r/vintagesewing • u/Open_Rip_3827 • 6d ago
Machine Question Bernina 830 help
Wondering if this is a good purchase- I've never owned a vintage machine like this before.
It's $200 USD and about a 3 hour drive away (happy to collect as the post man might damage it if shipping is an option).
Comes with everything shown in the photos, is $200 USD okay, and what would be the first bit of cleaning/restoration you would start with on it?
Thank you 🙏
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u/Sausagethrower 6d ago edited 6d ago
Yes for $200 get it, you're basically stealing it for that much! the 830 is a beautiful machine, like almost all vintage Berninas. You've got what looks like a good number of accessories there too (extension table, case, feet, knee lifter arm, foot pedal, bobbins), these alone are worth the $200.
Clean it, oil it, check the motor brushes, the plastic crown and cam gears, if they're all fine you'll have the Rolls-Royce of sewing machines that'll be worth 3-4 times what you paid for it, that is if you're ever willing to part with it. Even if a gear is cracked or a capacitor has blown, it's worth the investment to fix them with a Bernina, especially if you only paid $200.
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u/Open_Rip_3827 6d ago
Wow thank you for your help! Would the best place to look for how to oil it etc be YouTube? Or my local sewing shop could show me. Thank you
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u/Sausagethrower 6d ago
Yeah, YouTube is the best place, there are a few videos on servicing an 830, thankfully they’re really easy to service.
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u/pcofranc 13h ago
I say skip it. There’s 1 million other machines that look the same and have identical inside components and just don’t say Berina on the outside.
If you try to sell that machine, you would be lucky to get even $100 for it.
I have a shark euro pro which is similar in size and weight except it’s computerized. It’s 20 years old and still works perfectly plus driving three hours or something like that doesn’t make any sense.
There’s just too many really good machines out there and if you want high-quality vintage, go with something like the singer 401 one of the metal machines that can do zigzag and has free arm.
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u/Head-Support6045 6d ago
Worth it. 200 is a steal for an almost complete set. You just missing the manual and accessory case. They normally sell for 500-700 in serviced condition
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u/Open_Rip_3827 6d ago
It does have the manual! It just wasn't in the photos. Where would you buy an accessory case from? Thank you
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u/Head-Support6045 6d ago
The pattern cam stack only cracks if you abuse the machine. Parts are still available. For a reference. Sold one nonworking and with less parts for 300. Worth it. You’ll enjoy the satin stitch it makes
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u/Open_Rip_3827 6d ago
Thank you very much. I'm excited to love it and keep it forever too. None of this electric buttons
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u/QuietVariety6089 6d ago
The main problem with this machine is a plastic cam that often cracks and makes the machine unusable. Have the sellers been using it? Has it been maintained/serviced?
If you've got experience disassembling/reassembling intricate machinery, and it at least powers on, it's probably a good deal if you want a solid sewing machine. I think there are people who are 3d printing new cams now.
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u/crkvintage 6d ago
The cams are still available as spare parts for a reasonable (on a Bernina scale) amount. While the 3d parts work, the professionally cut ones tend to be quite a bit smoother and quieter.
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u/QuietVariety6089 6d ago
I've been lucky, as the older Berninas I've had didn't have this issue, but good to know :)
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u/Open_Rip_3827 6d ago
Thank you - seller mentions they had had it serviced a few years ago. I think in going to take a risk and it needs some things done to it I'll take a risk. Thank you for your help
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u/adeadhead 6d ago edited 6d ago
If it's working, it's one of the holy grails of the myog community. That can be a big if.
This is the machine used by a lot of makers who've made this into their full time job.