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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