Model
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COMMENTS
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125J
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520
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530
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This machine DID make the best stitch
of any machine I have ever owned.
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540-S Favorit
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The presser feet did NOT have numbers on in those days -
but the description I'm giving is the modern (numbered equivalent). BTW
they look exactly the same still! These came with the machine. Zig-zag,
Button sew-on, embroidery (with couching hole), rolled hem (narrow and
wide), straight stitch, narrow flat felling, narrow gathering, zipper
foot (only right side notch), darning, blind hemmer, and the circular
embroidery attachment. The USA $ equivalent of the orignal purchase
price would be (Rand R 400.00) $ 66.00! Can you imagine!!
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707
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708
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730 Record
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ACTUAL MACHINE IS ALL METAL. All 730s
were available with foot control or knee operated lever, and were
finished in a dark almond very pale avocado shade of enamel.
The Bernina 730 Record is a solid metal
mechanical portable, great for machine quilting, similar to the 830,
but without the knee lift. It features a 24mm basting stitch.
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731
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can do zig zag, 4 needle positions, 4
mm w max, 4 mm l max, blindhemming serpentine and 2 additional
ornamental stitches plus buttonholes
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732
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732 can do zig zag, 4 needle positions,
4 mm max l and w no utility ornamental stitches
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800
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801S
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I love my 801 sport. I carry it to work
in the back of the car. It is a wonderful machine. It sews everything
from the thinnest sheer fabric to the heaviest upholstery or denim. Purchased new 1984. Never needed repair
only cleaning maintenance. Used everyday since purchase. Original light
bulb did not need replacement until 2001. Perfect Free Motion
embroidery, satin stitch, double and triple needle designs with 8
built-in stitches. Sews upholstery, denim, silk fabric; any project from
Barbie clothes and quilts to slipcovers.
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801
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802
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802S
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803
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807
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811
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817
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830
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Earlier models of the 830 had a carbon
rheostat speed controller - the footpedal was a metal plate on a metal
box. Later models used the dependableelectronic AC speed control. older
models have foot control overheating problem (T sticker under pedal if
fixed), check speed (if slow, may be abused)After 27 years of hard use I
have just had my first tune up. I was told that my machine is now good
for another 27 years. I was thinking of upgrading but am now
rethinking.One of the very bestmechanical machines that Bernina ever
made. A real workhorse. At the time,it was top-of-the-line. Can do
double-needle zig-zag stitching with up to 3mm double needles, or triple
needle up to 3mm. It can do straight stitchingwith the 4 mm double
needle. Machine came with the white plastic Berninabuttonhole measure
device, the L-shaped stitch guide that hooks to the backof a machine
foot often called the "quilting guide", cleaning brush, Bernina
seam ripper, Bernina screwdriver, small
squeeze tube of machine oil,
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840
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900 Nova
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The Bernina 900 Nova was a lightweight
machine with a hard case that opens like a book and attaches to the back
of the machine. There weren't many of these machines sold in the USA
and they are rarely ever offered for sale.
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901
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910
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930
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two-speed motor, DC motor - better
needle penetration than 830 at any speed, ; I think this was near the
last of the Mechanical machines (before computerization) and I have been
very happy with it. It does a fine job for everything I need as this
point. It does a good job with Machine Quilting which was why I bought
it originally. Haven't had it serviced for problems but a couple of
times and those were minor.After sewing in an opera costume shop and
using various industrial type machines, my Bernina 930 matches in power
and surpasses in stitch quality, it only lacks speed. If I upgrade, I
will still keep my Bernina 930.
A very dependable machine. Absolutely
no repairs ever needed. Any problems have been user caused and easily
solved. Love the fact that there are no tension problems with it. It's a
dream!
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930n
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931
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1000
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1000s
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1001
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1005
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1006
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1008
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[ I really do like it - it sewsvery
nice. The only thing I don't like is the bobbin - I like a drop in and
this one has the case you need to
insert.
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1010
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Good solid workhorse. No complaints at
all.
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1011
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1020
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Retractable power cable
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1030
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Retractable power cable
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1031
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The feed was redesigned to be square,
not orbital like the earlier machines. The buttonhole feature only goes
forward, with no steps done in reverse (much better than a 930
buttonhole). Plus, there are twin halogen lights. It would be a perfect
machine if it had a basting stitch and a feather stitch. However, it's
as strong as a horse even though I'm suspicions of it's 'no oil' sealed
case. It has a separate bobbin winding motor, you don't have to press
the foot control or stop sewing to wind bobbins.
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1031QE
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1080
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1090
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a truly wonderful machine -- great for
machine quilting!
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1090s
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Same as 1090 but automatic buttonhole,
no retractable cable, ruler on carry table.
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1090QE
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Sews wonderfully. Love the machine.
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1120
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1130
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Same as 1230 but no alphabet.This model
has been a workhorse. Has made everything from heirlooms towedding
gowns to quilts. Never has had any mechanical or other problems.
Love this machine! easy, reliable, a
real workhorse.
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1230
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Have been very happy with this sewing
machine, it has done a lot of work and I have never had to call out a
repair man. The machine is used for dressmaking, making curtains,
heirloom sewing and embroidery. I have taken it to numerous classes with
no problems. The only complaint is the weight when transporting it. My
little sport 801 bought in 1986 for 386 pounds is now with my daughter
and is still going strong.
I love this machine, it is solid and
easy to use. The programmable buttonholer is a real timesaver. I sew and
quilt (machine quilting, freehand mostly) with it.
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1260
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I have found this machine to be a
wonderful all around machine. I do a lot of garment sewing as well
as quilting. It was very easy to learn how to use and is very
low maintenance. When my serger broke last year, I did not find
it necessary to replace it because I found that this machine was
more
than adequate for my needs.; A WORKHORSE
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1260QPE
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The light switch has been proven to be
defective.The machine will sew 1 stitch after you let off the pedal
sometimes.
Excellent stitch quality.
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1530
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Screen on front of machine (5" x 2")
shows menus and currentsettings is activated by tracking ball with
cursor. Machine and FootControl have retractable cords. Has a bolt screw
underneath to fasten
machine to a sewing table.
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1630
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Early models had problems, pay extra
for “keys”.Addl accessories standard: Needle ThreaderBobbin
CaseInstruction Book (with eight plastic monogram/stitch guides)Stitch
Charts (two foldout pages)Update '96 Insert (one page, front &
back)Balance Insert (one sheet, front & back, folded in
half)Accessories BoxFive 1630 BobbinsNeedle AssortmentSeam RulerSeam
RipperHeight Adjustment Tool (white plastic on swivel)Darning Ring w/
ArmSmall ScrewdriverSpecial ScrewdriverCleaning BrushOil
BottleSeam/Quilting GuideI LOVE IT! HAD A BERNINA RECORD FOR MANY YEARS
AND COULDN'T PART WITH IT TO UPGRADE.IMHO the quilting stitch is for the
birds, and I wish I had a presser foot pressure adjustment capability.
Wouldn't trade the knee lift and needle down for anything in the world.
Bottom line --I love my 1630.
I
am disturbed by the fact that many did not have the support that many
would have anticipated from their dealer, but there are still some who
do offer wonderful expertise in the 1630. In fact this machine has
become highly sought after recently. Fortunately for the Bernina 1630
Owners online you do have the marvelous support from other owners
through several Bernina sewing list. The primary one being the 1630
Machine digest or list. It began in 1997 at http://www.quiltropolis.com
(under mailing lists you may subscribe). By belonging to this list you
will gain valuable knowledge from its talented members, and be directed
to additional sites to assist its owners in a continuing understanding
of this wonderful machine!1999 saw the beginning of gatherings of 1630
owners in California, Florida, Honey Creek, and Pennsylvania. Retreats
were held for the sole purpose of meeting other owners and spending 2-3
days together mentally stitch-filled! 2000 will see additional retreats
with another in San Antonia, Texas in April.If you have not been
fortunate enough to learn all about your 1630, no longer can it be
blamed on the dealers!
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1630I+
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WISHED IT HAD COME WITH THE QUILT HAND
LOOK STITCH, BETTER SUPPORT, FEEL LIKE WE JUST DROPPED IN THE DIRT,
VIKING WERE THE MOST IMPORTANT AT OUR DEALERSHIPS, IF YOU HAD A BERNINA
YOU WERE ON YOUR OWN. NEVER HEARD ABOUT ANY UPGRADES, WHEN I FINALLY DID
ON THE NET, IT WAS TO EXPENSIVE. WHEN I BOUGHT MINE, WAS TOLD THAT WHEN
THE COMPUTER INTERFACE BECAME AVAILABLE WOULD RECEIVE IT FOR FREE, TOLD
ME LATER I WOULD HAVE HAD TO PAY FOR IT. DO BELIEVE THE 1630 EASIEST TO
USE. WILL NOT DEAL WITH THE THREE BIG DEALERSHIPS IN MY AREA BECAUSE OF
THE WAY I WAS TREATED. I WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT AS A QUILT TEACHER
THERE I WOULD HAVE TO UPGRADE TO THE TOP OF THE LINE IN THE NEW MODELS. I
COULD NOT JUSTIFY THE BIG INCREASE IN COST, WHEN MY 1630 WAS A
PERFECTLY GOOD MACHINE. THIS WAS ONE OF THE REASON WHY I WAS LET GO,
THAT AND I SAID I PREFERRED BERNINA'S OVER VIKINGS. THEY SUPPOSEDLY LOST
A SALE ON A TOP OF LINE VIKING BECAUSE OF ME. OH WELL, WATER UNDER THE
BRIDGE. DO WISH THAT US 1630 OWNERS WOULD HAVE BEEN TREATED BETTER.
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130
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PRESSER FOOT PRESSURE ADJUSTABLE; FREE
INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEO INCLUDED AS ACCESSORY; The automatic buttonhole is
very disappointing. They do not come out consistent.
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140
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PRESSER FOOT PRESSURE ADJUSTABLE; FREE
INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEO INCLUDED AS ACCESSORY
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150
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150QE
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PRESSER FOOT PRESSURE ADJUSTABLE; FREE
INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEO INCLUDED AS ACCESSORY; UP TO 12 STITCHES CAN BE
REPROGRAMMED BY DEALER TO REPLACE EXISTING STITCHES
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160
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170
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This is the 170 without the embroidery
unit. A textile artist has recommended the
Bernina 170 to me as being superior to the 180 for free-motion
embroidery because it retains the oscillating hook. This enables easy
tension adjustments on the lower bobbin.
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170QPE
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This is the 170 with the embroidery
unit. I have had this machine since 11/99 and
love it! Prior to this machine I had a Kenmore and there is no
comparison. This machine has pieced quilts with excellent stitch
quality, and sewn numerous embroidery designs with excellent results!
The only problem I have had has been with some looping during
embroidery, and I discovered that could be corrected by skipping the
last thread guide before the needle when threading the machine. I would
highly recommend this machine to anyone interested in sewing, quilting,
and embroidery.
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180
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MUCH MORE TEMPERAMENTAL THAN OLDER
STYLE BERNINAS BUT DOES A LOT MORE --- LIKE A FERRARI VS A CHEVY
The difference between a 180 and a 180E
is only that you don't (180) or do own the embroidery module (180E).
The machines are sold to the dealers separately, and they are sort of
'mix and match' . An embroidery module can be used with either the 170
or the 180 interchangeably, and turns either one into an "E" model.
There is no other difference in the machines. There is, however, a
difference between a 'version 1' and a 'version 2' and that is simply a
software upgrade that was done free by the dealers during the last year.
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180E
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Sews like a dream. Dealer available to
train and answer questions; Bernina Club inspires me.
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