Bernina 830 Record Sewing Machine
BERNINA 830 RECORD SEWING MACHINE
Rebecca Rice Ware
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| My Bernina 830 with the presser feet, embroidery darning ring, a bobbin, and a hem gauge, that it came with, and a stitch sample I sewed with it, after servicing the motor brushes, and cleaning and oiling the machine. I tested all of the stitches, which is a good idea to do once in a while, to keep the machine from freezing up. It is possible to free up a frozen machine, but it takes a lot more time and effort to clean up a frozen machine, than it does to simply clean and oil a machine, and maintain it properly, in the first place. |
Another of my favorite sewing machines, is the Bernina 830 Record, a top quality sewing machine, just prior to computers being added to machines. The 830 is electronic, with technology in the pedal & electrical system, which are supposed to give the 830's needle the punching power, to stitch firmly, with the same amount of strength & power, regardless of how lightly or heavily you are pressing on the pedal. A very smooth, quiet running sewing machine, I HIGHLY recommend the 830! Presser feet & accessories are stored neatly in the plastic tackle box, which stores in the slot of the Bernina 830 sewing machine case, where the original accessory case would have been stored.
Neatly organized case, accessories & machine, is the best way to catch a buyer's eye! Bernina 830 in case with accessories & sewn sample, a thick hot pad holder.
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| Bernina 830 in original portable carry case, with extension table attached to case front for storage. I don't have the original accessory box, so I created my own, using a tackle box organizer, which is stored in the same slot of the case, that the original accessory box would go. The red box at the back, behind the machine, with a flap over the free arm , is for holding the pedal and the electrical cord in place, while carrying the machine to workshops or classes, in the case. |
Photos show steps in sewing hot pad holder, using a square cut out of an old quilt, with the batting in it, then I sewed a layer on both the top & bottom, of a nice cotton shirting (part of an old Pierre Cardin men's shirt, blue & white stripes), then a new layer of denim to encase the entire hot pad holder (some people might call it a hot pan holder).
Usually, I burn my hands removing pans from the oven, unless I add extra layers to store bought hot pad holders, or have to layer 2 store bought pot holders, in each hand.
Adding the extra fabric layers , both thin & thick, in addition to the old quilt, gives the extra protection both of insulation, as well as preventing the layers from compressing so thin they allow the hot pan to burn your hands.
Lower photo shows both the red top thread, & the white bobbin thread, still attached to the machine, so you can see the machine easily stitched perfect stitches, despite going through so many layers, including the piece of quilt & batting, an important factor to consider. When using contrasting upper & lower thread colors, your photos can show that both the upper & lower thread tensions are adjusted properly, locking in the middle of the layers of fabric.
Bernina's advertisements show details about their 830 record, & show stitch samples, as well as explaining why you really need the special features found in this well designed, sturdy, easy to use sewing machine.
- Built in buttonholer
- Multiple needle positions help you stitch as close to seams & edges, or as far away from them, as you want
- Presser feet can be changed in seconds, with one hand!
- High quality special presser feet make all sewing faster & easier
- Built in cams for wide range of utility & embroidery stitches
- Manual has many photos & clear instructions for all kinds of sewing & creative touches
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- Free arm makes sewing necklines, armholes, cuffs & pant hems super fast & easy!
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- No jam bobbin system, easy access to remove hook, no tools needed
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- Special indicator shows exactly when to begin stitching designs
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- Automatic tension control allows larger thread, without adjustments!
- Bobbin winder stops automatically when full
Bernina 830 Sewing Machine (my review for eBay)
Despite being manufactured thirty some odd years ago, the mechanical Bernina 830 Record Sewing machine is still one of the most popular vintage zigzag lockstitch sewing machines in the world! So popular that Bernina just RE-USED THE NAME on a NEW COMPUTERIZED sewing machine, creating a great deal of confusion, because Ebay has accidentally paired the description of the new computerized version, with the photo of the mechanical version. (I have tried to tell them many times, but apparently it not something they intend to fix.) Any information about a larger bobbin, and computerized stuff, is referring to the new 830, not the wonderful metal mechanical 830 which I am reviewing here.
22 stitches, plus a built in buttonholer!
Decorative Embroidery stitches, scallops, dominoes,
Utility Stretch stitches, even for spandex!
Blind hem, zigzag for sewing on buttons & hooks & eyes in seconds, & MORE!
Stitch position indicator shows where the decorative stitches start & stop, to help you match decorative stitching in rows, making your own unique stitch patterns possible.
non jamming bobbin
2 speeds located on power switch- low speed for embroidery and detail work, high speed when you have to hurry!
Automatic tension, so you can sew with a wide variety of thread thicknesses, without having to constantly adjust the tension. Topstitching with heavy thread? No problem, just thread it like usual, and it sews perfectly, with no tension adjustment needed! Saves MAJOR headaches!
Free arm- darn socks, sew sleeves hems round seams easier!
Extension table to make sewing large projects easier
Instruction manual teaches you how to sew like an expert!
Multiple needle positions make top stitching and seam placement easier, even with any presser foot
Heavy duty household NOT industrial
Turn a knob to raise or lower feed dogs for darning & freehand embroidery
Knee lift bar for raising and lowering presser foot hands free- Quilters love it!
Twin needle sewing capability
Specialty presser feet make all sewing jobs fast easy! Bernina has some of the BEST sewing machine feet in the WORLD! Using the right foot makes every job easier & faster!
Handy organized red carrying case makes it portable for sewing classes
Accessory case (red) keeps presser feet and accessories neatly in carrying case
Walking foot available, a favorite for quilters!
Incredibly informative sewing machine manuals teach you to sew like a fashion designer!
BSR also available optional for smoother freehand embroidery stitching!
22 stitches, plus a built in buttonholer!
Decorative Embroidery stitches, scallops, dominoes,
Utility Stretch stitches, even for spandex!
Blind hem, zigzag for sewing on buttons & hooks & eyes in seconds, & MORE!
Stitch position indicator shows where the decorative stitches start & stop, to help you match decorative stitching in rows, making your own unique stitch patterns possible.
non jamming bobbin
2 speeds located on power switch- low speed for embroidery and detail work, high speed when you have to hurry!
Automatic tension, so you can sew with a wide variety of thread thicknesses, without having to constantly adjust the tension. Topstitching with heavy thread? No problem, just thread it like usual, and it sews perfectly, with no tension adjustment needed! Saves MAJOR headaches!
Free arm- darn socks, sew sleeves hems round seams easier!
Extension table to make sewing large projects easier
Instruction manual teaches you how to sew like an expert!
Multiple needle positions make top stitching and seam placement easier, even with any presser foot
Heavy duty household NOT industrial
Turn a knob to raise or lower feed dogs for darning & freehand embroidery
Knee lift bar for raising and lowering presser foot hands free- Quilters love it!
Twin needle sewing capability
Specialty presser feet make all sewing jobs fast easy! Bernina has some of the BEST sewing machine feet in the WORLD! Using the right foot makes every job easier & faster!
Handy organized red carrying case makes it portable for sewing classes
Accessory case (red) keeps presser feet and accessories neatly in carrying case
Walking foot available, a favorite for quilters!
Incredibly informative sewing machine manuals teach you to sew like a fashion designer!
BSR also available optional for smoother freehand embroidery stitching!
Anyone tells you the old Bernina's aren't worth buying, because parts are not available to repair them, are either trying to buy your Bernina cheap, or they simply don't know what they are talking about. First, they don't break easily, or often, second, there are millions of these sewing machines, and while some parts are a little harder to find than others, there are millions of these machines around the world, some of which become part machines, providing donor parts to keep your machine running! Don't give up on the best mechanical sewing machines, just because someone wants to scare you into buying new machines for high prices!
It is nearly all metal, with only 2 or 3 nylon type gears- one is the main drive gear, and the other is the gear which engages the stack of metal cams that create all of the different stitches, one drives the bobbin. Apparently only the 700 and 800 series had these gears made of a weaker material than was used in the 500, 600 and 900 series. Some people insist it was so buyers would take them into the Bernina shop to be repaired, and they would be talked into trading them in, and buying the newest more expensive model, but despite the weak gears, these machines are KEEPERS! They are absolutely worth the time and money to repair and maintain them, they would literally last for centuries if they are properly cared for. The high quality stitching, wide variety of stitching adjustments and applications would never have gone out of fashion were it not for the computerization of sewing machines, that makes it possible to program hundreds or thousands of stitches, without having the extra weight & space that cams would have taken.
For more information, do a search for support groups like Yahoo group BerninaThirtySomethings
IMPORTANT NOTE!!!
It is important to be aware that the entire vintage Bernina 700 & 800 series (700, 707, 708, 709, 717, 718, 719, 730, 731, 732, 740, 741, 742, 744 & 800, 801, 802, 803, 807, 808, 809, 810, 811, 817, 818, 819, 830, 831, 832, 840, 841, 842, 850), did have faulty nylon gears, which cracked, & broke, but Bernina did have a recall, and most of them were replaced. However, it is important to always check these nylon gears in the Bernina sewing machines, to ensure they have been changed, before you buy one of these wonderful vintage sewing machines, to avoid disappointment. I honestly believe that these vintage sewing machines are one of the few, that are absolutely worth paying a professional to replace all of the nylon gears, and retime the machine, if one of the gears crack. Be aware, it could run in the neighborhood of $100 to $300, so it is very important to get a written estimate from the technician before agreeing to have the work done. It would also be a good time to have the electrical capacitors changed out, because they eventually go bad, & cause a lot of stinky smoke, & make you think your machine is going to burn your house down. Also, always unplug sewing machine when you are not in the room, & using it, to avoid fires. There was a thermal switch that also had a recall, on the pedal, which, if not replaced, could be a fire hazard. If there is a sticker with a T on your pedal, it has had that part replaced.
It is nearly all metal, with only 2 or 3 nylon type gears- one is the main drive gear, and the other is the gear which engages the stack of metal cams that create all of the different stitches, one drives the bobbin. Apparently only the 700 and 800 series had these gears made of a weaker material than was used in the 500, 600 and 900 series. Some people insist it was so buyers would take them into the Bernina shop to be repaired, and they would be talked into trading them in, and buying the newest more expensive model, but despite the weak gears, these machines are KEEPERS! They are absolutely worth the time and money to repair and maintain them, they would literally last for centuries if they are properly cared for. The high quality stitching, wide variety of stitching adjustments and applications would never have gone out of fashion were it not for the computerization of sewing machines, that makes it possible to program hundreds or thousands of stitches, without having the extra weight & space that cams would have taken.
For more information, do a search for support groups like Yahoo group BerninaThirtySomethings
IMPORTANT NOTE!!!
It is important to be aware that the entire vintage Bernina 700 & 800 series (700, 707, 708, 709, 717, 718, 719, 730, 731, 732, 740, 741, 742, 744 & 800, 801, 802, 803, 807, 808, 809, 810, 811, 817, 818, 819, 830, 831, 832, 840, 841, 842, 850), did have faulty nylon gears, which cracked, & broke, but Bernina did have a recall, and most of them were replaced. However, it is important to always check these nylon gears in the Bernina sewing machines, to ensure they have been changed, before you buy one of these wonderful vintage sewing machines, to avoid disappointment. I honestly believe that these vintage sewing machines are one of the few, that are absolutely worth paying a professional to replace all of the nylon gears, and retime the machine, if one of the gears crack. Be aware, it could run in the neighborhood of $100 to $300, so it is very important to get a written estimate from the technician before agreeing to have the work done. It would also be a good time to have the electrical capacitors changed out, because they eventually go bad, & cause a lot of stinky smoke, & make you think your machine is going to burn your house down. Also, always unplug sewing machine when you are not in the room, & using it, to avoid fires. There was a thermal switch that also had a recall, on the pedal, which, if not replaced, could be a fire hazard. If there is a sticker with a T on your pedal, it has had that part replaced.
This next information is from Bernina-
For the older machines, the production year was embedded into the chassis number (a unique 8 digit "serial number").
The first digit of the chassis number (Ch.Nr.) indicates the decade while the second number is the year within the decade. So, if the first number is a 1 (which it will be for the 807) you'll know it was produced in the 1970's. The second number will be 0 through 9. 13=1973 and so on. For machines produced in the 80's the first digit will be a 2, 3 for the 90's. Some machine produced early on in the 2000's will follow this protocol, however, the factory began to change the nameplates on newly released machines to include a separate date code apart from the serial number.
We do hope that this helps you identify the production year of your model.
Kind Regards,
Consumer Relations"
