Bernina 830 machine

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Bernina 830 machine

by Christine
(clarendon hills, il)

I purchased the Bernina 830 sewing machine in 1980 for $1100.00 It's worth every cent.

I'm still sewing on this machine and loving it. The stitches are perfect no matter what fabric I use.

I used to have a custom bridal business and used this machine for all my sewing, lace chiffon, satin etc.

I also have a Bernina serger thats at least 20 years old and still working just fine. I also purchased a Viking 1100 a while ago and I really hate it.

I keep it only because it makes nice buttonholes. Several years ago I came across a used 830 for 500.00 and bought it.

I have no regrets about that one either.

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Bernina 830 machine

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Jan 15, 2009
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Bernina 830 bought in 1972
by: Douglas

Bought new Bernina 830 sewing machine in 1972 and still going strong.

My wife uses it for "normal" sewing and I use it to sew light canvas, leather and other material with specialized feet and needles purchased separately.

Recently considered a new machine but decided to stick with the 830 simply for reliability and future support (quite simple for a mechanical machine).

I would not buy any of the current computer controlled machines (any brand), particularly with a Windows operating system unless you really, really, need specific features.

Where will you get software support in 20 years?(anyone remember DOS?). No one appears to use the only long term, reliable, operating system - Unix.

Pity those wanting to buy a machine today - it appears that there are few, if any, good, reliable options.

The Bernina 830 has everything needed for nearly everyone except specialized applications (applique work is not easy without lots of practice and some criticize the relatively few(20)built in fancy stitches but then you do not lose or damage loose plastic cams).

The automatic tension adjustment is excellent - particularly when you need to use different types of thread in top and bottom.

The double cam follower for straight/zig zag stitching ensures excellent results and it is far superior to other designs of the era (and many later machines).

Failures:
a) motor replaced under warranty - double insulation had recently been introduced and the original motor design was inadequate (overheated)

b) capacitor in motor (speed) control failed after 10 years (iii) nylon cog driving fancy stitch cams failed (cracked)after 25 years.

This is now becoming a common failure on Bernina 830 sewing machines due to age and you cannot use the machine unless it is replaced/removed (machine jams).

Parts are still readily available but not that cheap (due to the relative strength of the Swiss Franc compared to other currencies).

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Jan 15, 2009
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Submitted by: Douglas

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Bought new Bernina 830 sewing machine in 1972 and still going strong. My wife uses it for "normal" sewing and I use it to sew light canvas, leather and other material with specialized feet and needles purchased separately. Recently considered a new machine but decided to stick with the 830 simply for reliability and future support (quite simple for a mechanical machine). I would not buy any of the current computer controlled machines (any brand), particularly with a Windows operating system unless you really, really, need specific features. Where will you get software support in 20 years?(anyone remember DOS?). No one appears to use the only long term, reliable, operating system - Unix. Pity those wanting to buy a machine today - it appears that there are few, if any, good, reliable options. The Bernina 830 has everything needed for nearly everyone except specialized applications (applique work is not easy without lots of practice and some criticize the relatively few(20)built in fancy stitches but then you do not lose or damage loose plastic cams). The automatic tension adjustment is excellent - particularly when you need to use different types of thread in top and bottom. The double cam follower for straight/zig zag stitching ensures excellent results and it is far superior to other designs of the era (and many later machines). Failures: a) motor replaced under warranty - double insulation had recently been introduced and the original motor design was inadequate (overheated) b) capacitor in motor (speed) control failed after 10 years (iii) nylon cog driving fancy stitch cams failed (cracked)after 25 years. This is now becoming a common failure on Bernina 830 sewing machines due to age and you cannot use the machine unless it is replaced/removed (machine jams). Parts are still readily available but not that cheap (due to the relative strength of the Swiss Franc compared to other currencies).

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Feb 11, 2009
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Bernina 830
by: Anonymous

The Bernina 830 is everything that I needed except being able to power through hemming jeans. It would bind and bust even the toughest needles. I tried those same jeans on my moms old Singer and there was no problem. If you are doing harder,tougher sewing this in my opinion would not be the one to get.

Jun 30, 2009
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My Bernina 830 still runs smooth as silk
by: Anonymous

I will never give up the Bernina 830 machine. Years ago i found 2 used Berninas and gave one to my daughter... Later my machine was destroyed in a house fire. My loving daughter then brought hers to me so that I could start to get back on track with my life. Made in 1979, it still runs smooth as silk.

Aug 11, 2009
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No maintenance with my Bernina 830
by: Shirley

My Bernina is/was perfect for 35 years, Model 830. I " sewed-up-a-storm" with it... many gifts were created with it... no maintenance for many, many years, and I totally enjoyed. Shirley

Nov 20, 2009
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Bernian 830 from 1972.
by: Donna H.

I was graduating in 1972, I hated my Mom's machine, and anchor! Mom told me that she would buy me a new machine for graduation. Well that wouldn't come to soon for me. I shopped and shopped until I find the Bernina 830. That was my machine! Mom knew how much they cost, so she said I would have to help her get it.

Well, that was no problem, I wanted this machine, bad! I made all my clothes from 1972 on. No problems with this machine. I loved it, and still do. But now with all the new computorized machines I think it's time for a new one. I can't believe that this old Bernina 830 is still going for the same price that I paid back in 1972. Just a little work horse.

So here I go, researching all the Bernina's again to see what one would be the best for me now. I'm glad that they have the customer reviews now, it helps make my job easier. But with all the different machines, it's still going to be hard to pick. But I am a Bernina kinda Gal!

Dec 10, 2009
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830, 930, 3/4 thread serger and 165 sewing/embroidery machine
by: Janelle

I bought my 1st Bernina in the mid 70's. I added a 930 Record Electronic in the 80's, a 3/4 thread serger and 165 sewing/embroidery machine several years ago. I tried a Pfaff before getting the 165 and it didn't come close to a Bernina.

I will never sell any of my machines and am still using all of them. I hope my nieces will be interested in learning to sew and will take them. What wonderful machines!

I think the 930 would be my favorite. It will sew on fabrics my newer one doesn't do as well on. The button holes are beautiful too.

Jan 01, 2010
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830
by: Ann

I got a Bernina 830 for Christmas and gear jammed it trying to thread the needle. So far I am not impressed.

Apr 19, 2010
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still amazing -- generations later!
by: Dani

My grandmother purchased the Bernina 830 before I was even born -- and now I'm completing project after project with it! It's BY FAR the absolute BEST machine I've ever used (in my short 24 years- 21 years sewing)!

The only draw back is that I can't figure out some of the presser feet -- I'm trying to make my own binding and can't figure it out anywhere on the net (or in the short manual).

This is definitely an oldie... but definitely a GOODIE!

Jun 21, 2010
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Bernina Model 830 Work Horse question..
by: Cinammon

My family is gifting me my dearly departed mother-in-law's precious Bernina 830 Sewing Machine. Does anyone know if it would have originally come with a quilter's walking foot? Were these even being made in the 1970's? Thanks for any help.