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From: sewpink
Date: 02-13-2006, 05:13 PM (1 of 4)
| I want to start doing machine embroidery and I have no idea what machine to get. I have a Bernina 830 and want to upgrade my sewing machine at the same time. So, I am looking for a combination machine. The Bernina 165E is being discontinued so it is being sold at a discounted price. Does anyone know anything about this machine? Is it going to be obsolete real soon? The price my dealer quoted is $2899. Is that a good price? Any and all comments will be greated appreaciated! |
User: sewpink
Member since: 02-10-2006 Total posts: 7 |
From: Tom Land
Date: 02-13-2006, 09:41 PM (2 of 4)
|
The 830 was probably the best machine Bernina ever made. That was 30 years ago. It might be wise to research and shop. Bernina is still considered by most to be in the top 3 but it wouldn't hurt to check out the others before making a decision.
Have fun or don't do it, Tom
|
User: Tom Land
Member since: 09-21-2005 Total posts: 514 |
From: sewpink
Date: 02-13-2006, 10:00 PM (3 of 4)
| What are the other two brands in the top 3? |
User: sewpink
Member since: 02-10-2006 Total posts: 7 |
From: paroper
Date: 02-14-2006, 12:37 AM (4 of 4)
|
I don't quite know how to answer this question. The 165 series is very good. Bernina will keep parts and have basic tech support for this machine for many years to come. However, I think it takes cards. It looks to me that Bernina is moving away from the cards. They don't hold as much as the Cd's and it causes bad feelings with the card customers when they pay more for the design cards (cost more to make) than the cd's and the Cd's have more on the. Many dealers are doing away with the design cards and handling only the Cd's. To transfer to the cards I think you'll need a read/write box. If it were up to me, I'd start looking at the 430 with embroidery or the 440 with embroidery. The basic difference between the two is price which is justified by the BSR in the 440. The BSR foot alone runs around $600 plus you have to have the hardware to use it. (BSR is a stitch regulator that allows for free hand stippling and embroidery). They are priced lower than the 630/640 machines because they don't have an on-board computer. They use a laptop or a desktop to embroidery. That saves a lot of money on the machine. The 600 series machine have the onboard computer. Another big advantage of the 400 machines and up is that they have a larger design field for stitching than the 155-170 series machines. Although they don't automatically split the design like the 200 and 730, you can even use the mega hoop which is wonderful. After stitching on an 830 all these years, you'll probably want to stay with the CV hook system of the 430/440/630 machines. The 5.5 mm stitch width and the CV hook will seem like home to you. the 9mm stitch is very nice for decorative stitches and makes lovely embroidery but the straight stitch quality just isn't the same (sorry). THis is the system that Bernina started using in the 40's and is known for. pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
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