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From: gmcsewer
Date: 05-27-2007, 03:20 PM (1 of 6)
| I have an opportunity to buy a Bernina 1630 update 1996. Do any of you have this machine and what would be a reasonable price for this with many extra feet and a sewing table extension? |
User: gmcsewer
Member since: 08-19-2003 Total posts: 45 |
From: paroper
Date: 05-27-2007, 07:09 PM (2 of 6)
|
Check E-Bay. The 1530's commonly run between 1000-1200. They sold for 3200 new in 1992. The 1630's came out as TOL to replace the 1530 machines a year later and were probably similar in price. They were the first machine with the "newer hook system" and I think they are 9mm machines (not positive). They were also the first step machine toward embroidery. There were pattern "Keys" that could be purchased that caused the machine to do "embroidery". I haven't seen the keys and I don't know what they entail. You often see them for sale on E-bay. Although the feet are still available (at local dealers), I think that they were the last machine to use the old foot style (could be wrong on that). If they use the newer feet, they would have probably been the first to use the newer feet. Most Bernina feet sell for $25-39 each. The ruffler (back then) sold for a little over $80, I still have one with the original price tag on it. The walking foot would have been close to that price. The prices today are only slightly different than they were at the time the machines were purchased. An easy way to tell which style of feet it takes is to look at the white sticker on the front of the foot. If the top of the sticker is black, it is the old style. If it is red, it is the new style. The advantage of the feet being the red topped feet is that the new machines all take them BUT the feet are not interchangable between machines. The machine 1530 originally came with 11 feet which are still pretty much the feet the machines come with, so the 1630 probably came with most of the same. If there are any feet that have an extra eye (like the 3A), that is a computer sensor for wider stitches and the foot will have an additional letter (usually C) on the foot. 0-zig zag foot with the front opening 1-reverse pattern foot (like the 0), with side opening 2-overlock foot 3-button hole foot 3A-automatic button hole foot 4-zipper foot 5-blind stitch foot 8-jeans foot 9-darning foot 18-button sewing on foot The machine also came with a little box that fit into the free arm of the machine to make it a non-free arm and to hold all the feet and accessories. I think the 1630 had the same box...at any rate, it would have had some sort of foot storage. After the boxes a little tool box affair was added. It is possible that the 1630 had that instead. In addition to the feet, there should have been at least one embroidery hoop about 2 inches in diameter, a seam ripper, oil (which if still there needs to be replaced with BERNINA machine oil only), a screw driver and brush (cleaner), along with 4 Bernina bobbins (7-hole..be sure they are Bernina bobbins because of size....generic cause problems). The machine also came with a hard case that slipped over the machine like a cover and a quilting table that was metal and slipped onto the machine bed, leg lift (bar) that fits into the front of the machine, and at least one instruction manual...because of the additional info, there could have been two with the 1630, not sure, and of course, the foot control. The 1630 is a good machine. Because of the change in the hook system and the difference in directional stitching, the machine does not make the same type of stitches as the older hook systems but the change was necessary to allow the machine to embroidery. I don't BELIEVE it has the track ball which was a problem for some with the 1530. Some of the track ball mechanisms have worn out over the years...mine is still fine and I have thousands of sewing hours on it. This information is based upon what I got with the 1530. Since Bernina always includes a lot of feet with their machines, I want to be sure that you know what you are getting...some people might suggest that the standard feet are actually purchased feet to push the price a bit. The resale price on a Bernina normally stays very high. The 930, 1130 and 1230 are the older machines which are most in demand by quilters. I absolutely LOVE my 1530 and I wouldn't take for it. Just keep in mind that the 1630 does have a memory board that probably would have to be rebuilt if it goes bad. The parts for these machines are usually available for 20 years but the memory boards are rather rare....at least, that is what my dealer told me. He said he could have it rebuilt for $160 if I need it in the future, of course, at the time I didn't need it, who knows what it might cost later. Memory boards can last decades or they can go out in just a few years, that is always a gamble. 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 |
From: gmcsewer
Date: 05-28-2007, 09:31 AM (3 of 6)
| thank you so much for your information. I have a machine from a friend that I am trying. Your reply gives me a lot of information of the background of the machine. It seems to be in good shape. But I may need lessons. |
User: gmcsewer
Member since: 08-19-2003 Total posts: 45 |
From: paroper
Date: 05-28-2007, 09:38 AM (4 of 6)
|
At the time the 1630 was marketed, Bernina was just turning the corner on a new era. The matriarch of the family had always felt that Embroidery was a "flash in the pan" and would go out of style. She had resisted making machines that would sew and embroider. Her emphasis was on a wonderful utility machine for the serious seamstress...and that had been the goal of the company for generations. They have never been a company to get into something without a commitment. When they finally entered the embroidery market, they entered with both feet. Pfaff and New Home (Janome), even Singer was already there so they had some serious ground to make up quickly.
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 |
From: Tom Land
Date: 05-28-2007, 10:29 AM (5 of 6)
|
I agree with Pam. The 1630 is a great machine. I can only think of 3 problems I ever see in them. The first is corrected by a simple simple adjusment in the needlebar linkage. The second is the circuit board in the foot control goes out. The third is the light switch goes out. When I see a 1630 coming in for other than routine service I can count on it is one of these problems and none of them are very serious. People often dismiss the value of using the proper and high quality feet. How well designed the feed system (which includes the feet) is is almost as important as the design of the thread handling system in creating a good stitch. Try to get all the original feet with the machine but if you can't they are readily available through dealers. Do not purchase "other than Genuine" if you want the best stitch the machine is capable of. The problem with the Track Ball on the 1530 seems to be from lotions on hands that come off on the ball and build up on the contacts. "Gloves in a Bottle" solves that. I personally hate the Track Ball selection design but other than that the machine is wonderful. Have fun or don't do it, Tom
|
User: Tom Land
Member since: 09-21-2005 Total posts: 514 |
From: paroper
Date: 05-28-2007, 10:47 AM (6 of 6)
|
That's probably why I haven't had a problem with the track ball. I always wash my hands before I sew and I don't use lotions in the sewing room because there is too big a chance of getting them on the fabrics and they attract dirt.
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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