TEST DRIVE SERIES #1: Do a Crucial Check BEFORE Making an Offer on a Vintage Bernina Sewing Machine!

While no test is 100 % effective, this procedure can help you know how much to offer on a Vintage Bernina by knowing how much its overhaul might cost you!!

[@debraclogston9379]

I picked one up on the side of the road. While it was not perfect, every thing worked, once it was cleaned. I think I like repairing more than sewing.

[@marionsworld24]

Thank you. You explain things so well. I've been given the identical machine by a friend. It was her mother's from new, but hasn't been used in years and years. I'm following your videos and oiled it as you said. The needle placement knob on mine isn't moving at all yet. But everything else seems fine. I've just test stitched it and there are no missed stitches! Hurrah. Also I've realised that the machine was made in 1959....the year I was born. I'm taking that as a good omen that it's come to me to be used as I make all my own clothes. Thank you again for your extremely helpful videos.

[@gwynt909]

I picked up a Husqvarna 2000 from an old lady's daughter the other day. She said it was dead and was going to throw it away at the dump. So I took it home, plugged it in, light came on, motor ran but no movement so I opened it up, bought a motor belt, put that in, cleaned the rest of the machine, oiled it and now it runs perfectly. Mechanical machines I can fix but I won't touch computerized ones. Those I leave to the experts because they are just not worth my time.

[@keithhallgren]

The earlier 530 machines seem to have far fewer gear issues than the 730/830 as the cracked gear issue stemmed from production issues of the gears themselves, in many years of servicing machines very few 530 machines (if any) have had cracked gears. It seems to be a very common problem with the 830 and if one is lucky, the cracked gear was replaced under warranty.

[@ronalddevine9587]

What a shame that some enterprising people don't make metal replacement gears. I'm sure that many Singer Touch and Sew owners would be most pleased, as would owners of European machines. I totally agree with your response to my previous comment about putting plastic where it should not be.

[@jeroenkommer6467]

I own a Bernina 600 and it was owned by my grandmother it still works like new a little oil to make sure it's oke and my grandmother used it a lot you can see it on the paint it all but gone but still working

[@lindahurst3538]

One of the best explanations I’ve seen!

[@capedoryus]

Thanks for all your videos. Love the tip on needles. I use three different machines with three needle orientation. Now I can feel the grove and know how it goes in. Great

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

You are so welcome!

[@LizaNaude]

I came across a Bernina 640-2 favorit in an original treadle cabinet which of course I bought! I am using the treadle (the machine also had a lovely motor and can sew quite fast) mainly for free motion quilting. I really enjoy working with this betnina. When I went to the bernina dealer to buy another foot, the dealer lady was visibly upset with me for buying such an old machine and told me the machine should actually be on the junk heap! I found that quite amusing.

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

It sounds pretty obvious why the dealer wanted the old machine sent to the trash heap!!

[@LizaNaude]

@@VintageSewingMachineGarage I always refused to buy into the hype around Bernina, proudly sewing sewing on my Janome 538, but since I have had this 640, I find myself sold! In fact, I am on my way this morning to go and gave a look at another treadle Bernina - cant see from the pic what it is, but it is a black one, so I have my suspicions... I am rather excited! Edit: it was not black, it was green... :D

[@andrewmandywilsontatham49]

Bernina stood by their machines so much that they had a 30 year guarantee on parts until comparitively recently. I was disappointed when I bought my 1130 new in 1989 that the guarantee was down to 10 years...I now have a 540-Favorit and 2 530 Records...as well. The motherboard failed on the 1130 and it languished for about 5 years, but fantastically there is now a person in my country who can mend them! Saved me $1000 on a new motherboard- if one could be found

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Sadly, this has been the trajectory for many consumer items and not just sewing machines. Kitchen appliances have gone the same route.

[@isbahai.9715]

Thank you, so interesting ! I've just got an old Bernina Record 530 from 1956. It was quite clean but it's slightly hard when the needle goes from bottom to up. I oiled everything but it only helped a little. It sews quite nicely, though. All the buttons knobs work, but I noticed that the feed dogs one doesn't work : it does turn like a charm (and when I look on the mecanism inside, it does turn), but in both position, it lifts the feed dogs, which is weird ! Could you show how it is on your own machine when you turn this knob, how the feed dogs are ? Have a good day and sorry for my english.

[@pascalbondon2308]

That is incredible. Why did they use plastic gears on such high grade sewing machines ? Did it matter for them to save 3 or 5 bucks ? Or did they want their own machines to break down !?

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Yes it does seem odd given how high in quality the rest of the machine is. I've noted this on Pfaffs and (some) Necchis fro the same period too. This is just a hunch but I suspect that plastic makers such as Dupont, Dow, and others made strong cases for using them. Plastic gears require no lubrication (normally) and they can run more quietly while offering the machine maker a significant cost savings in fabrication. And remember also that the service life limits of plastics were less well known and so the plastic formulators may have over promised how plastic could work over the long haul. Today, we know and yet even auto parts makers use plastic knowing full well that heat cycles in engine bays shorten the service life of those parts which become disposable.

[@pascalbondon2308]

@@VintageSewingMachineGarage OK, thank you very much for this information.

[@ipodhty]

Hey sorry for the question I just haven't been able to find the answer easily, what is the difference between the 530 2 and the 531 2? They look almost identical

[@brigittamatis9827]

Wow!! How smooth and quiet is that, incredible review👏👏👏! I was looking for to purchase one, was hesitating between pfaff tipmatic 1035 and bernina 700. Do I see well that bernina is way more quiet than pfaff? Thank you for your great video, it is very helpful.

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

I can't verify which one is quieter. Each machine design will have its own signature sound with some being louder than others; even within the same brand.

[@berniepokorski2489]

Nylon/ Plastic gears are intentionally installed to limit the life of some sewing and other types Of machines, prompting the user to take the machine in for repair, and that brings about the opportunity for the Dealer/ Repair Shop to sell them a new machine.

[@TechNACITYbjj]

Thank you very much! I inherited a record 530- older than this. I cannot find a video that explains all of the knobs and buttons and how to wind a bobbin etc. Do you have a video that will help?

[@healthyandtasty8482]

The problem didn’t solve, the reason why I was looking at this video for the starting gear I mean My bernina has a lever which I have to move left with my knee to start the machine. And I want to replace it with some convenient tool. Can you help?

[@lepycelrau]

Hello. I have this exact model sewing machine. I cleaned & oiled it, seems to work fine... However: when i press the knee bar, the machine buzzes then jackrabbits... I have also "cleaned" the carbon pile and all conections. Any thoughts on what could be the culprit? Thank you.

[@nicolasmith1460]

Another brilliant video and good advice. As with the vintage singers these machines are a crazy price on eBay presently. And most are saying they don’t know if it works etc ... know little about it ..... but a no returns policy! Madness. I would really love this machine but you’ve now taught me to be wary. Can you buy the plastic cams easily?

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

I agree with the risk that is there if you purchase something with no testing to see if it works. I passed on a 730 Record because it had no power cord and I would had to have bought without even knowing if the motor was functioning. It was not a tough decision given the challenge we have in getting parts for some of these models.

[@alizaattaly1963]

2 problems- the ornamental stitch selector (9 in machine book) and the needle displacement lever(13 in machine book) are not moving at all. how can I make them move? the machine woorks really good

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

If you go to my Videos tab and search under CLIENT PROJECT SERIES or the word BERNINA, you will see some videos I've made on getting one of these up and moving. Here is one link that might be helpful: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aIeZlGytjdWkgbc

[@mjch293]

I bought a 730 record with a cracked nylon gear for $100.

[@kaylaimage3385]

Hello I have a question, my bernina 730 has a problem. When the stick is up it goes forward instead of backward. Why is it so, and is it easy to fix it?

[@wdtaut5650]

When did Bernina start using the nylon gears, or, is this an issue with all Berninas?

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

I actually don't know the exact year or model series, but I can confirm that the 117 L and 117 K models I have restored were all metal with no nylon gears.

[@keithhallgren]

The nylon gears appeared with the 5 series in 1952.

[@EkiwwaNoel]

Thanks just saw a exactly same machine on ebay 90 dollars plus shipping. But the person selling it, said it needs chord and bobbins and case. What do you think?

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Bobbins for these are not that tough to find. Not as common as Singers but not bad. The cords may be available as new reproductions but are not cheap. Foot pedals often will go out as they had some of the early transistors. I would count on spending anywhere from $75 for the cord and close to $100 for the pedal. If anyone knows a less costly option, please share.

[@CarmenGonzalez-rm2zi]

Como puedo cambiarle la correa a esta maquina por favor un vídeo

[@Terri_Swift]

Hi! Could you tell me how to reverse sewing on the Bernina 530-2 record. The book makes no sense. Thanks!

[@amandaglidewell8451]

It’s the little green button to the lower right of the lever on the right front of the machine.

[@valerieschluger]

Thank you 😊

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

No problem

[@jean2852]

Do you know where I could purchase a power cord for my Bernina 731?

[@leticiahomenu9389]

How can I get an english manual for a vintage bernina record 530, thanks a lot.

[@obe3058]

Hello, you need your advice whether it's worth buying a sewing machine Bernina 707 minimatic for $ 200? The machine is needed for home-made sewing silk, velvet, knitwear, lace, curtain. Check the machine with the mechanic there is no opportunity. The seller says that the machine is working.

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Hi. If you are able to inspect and try out the machine before purchasing, that would be best. You did not mention if you are considering purchasing it online and having it shipped. ANY vintage machine can be in great condition or not. For this series of Berninas, it is very important that the 2 plastic gears inside are not cracked. If they are, they can be replaced but AT GREAT COST. Parts are not super $$ but the labor is. Berninas have a great following but there are a variety of machines from the era (including free arm models such as the Kenmore 158.1941 series that can also sew heavy material. No machine is perfect nor assumed in great condition until it is tested with some practice stitching. If you cannot inspect it before purchase, be sure the seller has a guarantee AND that this covers the shipping and any tax involved.

[@obe3058]

@@VintageSewingMachineGarage Thank you, your information is very much needed.

[@ylva1276]

thank you sir

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Most welcome

[@josephinerazanaseta1763]

Bonjour. J'ai une machine à coudre Bernina dont le réglage de tension de fil est cassé, est ce qu'on peut en trouver pour la Bernina 530-1. Je suis de Passage en Suisse maintenant. Pourriez vous m'aider ?

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Hello. We are in N. America so I'm unable to guide you as far as European part sources. If you are in Switzerland, that might be the best place to source the part you need. You can always check on Ebay, Etsy, as there are many international sellers there. Best of luck to you!

[@josephinerazanaseta1763]

@@VintageSewingMachineGarage Thanks

[@carolineperron4628]

Contactez Bernina, ce sera plus simple je crois!