and blue! It sews fast (although I found out that the mystery dial on the Necchi Lydia is a speed control, so now it has competition.)It isn't as noisy as rumored, and when freshly oiled isn't any worse than say, the Necchi. I think the case its in is the problem there, though.

I have a 221, 301A, (2) New Home L372's, and a Viking 6430. I used the 301A for years. I use one of my New Homes for my sewing days. I use my Viking in my sewing room because it weighs 34 lbs. and it is my favorite machine.

I know some have found the oid 99 very noisy, but I have had a couple of them, and this model runs very nicely when cleaned and oiled. It's only when you push it beyond it's limits it starts to vibrate and jump on the table (stitching through hard leather, layers of heavy materials at top speed). The case on 99s and 185s often needs a bit of attention, the rubber or felt feet might be missing, and Singer even had a rubber mat to place the bases on to further absorb vibrations. My 99 has lots of furniture sticker felt bits under and on a sturdy table it runs very nicely.

I'm guessing the 285 can respond similarly when tended too. The rack and pinioin design is unusual, I have seen it in cobbler machines, and industrial models with very long thin freearms.

Sorry, I didn't mean to badmouth your machine! I've never seen one firsthand, I saw one on CL a while back but decided not to look at it after researching it. I just have the feeling the teeth on the rack and pinion wouldn't hold up, especially with high speed use. It probably would make a nice dedicated buttonholer, though. I do like the looks of them.

I like to hear peoples experiences, especially when they differ. Some times there are solutions and work arounds, other times not. The 285 probably wasn't the most elegant design, but it's a bit unfear to disregard it completely because of a few random youtube videos. All models have their limits, but can be perfectly good for various kinds of work.

I have a new home , 2 - baby lock & a juki . I like them all . My new home is a 1977 - 7000 works great never had it cleaned or serviced , I clean it myself still sews :D The only machine I looked at and it did not interest me was a Bernina , I think there over priced . But now all machine are going crazy

I should do a video when I have time. After I cure the incrable scrolling issue with the computer, so I don't go crazy trying to upload it.

I'm not fond of 15-91's. Not sure why. They look all hunched up. If you want a potted singer, why not get a 101/201, both elegant and beautiful machines. My wife loves all things Swedish, so I have fixed up a few 50/60's Husqvarnas, but am not fond of them: too much plastic, and why put a drive belt where it's hard to adjust and where you're guaranteed it will be oil-soaked: dumb.

My first machine I ever bought was in 1968. I had started my very first "real" job and this was my first item to spend my first earnings on. It was a brand new Pfaff 262. It to this day is a great machine, sews beautifully. Have never had to have any work done other than maintenance, regular cleaning. It was made in Germany. Go figure...