You summed it all up by saying that “ Reputable service people are hard to find” For me, I am not a Bernina dealer and never had any training. Just very talented when it comes to anything mechanical. I found out 17 years ago when I started selling used Berninas on eBay that they needed to work perfectly before shipping them out. So I thoroughly tested each “dealer serviced” Bernina that I got in from a dealer, before listing it for sale. Let’s just sum that up by saying that I found a lot wrong over the years. So I found the need to do the service work myself. Asking the dealer hundreds of questions and taking a ton of notes over the years plus servicing hundreds of Berninas has brought me to where I am today. You could send 100 people to a dealer training seminar and only a few of them are going to walk away with an actual understanding of what they just watched. Those would be the mechanically talented people in that group. So just because the dealer has a piece of paper hanging on the wall saying that he’s factory trained to me that really means nothing as that guy/gal might not even know how to change the tire on his/her own car. So yes it comes down to the person on how much talent/experience they have and also how much time do they have to spend with your machine when they’re working on it. If they have a whole pile of machines to work on that day they’re going to cut corners to save time. I spend a day or two on just one machine before it goes on eBay. But I’m just a self-employed guy and don’t have a store to run and 10 machines that need to get finished today. It’s like cars. You might have that one man garage down the street that does a much better job for a fraction of the price than a dealer would. And everybody in town knows how good that guy is. So reputation has a lot to do with finding the right place and the right person who’s going to service your machine the way you want it serviced.
Do you service other peoples machines. I just inherited a Bernina 180 Special Edition 2000. It was used VERY litte. I want it serviced because it has been sitting for years. I really want someone good. I know nothing about this machine. I have a Viking topaz 50 that is a great machine but I am really looking forward to learning this machine. Where are you located? Could you please contact me if you are interested. The best way to contact me is to text me. I don't always answer my phone if I don't recognize the number. A text would be great. My number is 205-718-1050. Thank you!
bamababe75 Hi, Due to ever increasing fees/costs on eBay I have taken a brake from working on / servicing Berninas, but I do know certain models inside and out like the 180. My workshop is in my home so I don’t have a the overhead of a store and all the expenses that go along with it. I am located near Reading Pennsylvania. I have had people either bring me their machines or ship them to me when they have no where else to turn. The problem is the cost for shipping both ways is about as much as I would get for a rather in depth service job. I really get into them when I do a service job usually spending about two days with just one machine. It’s way above and beyond what the dealers do as they are usually pressed for time and need to do a service job as quick as possible and that leads to skipping things and that leads to a poor job. Yea I have seen a lot of dealer serviced machines that were filthy inside. Most likely they just got a quick oiling and that’s it. Should you go to a dealer to have it serviced please don’t let them talk you into making you think it’s an old outdated machine. That’s just a flat out lie, just a sales pitch to try and get you to buy a new overpriced machine. It’s a real pet peeve of mine that when that 180 was sold as a new machine the sales pitch was that it was the machine that was going to last you a lifetime and you could hand it down to your grandkids. Just 10 years later that same dealer will tell you it’s an outdated machine and you need to buy something new.. That really ticks me off! The truth is that the 180 is a fantastic machine capable of doing most anything that you can do on one of the latest models. And it’s one of a dying breed of machines that was actually manufactured in Switzerland. I can be emailed at. joekind@comcast.net Thanks for watching 😁
Far from amateurish, I enjoyed watching. I repair sewing machines, and have a love for the 1630, and older Bernina rotary models. I just got a "refurbished" 200 Artista off ebay, works great, looks great, but had a squeal to it.. turned out that timing tensioner was dry as a bone. This is an often overlooked moving part. The pfaff rotary models, 7570, 1475, etc.. also have a tensioner that's partially hidden. Awesome video, thanks!
Thank you for your great information! I have a 185 machine, just upgraded and exchanged the two belt tension wheels with 4 ball bearings (model number:F695zz), also used some small washers. The machine works very good.
thank you so very much.. I did get an instruction manual yesterday for service, but I don't get some of what it is saying so I would so appreciate that... thank you,, I think most people would watch it and not try it if they thought they could not do it, if you leave it up, we can at least see what should happen for service.. thank you so very much I greatly appreciate it. lisa
This is awesome. I wish you lived near me so I could have you service my machines! I am thinking that the service man in my area might not like me asking him to watch your video to make sure he services it correctly!
I know what you are saying. You could say that someone told you that the idler tension wheel should be removed, cleaned and lubricated. This only seems to be a problem with the 100 series machines ( like the 155 through 185) along with the 200 and 730. I have never had any problems with that belt tensioner roller(s) on the 400 and 600 series machines and newer. Logic tells me that the problem came from what ever lubricant Bernina used on those models when they were assembled at the factory. What ever they used dried out with use and age. It turns brown and gets sticky and eventually completely prevents the wheel from turning. Then the belt just drags over the wheel and that is when problems start. I serviced a low hour 730 a few weeks back. This was a machine that was recently dealer serviced. I could tell when I turned the hand wheel that the machine was very tight. Sure enough when I took it apart for servicing the idler wheel for the main belt was locked up! Thanks for watching!
Thank you for that video. I am having problems with zig zag on my bernina activa 125. I have carefully taken it apart, but I will clean the idler and oil the cams. If I can't get it fixed I will take it in. But it's still helpful to know how to service. I'd bring it to you, but am in London. So a bit far.
Hello and thank you for your dedication to educate us about our machines...I have a Bernina 770QE i use it to do thread panting, sometimes the graphics came on canvas that has being primed so my machine get all dusty inside, my dealer is located far away and it cat take up to three weeks to get my machine back, I am asking you to please instruct me on how to open all the cover of my machine so i can clean it as needed, thanks, hope you can help me.
I love your videos! I have a Bernina 180, and after watching your video I'm sure I need to check and clean my idler tensioner. I am afraid of messing something up so I am wondering if it is hard to get out to clean and if it is hard to put back in. You showed it on the counter but I didn't see how you took it out. Another question is how to remove the cover to get into where the idler tensioner is located. I really want to clean it because the hand turner is very hard to turn and I want to fix it before it does something bad to my machine. :( Not sure if you will see my question here on CZcams but didn't know how else to contact you. Thanks again for helping so many of us in the sewing world. It is very kind of you to take the time!
Hi Bill. Thanks for all the great Bernina videos! My 200 with the 730 upgrade won't change stitch length. I tried swapping the knob with another machine and it didn't work so I'm thinking it must be the sensor on the board. Is it possible to clean or replace the sensor without replacing the board? Any advice you can give will be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Joleen from Maui
Hi Bill. I had messaged you on eBay regarding my mother's sewing machine, the Artista 180. It took a while but I finally found the time to meet up with my friend who has the knowledge and proper probe tools so we could test the Power Board as you suggested. The wires going from the Power Board to the S-Board all tested okay. However the blue 5-pin (I think it's 5 pin) connection on the actual power board tested weird. It sits right next to the white 5-pin connection and next to that is a "diagram" of the pin outputs. The blue did not match up with the white at all, and in fact tested NEGATIVE ~35 volts on all the connections. While testing the connections we began to notice the burning electronic smell coming from that end of the board. So you may be right in that the board is providing improper power to the S-Board. I just hope that it hasn't caused damage to the S-Board. We also noticed in two spots on the back of the power board, that there may have been a previous repair performed on it due to some different solder and a thread linking two different solder points. How much would it be to send you the bad power board in exchange for a good power board? If this conversation needs to continue via email, just let me know. Thank you!
Hi , I got your message you left for me on eBay. Thanks for letting me know as I don't always get alerted when somebody posts a message on CZcams. Your message was a bit too long for the space that they provide so I did not get to read all of it. It does sound like from what you're saying that you do have a problem with the power board. Weather did any damage to the main print bored I would have no way of knowing that. When I get an electrical part from Bernina the old one is sent back so it's on an exchange basis. Some boards I get in have been repaired by Bernina. Usually the repair is in the form of a jumper wires soldered somewhere on the board itself. Sounds like you might have one of those. Before I run out of room here let me give you my email address. It's JoeKind@comcast.net
I really like your information videos. How do I find a service person that is properly trained, will do what you say should be done on a "routine" servicing appointment? They can charge for all of your points but only complete the basic oiling that I do myself on a regular basis. Reputable service people are difficult to find.
BILL. sorry I called you joe.. okay, I will be looking for the video when I get home from work sat/sun.. i work every weekend.. but i get home around 7pm and i will check for the video.. as soon as i watch it i will let you know.. i will download it for myself and you can take it off if you want.. THANKS so much
Hi there love your videos I recently got a Bernina virtuosa 160 and the needle is slightly off centre and straight stitch has a slight wobble every now and then any idea how to fix this I’m in Australia
Hi Ive been watching you since you started this and your videos have made me find a bernina180...{from ebay} but I've had it for about 2 months and just today have finally had the time to use it, well when my arm touches the metal bed it shocks me and idler tension er is defiantly very dirty BC the hand wheal doesnt turn well as it should to say the least, however being shocked it my biggest problem do you have any idea what this could be?also where are you located? thank you Sueellen
Hi Bill, not sure if you’re still available to help, I’ll send ya some money if you can help me. First off, thanks for the great vids. Here’s the prob… I went to clean out the 180 bobbin/hook assembly after finding your video, cleaned a ton of thread that was wrapped behind the drive gear. Long story short, my line-up marks for the bobbin and the belt got erased, which then led me to your timing vid… I think I got the timing tweaked. I found out that the bernina wrench is the same diameter as the bar with the notch, and set the cam pin location. Then the bobbin shaft seemed to be super close i used an edge guide rod from a foot edge guide fit perfect, maybe a thousandth off before it slid in properly, so I left it there. Then I adjusted the bobbin gear so that the needle eye, in the upstroke, is right at the tip of the hook, like the illustration you pointed to in the guide. I cleaned all tensioners, reinstalled. I Can’t get the top tension right, even after dialing into 7mm on the top manual spring tension adjustment dial, never had to do that before cleaning. I didn’t oil anything in the thread path, and went through all of the digital adjustments, but i just can’t get this top thread to stay tight to the bottom. Is there a possibility the timing is still messed up, or should I focus on the tension? Thanks I really appreciate your help.
Setting the timing on a machine requires special tools and you would definitely need a service manual so you would need to take it to your local Bernina dealer. In your case I guess it is possible that when pulling out the thread jam that the cog belt that drives the bobbin assembly jumped a notch in the cog belt in one direction or the other. That is a bit unlikely as it is very hard to make a cog belt slip like that, but I guess it could happen.
Hi Bill, lost my post! Came across this video in June and used it to clean my Bernina 180. Somewhere in process I messed up the timing so brought it to a local Bernina dealer who told me she could fix it while I waited. It is now late October and I still do not have my machine. It works if the cover is off but stops working if the cover is replaced. She says it needs a new board $400 and a new foot pedal. Sounds like a loose connection to me. Any thoughts? Love your videos.
I just do service work on the machines I sell on eBay and soon another selling site called Etsy. On both sites I use the same seller name of bushvideo My videos are just to give out advice and to show my customers the extra steps I take that many others overlook. Without looking at your machine, I would say that the idler wheel that I talk about is locked up on your machine. That would be a dealer type of fix and it should not cost you very much. Thanks for watching! Bill
What exact type of grease do you recommend for the feed dog cam? 180 and the second cam that has a leaver in a slotted disk, is sticking due to old grease...
Really appreciate these videos, and I wish you were closer so I could bring my mom's machine to you. She had a CFL kit installed on her artista 170, but managed to break the bulb. I've clipped and removed the power supply board and installed a C555 bulb for now, but I think there's supposed to be some kind of lens or mount for it. Is there any chance I could buy the parts for a regular incandescent bulb from you? thanks!
Frank Siler When a regular bulb is used there is a bracket that holds that outlet. When the CFL is installed that bracket is removed so that outlet is loose to plug into the circuit power board for the CFL. I would bet that I have a couple of those brackets laying around. I did find a rather inexpensive LCD bulb that works great as a replacement for a regular light bulb. I have also done a custom install of a LCD light strip above the sewing table. You can email me at joekind@comcast.net . Thanks for watching!
Hi Bill, I had a question about a Virtuosa 160 I own. My needle tightening screw had not been working properly, and then i found the threaded screw shaft bent throwing if off the alignment, shortly after while tightening my screw the threaded shaft snapped off. None of the shops are helpful and can answer any of my questions. Is the lower part of the main shaft that holds onto the needle separate, and can it be replaced? or do I need the whole main shaft replaced. And how much would it cost? I'm also quite sure the shop that worked on my machine prior bent the shaft so I don't trust them. Thank you.
You have one of those electronic problems that's a bit difficult to diagnose as it could be a couple of things causing your problem. Since you do not have any power going to the lightbulb or possibly to your touchscreen I would start with the power board itself on the machine. Also known as the L-power print. If that does not do anything I would next try the S-print. That is the main board in the machine. Fortunately I have a bunch of 180's so I would just swap out some parts till I find the defective board. That is about the best you can do when you get a strange problem like that. The 180's are great machines, so it's well worth fixing. You just need to find a dealer that is willing to help and not charge you each time they try or replace a new electronic part as it will be trial and error tell you find the culprit.
The older machines like 1130 etc blow the L print too sometimes. It costs us about US$150 (inc tax) trade price and think that is to much. Was hoping you would know how to repair the PCB. The frequany supressor capacitor is a very common repair I do.
Hi I have a virtuosa 150 and live in the UK. Unfortunately, sewing machine engineers and especially conscientious ones like yourself are difficult to find. On this basis, how difficult would it be to remove and service the idler tension wheels you have pointed out and what oil would you recommend for their lubrication. I am fairly mechanically competent and have stripped and reconstructed older Singer machines in the past, so I am not unduly phased at the task itself. Thanks
Bill - I recently installed a new interference capacitor in a Bernina 930 Record. After the repair all works fine except now the motor is heard spinning while not sewing. Did I put the clutch mechanism on incorrectly or is there a broken part somewhere near the motor or the turn wheel? Help please - I really know nothing about these machines. The machine appears to sew just fine but the free spinning of the motor has been pointed out to me.
Hi Bill I have the artista 180. The cutwork tool box says "compatible with 180.My machine is in V4.My dealer says Bernina did not send them the upgrade to the firmware in my country, so I will not be able to use it .The designer plus V7 has stumpwork ,this software is compatible to the 180 and the cutwork tool is used for this type of embroidery.I understand a different throat plate is required which is fine ,but not being able to use this lovely tool is causing me frustrations.Your views.?
Hi Bill I am have tension problems with my Bernette DECO 600. Tried to look for the tension bars you showed for the Bernina, but no luck. Do you have any thoughts on this or can you tell me where the tension bars are? I don't really need the machine and don't think at its age it is worth taking to a dealer but would like to fix it for my daughter. Thanks
thank you but I need help now.. I have to reset my timing on my machine 180e.. can you do a quick video on how to do this on 180e, I can't afford to take it in right now and have it fixed and I have worked on many machines, but I was hoping you might be able to help me, the needle is hitting the race hook and breaking, I think what caused it is I had a thread jam using a heavy weight thread and pulled on it just a little, but I think that is what caused it.. help !!!!
i am trying to find a service manual for my bernina virtuosa 155. It is not available on the sites i am looking at, only for 130 140 150 160, is this the manual i need. Thanks Anita
Hi Joe. I have a 200/730. My needle was off centered and my husband, who is a Mechanical Engineer, was going to fix it. At some point, the needle would not move at all. He quit and after a few days, I decided that I would account for the needle placement and took my machine back to my sewing room. When I turned it on, I got a message that it is in Security mode. Can you please tell me how to get out of it? I lived about 4-5 hours away from the closest Bernina dealer and cannot get up there. I am not worried about my husband fixing it at all. We just can't figure out how it got into the security mode. Thank you very much. Melody Kona
Thank you so much. It's good to know! Does this apply to the old models 1000 series too? I have a used 1001 and was wondering why my handwheel seemed tight.
I am not familiar with the 1000 series model so I don't know if they have any of the idler tension wheels. There are a lot of moving parts inside of any machine. So a good internal cleaning, inspection and lubrication is important in keeping all machines running. Any bearing surface can become gummy with old dried up oil deposits and dirt. You can also have broken thread wrapped around a moving mechanical part that can cause binding. These are all things that need to be checked when servicing any brand, make or model sewing machine. So if you feel some tightness or binding I would strongly recommend having that machine serviced by a shop that has a good reputation in your area. I got frustrated seeing the same simple problems over and over again with supposedly serviced machines. So somewhere along the line a few simple steps were skipped or simply not known about. That is why I made this video. Happy sewing!
Hi Bill, your videos are great and very informative. I was wondering if you wouldn't mind taking time to tell me how you get off the front lower cover? I purchased 200/730 recently, took it to the nearest dealer for service. When I got home I realized that the machine is full of dirt on the inside of the bobbin case and to the right as far I could see. I suspect it wasn't cleaned at all. Can't figure it out how to take that cover off. I would greatly appreciate any help.
I did read your question about a month ago and intended on responding with a video. Just got busy with Christmas Bernina orders. It is so easy to remove the free arm cover and its a perfect way to clean out lint build up by removing the cover. So this would be a good video to make. The cover is held on by one torx head screw. Feel under the very end of this plastic cover and you will feel where the screw is. Just below the screw on the machines lower cover there is a oval plastic piece that pushes out from the bottom up. Now you can get to that screw. You must pull off the bobbin door and unplug the wire for the bobbin sensor that is located on the bobbin door. The free arm cover then pulls straight off. The trick is getting the cover back on and having the wire that goes to the bobbin sensor, back in the proper place otherwise it will get caught in a spring and wear through. This is why I need to show people in a video how to do this. It is the only way to properly clean out the lint. Shame on the person who serviced your machine if they did not remove this part and clean out the lint. There are also parts under the cover that need to be greased and oiled as part of a proper servicing. As soon as I get a chance I will make that video.
I did read your question about a month ago and intended on responding with a video. Just got busy with Christmas Bernina orders. It is so easy to remove the free arm cover and its a perfect way to clean out lint build up by removing the cover. So this would be a good video to make. The cover is held ob by one torn head screw. Feel under the very end of this plastic cover and you will feel where the screw is. Just below the screw on the machines lower cover there is a oval plastic piece that pushes out from the bottom up. Now you can get to that screw. You must pull off the bobbin door and unplug the wire for the bobbin sensor that is located on the bobbin door. The free arm cover then pulls straight off. The trick is getting the cover back on and having the wire that goes to the bobbin sensor, back in the proper place otherwise it will get caught in a spring and wear through. This is why I need to show people in a video how to do this. It is the only way to properly clean out the lint. Shame on the person who serviced your machine if they did not remove this part and clean out the lint. There are also parts under the cover that need to be greased and oiled as part of a proper servicing. As soon as I get a chance I will make that video.e
I've tried to find you at the eBay storefront you mentioned and couldn't get anything to come up on the search. I have a Bernina 180 that has been serviced multiple times because the idler belt keeps coming off after just a couple of hours of sewing. The handwheel is very hard to turn and I don't use it because I'm afraid of harming it. Your video confirms my fears. Would you be interested in servicing it? According to my Bernina Tech, the machine has less than 100 hours on it...Thanks!
Hi Joe. May I ask... how can I check the reverse button myself? It must have muck in it, because it doesnt want to reverse when i push it. Only sometimes if I push it really really hard.
Just wanted to let you know right away not to push too hard on the reversing button as it’s not a real heavy duty type of switch. You need to remove the front plastic off of the machine to get to the back of that button. There is only one screw that holds That assembly on the front cover so that’s why you don’t want to push on it that hard because you don’t want to break that screw out. I’m not sure if I show in any of my videos how to remove the front cover off of the machine. I’m not gonna have the time today to look through all my older videos and see if I have any information on removing the front plastic. I got out of selling and servicing Berninas around 2018 because I only sold on eBay and the cost to sell on that site have skyrocketed and in the end there was just nothing left for me after selling a Bernina. Long story short I just haven’t posted any Bernina videos in quite some time But I still do have about eight of the 180 models sitting around and could still post some videos if needed. Possibly making a video showing how to remove the plastic off the outside of the machine might be a good idea. Again it’s been a while so I’m not sure if I cover that in one of my videos if not let me know.
tam le Hi, I do have a video entitled “Bernina upper thread tension” where I go into detail about thread tensions. If you have your upper tension as tight as it goes with the onscreen settings, that should actually be overly tight and you should be pulling bobbin thread up to the top or experience thread looping on the top. Could be that the bobbin tension is excessively tight causing a condition that no matter how tight you make the top thread it still is looping on the bottom. You should of purchased the machine from me and you would not be having all these problems. Though you do need to make adjustments with any machine depending on things like different thread brands as that will affect both upper and lower tensions. I set up the machines that I sell to work right out of the box. It just shows that you can save a few $$ by purchasing a machine from a seller who has no idea how these machines work or buy from me, the only Ebay seller who services what he sells. And I don’t sell recycled Ebay items that were purchases on eBay to resell on eBay like other sellers do. You might of purchased something that someone else had these problems with and that was why they sold it and the seller has no idea how to help you. As they say, you get what you pay for.
Hi Bill, I have a low mileage 2004 vintage Bernina Artista 165 with an apparent bad S Print board as the LCD lights up but does not display any characters. Do you have boards available? Or, can you point me at a board component that typically goes south...I may be able to solder in a replacement component? *Last service was in 2010. Machine had 22 hours and 600k stitches at that time...Outfit servicing the machine reset timing due to skipping stitches on left side. Machine has worked fine then about 8 months ago the LCD began to fade to black.....Re-powering would usually cure...became worse over time then...NADA. Machine has always been on surge protector and not plugged in while idle. Any words of wisdom would be appreciated.
Hi DC W, Electronic problems can be tricky to diagnose. I have always had the luxury of having another model in stock that I can test out the different boards or displays on till I find the item that does not work. In your case it could be the main print or the display itself. I would first try to sew with the machine. Even though you can not see the display, when the machine turns on in the sewing mode the straight stitch will be selected. So turn it on and try sewing with it. If all the boards are okay and it's just the display it should start sewing a straight stitch. If it does then try tapping on the center area of the screen and see if that selects a different stitch. If it does or even if it does not (but it did sew the straight stitch) I would suspect a problem with the display. There are 3 parts to the display. The fluorescent light, the part that goes on the front of the display that is the touch sensitive part or front screen, and the display itself that is behind the front screen. I know with the 200/730 models you can individually replace some of these parts. On the 165 to 185 models I believe the LCD display is just one part. So it could be a board, but I would first suspect the display itself. My best advice would be to find a dealer that can help you with this problem. Someone that will not just charge you for parts that they think are bad and are not needed. But correctly diagnose the problem and just charge you for the needed part. I hear way to many stories about the dealers that guess, replace a part, it was the wrong guess but the customer pays for their bad guess and wrong part anyway. Then they try and talk the person into a new machine! Or there are the places that say they can no longer get parts then they try and sell you a new machine. My answer to the ones who try and make a sale by saying you can no longer get parts is to respond by saying "why should I spend thousands on something you wont be able to get parts for in 12 years?" Their tone will quickly change... You can still get parts and the 165 is a fantastic machine. I can get in parts for the machines that I service and sell, but I am not a Bernina dealer and cant get in parts for other people. So you need to find a GOOD dealer that will help and knows what they are doing when it comes to repairs.
I have a Bernina 180E. The touch screen is out. The light bulb won't come on. Touch screen is dark like no power. The machine turns on and will sew straight stitch. I can adjust stitch width, length and it will sew in reverse. I cannot change stitches or embroider. My best guess is the L print. Any suggestion? I have talked to a dealer repair person and a repair person at Bernina usa. They are baffled.
Bill, I hope you get this message. I really need your help! Just had my Artista 180 serviced at a Bernina service center. I had to take it back again a month later for same problems. (Machine making a "clicking" sound from the bobbin area.) Serviceman mentioned something like rubber discs that act like brakes which get old and worn. The serviceman really doesn't want to work on my machine and says they don't like to spend $$ on such an old machine! Hey, I'm the one spending the $ and just want everything that needs fixing, to be fixed! He says problem is my oiling of the machine. I reviewed your video and now I oil it once every bobbin fill. Clicking is better, but not gone. Any suggestions?? Also, do you have a video on how to properly remove the outer panels on the machine so I can take a look inside? I KNOW the serviceman did only the very minimal cleaning and servicing, although I have paid nearly $300 so far. I am a very handy do-it-yourself type and with some instruction can fix about anything myself. By the way where are you? I would LOVE for you to work on my machine.
Hi Margaret, I just happened to catch your message shortly after it came in. Mechanically except for the addition of the auto thread cutter on the 185, the 180 is mechanically the same machine as a 185, 200 and 730. I have serviced and repaired at least a couple of hundred of these models. I have to say that I know nothing about rubber discs that act as brakes. There are no rubber discs that act like brakes anywhere inside of the machine so I have no idea what that guy was telling you. The clicking could be several things . There is no real way I could give you any ideas on that without looking at your machine. Inside of bobbin hook assembly is a hard black plastic part that the hook rubs against when it’s rotating. They do wear down eventually then you get a metal against metal situation and that will create some noise. Most likely that noise will change for a while after being lubricated. I would suggest to remove the plastic cover that is under your sewing table so you can see what’s going on. You can sew with that cover off, just don’t stick your fingers in anything. The bobbin door snaps off and there is one torx head screw on the bottom end of that cover. Email me at joekind@comcast.net and I can email you a quick video showing you how to remove that plastic. You know the 180 is a fantastic machine capable of doing most anything one of the latest multi thousand dollar machines can do. Shame on the dealers who act like it’s some sort of old outdated model. Back when the 180 was sold as a new machine, people were told it would last them a lifetime. Something they could pass on to their grandchildren. Now they call it a old model . It’s more about selling new machines than offering service. Again, shame on them!
Hi, The 160 on up through the 730 all come apart the same way. I have been out of the Bernina business for a few years and have also not looked at my videos in a long time. I would think that one of them should show how to remove the outside plastic. If not here is a quick run-through. All the covers are held on with torx screw head screws. Remove the top cover held on with two screws. Next remove the end cap that covers the sewing light and foot area, held on with one screw. The plastic on the bottom of the sewing arm has one screw , on the bottom facing down at the end. Sometimes there will be a small plastic cap/cover that covers the access hole to get to the screw. Unclip the bobbin door (carefully this older plastic likes to break) Remove the screw and pull down on the cover and slide it out. Next you would remove the one long screw that holds on the power board assembly on the back of the machine. Keep track, make notes where any wires need to be unplugged. Once thats off the front and rear main plastic are just clicked into place, no other screws. The number one problem with these GREAT machines it the main belt tensioner wheel. I have a few videos on that subject. Its a shame that Bernina did not just use a couple of small ball bearings rather than a metal wheel on a metal shaft that eventually gunks up and the wheel stops turning, then either the motor or electronics burn out due to being overloaded or the belt gets worn through and breaks. Best of luck, keep your 160 running its much better than the Overpriced China crap that Bernina now sells.
Hi, I wonder if you can help me. I have just got a second hand artista 180 which was barely used. There is a strange problem where I can't change the stitch length periodically. If I take the top panel off and put it back again this seems to sort the problem for a while, but next time I use it, the problem has reoccurred. Have you any pointers for me to fix this problem? Thank you
On the inside of the machine there is an optical disc that is attached to the knob that you turn for the stitch length. On the circuitboard there is an optical sensor that detects the movement of disc. One or both is most likely dirty with dust or something so the optical sensor is not detecting the movement of that disc. Take off the top of the machine and the plastic end cap cover that is just above the needle area. With those two items off you can pull the front cover away from the machine a little bit without the need for disconnecting any of the wires that are plugged in across the top of the circuit board. Turn the knob and you should be able to see the plastic disc turning against the circuit board. Blow some air in there to clean out any dust that might be accumulated in this should fix the problem. . Be careful if you are using canned air. If you tilt the can to much the propellant will come out and that can damage electronic parts.
Hi, Thank you for getting back to me. I followed your instructions, but it hasnt fixed the issue. I noticed that it works fine when the top is off but stops again when I put it back on. I wondered if its just not getting enough light for the detector to work? Have you any ideas? Thank you :)
The amount of light with the top off really has nothing to do with the optical sensor. Possibly removing the top mover one of the circuit boars connectors slightly and then it makes a connection. As you know when the top is off you can see all of those plug in connectors along the top front of the circuit board. How about, one at a time, unplug each one then plug it back in. Just do one at a time so you don't mix any up. Possibly one of those connectors is loose or not making a good connection. And when you remove the top of the machine one of those connectors moves and then makes a connection? Its worth a try.
Hello Joe, I have a Bernina 180, for some reason, the needle will not move at all. We have looked to try to figure the problem. would you happen to know the cause.
As long as you have do not have a broken belt. Most likely the basting stitch lever assembly needs oil. Take the plastic end cap off of the machine. It's belt on by one t-20 torx head screw. Once off turn the machine with the hand wheel and locate the needle shaft. You will see a metal part with a black plastic lever going up and down on the needle shaft. That black plastic lever, when pressed in by the basting solenoid, keeps the needle from going up and down by pulling out a locking pin. If this assembly has not been oiled in a long time this pin can stick. Just get some good sewing machine oil in around the black plastic lever. You can usually unstick the pin by pulling down the needle shaft and letting it go. This most likely will loosen the pin making it engage. The oil should prevent this from happening again for along time. This pin can also stick in the in position preventing the machine from doing a basting stitch. This should help. My real name is Bill
I'm having trouble locating your 'Seller site' on ebay under the bushvideo name ? Any suggesstions or hints ? Do I look via their advance search function ? thanks
Adrienne Kilbride Hi, thanks for asking. It’s easy to find me on eBay by using my eBay store name in a web search. My eBay store name is Bills Sewing Machine Garage . So do a web search for that ebay store and it should come up near the top in any web search. Right now as of 7-29-18 I do not have any Bernina items listed. I have taken a bit of a brake this year on selling Berninas. One main reason has to do with another ebay Bernina seller who is dominating the Bernina market on eBay by purchasing lots of Berninas machines and accessories on eBay then reselling those same items back on eBay. Something I would never do as it has really messed up the Bernina category on eBay. This person has no idea how to repair or service a what he sells. It’s more about having a ton of items listed and making $$. I had many people asking me questions about Berninas then after helping them for many weeks, ( one lady I exchanged emails with every few days for 4 months) they then buy from the other seller to save a few $$. Even had people ask for help after purchasing a machine from this other seller because I am the guy who knows these machines inside and out. Even though I spent a lot of time helping many last year decide on what model to purchase, my sales really suffered because I simply am not a high volume seller. Never had more than 4 machines listed at one time so I had the time to give personal service along with the sale. Now they can buy from the guy who has over 400 Bernina items listed that he bought off of eBay to resell. Sellers like that really screw up the market as people now need to compete with him for purchasing auction item Bernina accessories. Again something I would never do. I also restore running model gas engines, something that not that many people know how to do. So I have spent more time on that hobby/business this past year. I have many videos posted here of those engines. I do have about 10 Bernina 180 models and a bunch of accessories I need to sell off. I am not getting out of selling Berninas, just taking a well needed brake. Had this happen before on eBay and sellers like that never last that long. So we will see what happens. Thanks for watching my videos, Bill
I am trying to find you on on ebay. I am Sister Trish and am interested in purchasing aa used Bernina for quilting from you. There are 2 features that I need: Dual Feed BSR anything else would be frosting on the cake. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Blessings. Sister Trish
Hi, I have a Bernina Artista 200 with the embroidery module. When I took the class they told me how to embroider without pushing on the foot pedal the whole time. I cannot remember how to do it. It does not have a start button like I saw you demonstrate on the 640 model. Thanks
Joan Christen For the 200 and 730 models, this also includes the 165,170,180 and 185 models. You hold in the stitch reversing button. Not a quick push, hold it in till the machine starts. The machine will stitch a few stitches and stop. This is so you can cut off the extra thread that is there when it starts embroidering. Cut off the excess thread and hold in the reversing button again till the machine starts running. That's how you do it! Thanks for watching! Bill
On the needle shaft you will see a black plastic part that has a small arm on it. When doing a basting stitch that arm is pushed in slightly and a pin that is inside of that part is pulled out. That disengages the lower half of the needle shaft so the needle just stays up and skips a stitch when doing basting. Over time that assembly gets sticky and the pin won’t smoothly go back in place to lock the needle shaft. A quick fix is to pull the the shaft down to the sewing table and let go of it. A spring will pull it back up quickly. The shock if doing that a couple of times will loosen the pin and thus lock the shaft into one unit again. The long term fix is to remove the machines end cap and oil that black plastic part where the small black plastic lever is attached to get some lubrication into the pin. That will fix you up! Thanks for watching my videos😁
No problem calling me Joe. The name Joe Kind Is a fictitious name that I use on the Internet. I got a bit busy today and did not get the chance to make the two videos I an on making for you. One will be "how to remove the bobbin assembly" and the other will be "how to check trimming". I will post the videos on this site but I will have to email you a page or two from the manual as well.
Hi Bill. I have searched the internet for 3 hours trying to find an answer to a question: Why won't my Artista recognized the large and medium hoops, but does recognize the small hoop. It makes it a pain to use. Any ideas?
On the hoop just below the latching mechanism you will see some triangular shape ridges. When the machine first checks to see what hoop is attached to the module it moves the hoop towards you then away from you. When this happens you should hear a series of clicks. The clicks are those triangular shape ridges sliding over a black plastic switch lever on the modules arm. The large hoop has 4 and the medium hoop has 2. So these triangular shapes slide past the switch moving at all arm and that tells the machine what size hoop is on the module. If the hoop is not adjusted so it slides real close to the top surface of the module these triangular shapes can miss the switch and then the machine won't know what hoop is on the module. The height of the hoop can be adjusted by loosening the two screws that are on the latching assembly for the embroidery hoop. It also could have to do with the problem with the microswitch that clicks and to text what size hoop is on the machine. This is something that's rather hard to explain in an email but would be very easy to show in a video. I think I have some information about this in one of my videos that has to do with embroidery module testing. It would be best to take your machine to a Bernina dealer and have them check it out as it could be a very simple problem. Thats about the best information I can give you in the form of an email without making an actual video to show you what I'm talking about
Hi Donna, After writing my reply to you last night I thought of something else. A couple years ago I had a lady that purchase a Bernina from me and she had the same problem. Long story short, it ended up that she was trying to use the free arm adapter with the medium and large hoop. This free arm adapter is a plastic part that clips on to the machine then the module clips to the adapter. This is for use only with the small hoop. Do not use this adapter with the medium and large hoop! Clip the module directly on to the machine when using the medium and large hoop. I spent a lot of time with the lady who was using the free arm adaptor with the medium and large hoops.I had no idea why a recently serviced and tested machine would not detect the two larger hoops. I also had no idea that she had the embroidery module hooked up to the machine with the adapter. So this could be your problem. Should that not be your problem you can check out this video I have posted on CZcams. Put this in the search box..." Bernina 200 / 730 embroidery module test". Bill
My lightbulb needs to be replaced. The service man said it would be $250 for the bulb....saw it for $3.99 online? Is this true and do you have a video on replacing it on my Artista 180? thank you
Sandra Runyon There are two different lighting systems for your machine. The first is a simple lightbulb. That is what you are finding for $3.99 and even that price sounds high for a simple light bulb. Then there is the "U" shaped Bernina fluorescent sewing light that goes to the side and around the back of your needle area. Those sell for around $250 at the Bernina dealers. This brings up a great subject for another CZcams video as the $250 price tag for a light is a joke. The u-shaped fluorescent expensive light can be removed and you can simply plug a lightbulb in to the outlet but again that I should show people how to do that in a video as there is a bracket missing for the lightbulb outlet when you have the fluorescent sewing lite. You can find LCD lights that replace standard sewing light bulbs and they put off a lot of light and do not get hot like a regular bulb does. As soon as I get a chance I will make a video on this subject. You can email me at joekind@comcast.net for more information as I can email you photos if needed or a short video clip. Thanks for watching! , Bill
There is a screw on the bottom end of the bracket that comes down from the "side to side" motion stepper motor. This screw is just above the needle area. You need to remove the machines plastic end cap that is held on with just one screw. With the machine off, move the needle shaft from side to side. You will see the metal bracket that runs up to the stepper motor. The screw, located just above the needle is what you loosen for adjustment. You need to remove the top plastic off of the machine so you can get to the stepper motor as it must be pinned or set in its centered position before you set the needle in its centered position. You can't do one without doing the other as they both must be set to center positions. I use the stitch plate for lining up the needle and it's centered position. It's a simple fix but you can really mess things up if you don't know what you doing. If it sounds too complex I would suggest that you go to a Bernina dealer. Hope this helps.
Here is the information I have on that belt. On the bag that the belt comes in it says, Belt HTD 393-3M , Reorder part # 002397.51.00 On the cog belt itself there is the part number 0912DS. These belts are usually made by company's like Gates. So I have already looked up the part number that is on the belt and found replacements that was as Bernina does not actually manufacture belts. They purchase them from company's like Gates and put their own part number on the bag. That should be enough information for you to find the belt if you do not have a Bernina dealer to purchase one from. Just make sure when doing the replacement that you do not make the belt too tight. You should be able to flex the belt about a quarter of a inch , half inch when flexed both ways from center, when it's installed.
Hai Joe i have a big problem with My Bernina artista 165 . I take it mano time to fixed this problem but its After short time dame problem its not working stating button can you help me
HELLO JoeKind1958 I'VE JUST PURCHASED FOR MY NIECE'S FIRST SEWING MACHINE A BERNINA ACTIVA 140 BUT IT DIDN'T COME WITH A FOOT PEDAL, WHERE SHOULD I LOOK TO PURCHASE ONE? ALSO WHERE ARE YOU LOCATED I'M LOOKING TO GET IT CLEANED BEFORE GIFTING IT TO HER? THANK YOU
Sonja Bell Hi, I am located in Eastern Pennsylvania. I did see a few listed on eBay. Best price was $95 plus shipping. I would sell you one for $95 plus Priority postage. Please email me at joekind@comcast.net if you are interested. My name is actually Bill. Joe Kind is just a user name.
I don't get into doing any circuit board repairs unless it is a obvious problem like a blown resister or a cracked solder joint. There should be a lot of information on the internet about repairing circuit boards. Definitely not a job for someone that does not have experience with something like this.
Kathy Botard Just having a belt tensioner wheel lock up will not prevent you from turning the hand wheel. Newer models don't seem to have this problem as it has been corrected over the years. Your most likely problem might have to do with something jammed in the bobbin assembly like a broken needle or thread that has caught and wrapped around a moving part. If you can't find the problem and correct it then a trip to the dealer will be needed. Thanks for watching, Bill
Kathy Botard I did a real quick web search for a 930 motor. A couple web sites listed the motor as discontinued but they sell the motor brushes. That tells me that these motors are rebuildable. The motor brushes are what eventually wear down and the motor will no longer run. I think you need to find someone who can either rebuild or replace the motor for you if that is what the problem is. There still is the possibility that your 930 might have some other problems that could of caused a problem with the motor. Like a lack of maintenance/oiling and servicing that could of caused a extra load to be put on the motor. Sounds like you need to find a dealer or repair shop that knows something about this model to help you out. Bill
JoeKind1958 my husband took a look at it and said whatever (he told me but I don't remember) holds the bearings in was loose so he pushed it back on and for now it's working. since I haven't attached the motor I may go ahead and order a pair of motor brushes and let him put those in. how do you take the motor out of the black plastic that holds it in place? I knew to be careful but the top two snapped off. any suggestions on how to secure it if the superglue doesn't hold tight?
I am impressed, have an old 180, but Microsoft sent me a message they no longer support xp. So I am unable to use the old Dell computer to run it. Help!
Microsoft has not supported Windows XP for well over 10 years now. All that really means is that they are no longer updating the security part of the software. So can you still use XP, of course you can! I use XP all the time when I have the need to use older programs that will only work in XP. Since Microsoft is no longer making security updates for XP, the only thing you should avoid doing is going on the Internet. Do you have the need to go on the Internet with your old Dell computer ?
Bill, I hope you can help me. i bought a Bernina 200 13 years ago. I use the machine every now and then but not really much all the embroidery part. Last time I used it, the machine kept freezing. Had to turn it off, wait a few minuts and then it will go for about 3 minuts and go frozen again, and again... Took it to dealer and they charged me for doing the oiling maintenaince. The machine came back and it still doing same thing. Went back to dealer and they called me to say it needed a new mother board (don't kniw if that is what you refer as s or l Primy...???) but they want to charge $550dlls more and they offer no waranty at all for the new electronic board.... Having paid more than 6000 for this wonderful machine that I thought would last forever, it did not sounded a fair deal from Bernina... So the machine came back to me. Ina chat room people talking about same problem of freezing machine, they were saying that needed to download the firm ware or program once again. I wrote to customer service and they sent me a link for a program, downloaded that program but it looks like they did not send to me the right link as this is the program that one would use to creat a personal embroidery drawing.... So I wrote back to them. I still do not know if I will be able to get that fixed. Do you have any experience on these machines going frozen, what do you think it is. At this point I am. Kor even sure if the technitian with Bernina here is not just trying to get money and maybe my machine does not even need a new mother board...?.. Please let me know what your thoughts are. I wish you were in Texas, I would drive to get you to check on my machine. For what I see you are very knowledgable and hinest. Thank you so much. Gloriux
Did I respond to your question about your machine locking up? I was just checking through some of the questions I have been asked here on CZcams. Sometimes I do not get notices email to me that someone has asked a question. Sounds like you need a mini print board (it's a small circuit board that plugs into the main circuit board ). The miniprint board contains the ram memory for the computer in the machine. Original many print boards contained only 32 MB of memory. Updated miniprint boards the same ones that are used in a 730, contain 64 MB of RAM memory. Installing one of these will stop the lock up problem. Actually more important then a mini print upgrade would be to put the latest firmware and your machine. Earlier versions of the firmware did have problems with lock up. So a simple firmware upgrade to version 5 or at mr meat v4.51 might be all that you need. .
The trick is removing the cutting part off of the outside of the bobbin assembly. Most would tell you that you need to remove the complete bobbin assembly to remove the cutting blade, but it can be done without going through all that extra work. Its held on by two rather small and short screws. Should you loose one of those screws during removal or assembly you will need to go to a dealer to get another one. A small magnetic screwdriver is needed and just take your tine. I could make a "how to" video but I am afraid it will end up getting more people in trouble that it will help. On sharpening. I do it under a microscope and use a lightly abrasive silicone wheel for a variable foot, speed controlled Dremel type tool. I also found that using some lite sewing machine oil on the abrasive wheel gives a perfectly polished sharp edge. To sum it up. I believe it goes beyond most peoples skill level . If you can figure out how to remove the cutting blade you could go to a dealer and just purchase more. That would give you a extra one that you could try and sharpen yourself. its got to be razor sharp to cleanly cut thread.
@@JoeKind1958 Thanks Joe, that was helpful. I am quite keen to watch any videos you make because it helps me piece together how to whole machine works. I like getting any old machines I find going. My machine I bought new. I am going to carefully take it apart but binge watch lots of sewing machine repair videos like yours, again, first.
Hi there,I am buying a bernna artista 200 and the seller said when they turn on and sewing for alittle bit then it stopped for 15 mnutes and on,could you heip it work normally again?Thank you ,Tam,I am in Lakewood,WA 98499
tam le Sorry for not responding sooner. What happens when the machine stops? Does it completely turn off or does a message come up on the screen when it stops? I would need some more detailed information. The most common problem of having a machine stop during sewing or embroidery has to do with the upper and lower thread sensors. Especially the lower bobbin thread sensor. I do have some information about these sensors in my 200 and 730 videos as both the 200 and 730 are mechanically the exact same machines. I do have a super nice low hour 200 with embroidery up for sale right now on eBay. Bills Sewing Machine Garage is the name of my eBay store and bushvideo is my Ebay account user name. I can always sell at slightly lower prices in a direct sale off of eBay as I do not need to pay the ebay selling fees. I am located near Reading Pennsylvania so I am a long time US seller borne and raised in Pa. Give me some more details on the problem and possibly I can help. Bill, JoeKind is just a user name for CZcams
Tell you what.. I will make you a video tomorrow showing you how to check the timing of your 180. Doing this just for you and I don't want to leave the video up on this site for very long. Please message me back so I know you read this message, otherwise I won't make the video. I
I see you haven't come by for a while but I'll give it a shot. The feed dogs on my wife's Bernina 150 QE stopped moving the material (feeding). She's involved in her guild's quilt auction and can't wait 6-8 weeks for a repair. I'd try to fix it but I can't figure out how to remove the cover panels below the throat plate, and haven't been able to find a repair manual. The feed dogs move up and down but not forward and back. She said while feeding cloth through it made a sound like a spring breaking and the dogs stopped. Can you tell me what might have broken and how to get the cover panels off? Here is a picture of the machine oi66.tinypic.com/317d210.jpg
Jim SomethingElse You are in luck as that is a easy one to take off as it does not require removing all of the machines plastic like the newer models do. There is just one torx head screw that holds the cover in place. First remove the bobbin door. That just clips on so open it and carefully pull it out from the metal rod it’s clipped on to. The torx screw you need to access from the bottom end of the cover. There is usually a small oval plastic plug that unclips from the bottom plastic on the machine to the left under the bobbin area. Unclimbed that piece and you can go straight up to the torx screw that holds that cover on. More good news is that it’s likely that a return spring broke that brings the feed dogs back into position. I can send a photo to show you where to goes. Email me at joekind@comcast.net You need to clean and lubricate the plastic cam that raises and lowers the feed dogs while you are in there with a lite grease. Not sure if that model has a button to lock out the feed dogs but you better check as that could of been pressed. It’s on the bottom right on the hand wheel side. It should be in the out position. Check that first. Bill
U don't say what you are servicing in title, machine has no cover, I thought for help on serger. Somebody is going to screw up. Just saying. Wish you would help with my Bernina 1200da serger discontinued model. I love her but can't even find bulb. Good job
Dedra Skipworth it’s a 730 that I am showing in the video. The mechanics of that machine go back to around 1995. So what I am showing here covers a lot of models. See the video title. Sorry but I never got into servicing/repairing surgers. On the lightbulb, I do have a video on Bernina sewing lights. Many 12volt sewing machine bulbs are the same as what is used on cars like for interior or license plate bulbs. They are all 12volt bulbs as well. So those same bulbs have many different uses from cars to sewing machines. I explain more in my video “ Bernina sewing lights. How to update” Thanks for watching!
Update 2/18... The belt tension rollers in these machines, I am now replacing them with ball bearings. The way they should of been built in the first place !
You must first show how to mask off the machine while it is not easy, especially for the female sex. I'm specifically interested Bernina Virtuosa 160 I tried to but I could not do it as per your instruction.Can you help how to safely take off the mask and how these parts are removed to be cleaned. P.S. I am writing from Serbija not speak English, and I use Google translator, sorry if unclear writing. Thank you :)
Loz Marks Without looking at the machine I really could not guess as to what the problem might be. Did it work before servicing? It would be best to take it back to the place that did the servicing, especially if it worked okay before it was serviced.
No, it didn't work before either. He said mechanically it is sound but he's not competent enough to test the circuit board. Just wondered if there was a common fault or anything. Thanks for your reply
JoeKind1958 We have a Bernina activa 130 I was sewing all at once it tied up & you cannot turn the wheel, can you tell us how to remove the case so we can check the idler of the drive belt? We listen to your video ph # 4193047281 ask for Tom. Thank you
Hehe, If they did then the service people would have one less job to charge for "belt replacement". It's a tough world out there for sewing machine technicians in the age of the cheap disposable sewing machines. Keeping the valuable high end machines going it their primary income. In reply to your question, Singer started making direct drive domestic sewing machines in the 1930s. I believe the first model was the Singer 101. They continued to offer direct drive machines into the early 1970s.
The simple answer is , no not right now there is not anything up on eBay. I still have some 180 models, some parts, accessories and my 20 plus years of experience working on the models that I sold. In cases where someone has a dealer that can’t fix their problem or don’t have a dealer in their area they ship their machines to me for servicing or repair. That is if I still have the parts to fix their problem. Your name sounds familiar I believe I sold you a machine? When selling on eBay ( fee-bay as I call it) got to the point where ebay made more on a sale than I did, it was time to take a brake and turn my attention to something else. That’s a real shame after investing so much time and effort into what I did. The other big seller of Bernina items who is now on eBay is what I call a flipper. He buys most of what he sell on eBay. From sewing feet to machines and anything in between. Most of those items were purchased on eBay then resold at a higher price of ebay. He does not service or know how to service what he sells. So beware.
JoeKind1958 that is sad. i also stopped selling on ebay, quite a few years ago. No I have not bought a machine from you. But I really enjoy your videos. I learned a lot from them. There is always someone willing to rip people off, so sad.
You summed it all up by saying that “ Reputable service people are hard to find” For me, I am not a Bernina dealer and never had any training. Just very talented when it comes to anything mechanical. I found out 17 years ago when I started selling used Berninas on eBay that they needed to work perfectly before shipping them out. So I thoroughly tested each “dealer serviced” Bernina that I got in from a dealer, before listing it for sale. Let’s just sum that up by saying that I found a lot wrong over the years. So I found the need to do the service work myself. Asking the dealer hundreds of questions and taking a ton of notes over the years plus servicing hundreds of Berninas has brought me to where I am today. You could send 100 people to a dealer training seminar and only a few of them are going to walk away with an actual understanding of what they just watched. Those would be the mechanically talented people in that group. So just because the dealer has a piece of paper hanging on the wall saying that he’s factory trained to me that really means nothing as that guy/gal might not even know how to change the tire on his/her own car. So yes it comes down to the person on how much talent/experience they have and also how much time do they have to spend with your machine when they’re working on it. If they have a whole pile of machines to work on that day they’re going to cut corners to save time. I spend a day or two on just one machine before it goes on eBay. But I’m just a self-employed guy and don’t have a store to run and 10 machines that need to get finished today. It’s like cars. You might have that one man garage down the street that does a much better job for a fraction of the price than a dealer would. And everybody in town knows how good that guy is. So reputation has a lot to do with finding the right place and the right person who’s going to service your machine the way you want it serviced.
JoeKind1958 z
Do you service other peoples machines. I just inherited a Bernina 180 Special Edition 2000. It was used VERY litte. I want it serviced because it has been sitting for years. I really want someone good. I know nothing about this machine. I have a Viking topaz 50 that is a great machine but I am really looking forward to learning this machine. Where are you located? Could you please contact me if you are interested. The best way to contact me is to text me. I don't always answer my phone if I don't recognize the number. A text would be great. My number is 205-718-1050. Thank you!
bamababe75 Hi,
Due to ever increasing fees/costs on eBay I have taken a brake from working on / servicing Berninas, but I do know certain models inside and out like the 180. My workshop is in my home so I don’t have a the overhead of a store and all the expenses that go along with it. I am located near Reading Pennsylvania. I have had people either bring me their machines or ship them to me when they have no where else to turn. The problem is the cost for shipping both ways is about as much as I would get for a rather in depth service job. I really get into them when I do a service job usually spending about two days with just one machine. It’s way above and beyond what the dealers do as they are usually pressed for time and need to do a service job as quick as possible and that leads to skipping things and that leads to a poor job. Yea I have seen a lot of dealer serviced machines that were filthy inside. Most likely they just got a quick oiling and that’s it.
Should you go to a dealer to have it serviced please don’t let them talk you into making you think it’s an old outdated machine. That’s just a flat out lie, just a sales pitch to try and get you to buy a new overpriced machine.
It’s a real pet peeve of mine that when that 180 was sold as a new machine the sales pitch was that it was the machine that was going to last you a lifetime and you could hand it down to your grandkids. Just 10 years later that same dealer will tell you it’s an outdated machine and you need to buy something new.. That really ticks me off!
The truth is that the 180 is a fantastic machine capable of doing most anything that you can do on one of the latest models. And it’s one of a dying breed of machines that was actually manufactured in Switzerland.
I can be emailed at. joekind@comcast.net
Thanks for watching 😁
Far from amateurish, I enjoyed watching. I repair sewing machines, and have a love for the 1630, and older Bernina rotary models. I just got a "refurbished" 200 Artista off ebay, works great, looks great, but had a squeal to it.. turned out that timing tensioner was dry as a bone. This is an often overlooked moving part. The pfaff rotary models, 7570, 1475, etc.. also have a tensioner that's partially hidden. Awesome video, thanks!
Thank you for the nice comments. 😁
Thank you for your great information! I have a 185 machine, just upgraded and exchanged the two belt tension wheels with 4 ball bearings (model number:F695zz), also used some small washers. The machine works very good.
slingshot Now that's a fantastic idea!! I can't believe that I did not think of that. Thanks!!!!
thank you so very much.. I did get an instruction manual yesterday for service, but I don't get some of what it is saying so I would so appreciate that... thank you,, I think most people would watch it and not try it if they thought they could not do it, if you leave it up, we can at least see what should happen for service.. thank you so very much I greatly appreciate it.
lisa
Thanks for doing your video. Just a little help can make all the difference,
This is awesome. I wish you lived near me so I could have you service my machines! I am thinking that the service man in my area might not like me asking him to watch your video to make sure he services it correctly!
I know what you are saying.
You could say that someone told you that the idler tension wheel should be removed, cleaned and lubricated. This only seems to be a problem with the 100 series machines ( like the 155 through 185) along with the 200 and 730. I have never had any problems with that belt tensioner roller(s) on the 400 and 600 series machines and newer. Logic tells me that the problem came from what ever lubricant Bernina used on those models when they were assembled at the factory. What ever they used dried out with use and age. It turns brown and gets sticky and eventually completely prevents the wheel from turning. Then the belt just drags over the wheel and that is when problems start.
I serviced a low hour 730 a few weeks back. This was a machine that was recently dealer serviced. I could tell when I turned the hand wheel that the machine was very tight. Sure enough when I took it apart for servicing the idler wheel for the main belt was locked up!
Thanks for watching!
Thank you for that video. I am having problems with zig zag on my bernina activa 125. I have carefully taken it apart, but I will clean the idler and oil the cams. If I can't get it fixed I will take it in. But it's still helpful to know how to service. I'd bring it to you, but am in London. So a bit far.
Hello and thank you for your dedication to educate us about our machines...I have a Bernina 770QE i use it to do thread panting, sometimes the graphics came on canvas that has being primed so my machine get all dusty inside, my dealer is located far away and it cat take up to three weeks to get my machine back, I am asking you to please instruct me on how to open all the cover of my machine so i can clean it as needed, thanks, hope you can help me.
I love your videos! I have a Bernina 180, and after watching your video I'm sure I need to check and clean my idler tensioner. I am afraid of messing something up so I am wondering if it is hard to get out to clean and if it is hard to put back in. You showed it on the counter but I didn't see how you took it out. Another question is how to remove the cover to get into where the idler tensioner is located. I really want to clean it because the hand turner is very hard to turn and I want to fix it before it does something bad to my machine. :( Not sure if you will see my question here on CZcams but didn't know how else to contact you. Thanks again for helping so many of us in the sewing world. It is very kind of you to take the time!
Hi Bill. Thanks for all the great Bernina videos! My 200 with the 730 upgrade won't change stitch length. I tried swapping the knob with another machine and it didn't work so I'm thinking it must be the sensor on the board. Is it possible to clean or replace the sensor without replacing the board? Any advice you can give will be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Joleen from Maui
Hi Bill. I had messaged you on eBay regarding my mother's sewing machine, the Artista 180. It took a while but I finally found the time to meet up with my friend who has the knowledge and proper probe tools so we could test the Power Board as you suggested.
The wires going from the Power Board to the S-Board all tested okay. However the blue 5-pin (I think it's 5 pin) connection on the actual power board tested weird. It sits right next to the white 5-pin connection and next to that is a "diagram" of the pin outputs. The blue did not match up with the white at all, and in fact tested NEGATIVE ~35 volts on all the connections. While testing the connections we began to notice the burning electronic smell coming from that end of the board. So you may be right in that the board is providing improper power to the S-Board. I just hope that it hasn't caused damage to the S-Board.
We also noticed in two spots on the back of the power board, that there may have been a previous repair performed on it due to some different solder and a thread linking two different solder points.
How much would it be to send you the bad power board in exchange for a good power board? If this conversation needs to continue via email, just let me know. Thank you!
Hi , I got your message you left for me on eBay. Thanks for letting me know as I don't always get alerted when somebody posts a message on CZcams. Your message was a bit too long for the space that they provide so I did not get to read all of it. It does sound like from what you're saying that you do have a problem with the power board. Weather did any damage to the main print bored I would have no way of knowing that. When I get an electrical part from Bernina the old one is sent back so it's on an exchange basis. Some boards I get in have been repaired by Bernina. Usually the repair is in the form of a jumper wires soldered somewhere on the board itself. Sounds like you might have one of those. Before I run out of room here let me give you my email address. It's JoeKind@comcast.net
Can I do this myself or do I have to take it to a dealer? Awesome video!
I really like your information videos. How do I find a service person that is properly trained, will do what you say should be done on a "routine" servicing appointment? They can charge for all of your points but only complete the basic oiling that I do myself on a regular basis.
Reputable service people are difficult to find.
BILL. sorry I called you joe.. okay, I will be looking for the video when I get home from work sat/sun.. i work every weekend.. but i get home around 7pm and i will check for the video.. as soon as i watch it i will let you know.. i will download it for myself and you can take it off if you want.. THANKS so much
Hi there love your videos
I recently got a Bernina virtuosa 160 and the needle is slightly off centre and straight stitch has a slight wobble every now and then any idea how to fix this I’m in Australia
Hi Ive been watching you since you started this and your videos have made me find a bernina180...{from ebay} but I've had it for about 2 months and just today have finally had the time to use it, well when my arm touches the metal bed it shocks me and idler tension er is defiantly very dirty BC the hand wheal doesnt turn well as it should to say the least, however being shocked it my biggest problem do you have any idea what this could be?also where are you located?
thank you Sueellen
Hi Bill, not sure if you’re still available to help, I’ll send ya some money if you can help me. First off, thanks for the great vids.
Here’s the prob… I went to clean out the 180 bobbin/hook assembly after finding your video, cleaned a ton of thread that was wrapped behind the drive gear.
Long story short, my line-up marks for the bobbin and the belt got erased, which then led me to your timing vid…
I think I got the timing tweaked. I found out that the bernina wrench is the same diameter as the bar with the notch, and set the cam pin location. Then the bobbin shaft seemed to be super close i used an edge guide rod from a foot edge guide fit perfect, maybe a thousandth off before it slid in properly, so I left it there.
Then I adjusted the bobbin gear so that the needle eye, in the upstroke, is right at the tip of the hook, like the illustration you pointed to in the guide.
I cleaned all tensioners, reinstalled.
I Can’t get the top tension right, even after dialing into 7mm on the top manual spring tension adjustment dial, never had to do that before cleaning.
I didn’t oil anything in the thread path, and went through all of the digital adjustments, but i just can’t get this top thread to stay tight to the bottom.
Is there a possibility the timing is still messed up, or should I focus on the tension?
Thanks I really appreciate your help.
Setting the timing on a machine requires special tools and you would definitely need a service manual so you would need to take it to your local Bernina dealer.
In your case I guess it is possible that when pulling out the thread jam that the cog belt that drives the bobbin assembly jumped a notch in the cog belt in one direction or the other. That is a bit unlikely as it is very hard to make a cog belt slip like that, but I guess it could happen.
Hi Bill, lost my post! Came across this video in June and used it to clean my Bernina 180. Somewhere in process I messed up the timing so brought it to a local Bernina dealer who told me she could fix it while I waited. It is now late October and I still do not have my machine. It works if the cover is off but stops working if the cover is replaced. She says it needs a new board $400 and a new foot pedal. Sounds like a loose connection to me. Any thoughts? Love your videos.
I just do service work on the machines I sell on eBay and soon another selling site called Etsy. On both sites I use the same seller name of bushvideo My videos are just to give out advice and to show my customers the extra steps I take that many others overlook.
Without looking at your machine, I would say that the idler wheel that I talk about is locked up on your machine. That would be a dealer type of fix and it should not cost you very much. Thanks for watching! Bill
What exact type of grease do you recommend for the feed dog cam? 180 and the second cam that has a leaver in a slotted disk, is sticking due to old grease...
Really appreciate these videos, and I wish you were closer so I could bring my mom's machine to you. She had a CFL kit installed on her artista 170, but managed to break the bulb. I've clipped and removed the power supply board and installed a C555 bulb for now, but I think there's supposed to be some kind of lens or mount for it. Is there any chance I could buy the parts for a regular incandescent bulb from you? thanks!
Frank Siler When a regular bulb is used there is a bracket that holds that outlet. When the CFL is installed that bracket is removed so that outlet is loose to plug into the circuit power board for the CFL. I would bet that I have a couple of those brackets laying around. I did find a rather inexpensive LCD bulb that works great as a replacement for a regular light bulb. I have also done a custom install of a LCD light strip above the sewing table. You can email me at joekind@comcast.net .
Thanks for watching!
Nice video.have you any idea why the back light on the l.c.d display on my bernina activa 220 wont light up.
Hi Bill, I had a question about a Virtuosa 160 I own. My needle tightening screw had not been working properly, and then i found the threaded screw shaft bent throwing if off the alignment, shortly after while tightening my screw the threaded shaft snapped off. None of the shops are helpful and can answer any of my questions. Is the lower part of the main shaft that holds onto the needle separate, and can it be replaced? or do I need the whole main shaft replaced. And how much would it cost? I'm also quite sure the shop that worked on my machine prior bent the shaft so I don't trust them. Thank you.
You have one of those electronic problems that's a bit difficult to diagnose as it could be a couple of things causing your problem.
Since you do not have any power going to the lightbulb or possibly to your touchscreen I would start with the power board itself on the machine. Also known as the L-power print. If that does not do anything I would next try the S-print. That is the main board in the machine.
Fortunately I have a bunch of 180's so I would just swap out some parts till I find the defective board. That is about the best you can do when you get a strange problem like that.
The 180's are great machines, so it's well worth fixing. You just need to find a dealer that is willing to help and not charge you each time they try or replace a new electronic part as it will be trial and error tell you find the culprit.
The older machines like 1130 etc blow the L print too sometimes. It costs us about US$150 (inc tax) trade price and think that is to much. Was hoping you would know how to repair the PCB. The frequany supressor capacitor is a very common repair I do.
Hi
I have a virtuosa 150 and live in the UK. Unfortunately, sewing machine engineers and especially conscientious ones like yourself are difficult to find. On this basis, how difficult would it be to remove and service the idler tension wheels you have pointed out and what oil would you recommend for their lubrication. I am fairly mechanically competent and have stripped and reconstructed older Singer machines in the past, so I am not unduly phased at the task itself.
Thanks
Bill - I recently installed a new interference capacitor in a Bernina 930 Record. After the repair all works fine except now the motor is heard spinning while not sewing. Did I put the clutch mechanism on incorrectly or is there a broken part somewhere near the motor or the turn wheel? Help please - I really know nothing about these machines. The machine appears to sew just fine but the free spinning of the motor has been pointed out to me.
Hi Bill
I have the artista 180. The cutwork tool box says "compatible with 180.My machine is in V4.My dealer says Bernina did not send them the upgrade to the firmware in my country, so I will not be able to use it .The designer plus V7 has stumpwork ,this software is compatible to the 180 and the cutwork tool is used for this type of embroidery.I understand a different throat plate is required which is fine ,but not being able to use this lovely tool is causing me frustrations.Your views.?
Hi Bill I am have tension problems with my Bernette DECO 600. Tried to look for the tension bars you showed for the Bernina, but no luck. Do you have any thoughts on this or can you tell me where the tension bars are? I don't really need the machine and don't think at its age it is worth taking to a dealer but would like to fix it for my daughter. Thanks
Help! Cleaned the idler/tension bar and now the bobbin will not work. What did we do wrong? My Machine is a 200/730upgrade.
thank you but I need help now.. I have to reset my timing on my machine 180e.. can you do a quick video on how to do this on 180e, I can't afford to take it in right now and have it fixed and I have worked on many machines, but I was hoping you might be able to help me, the needle is hitting the race hook and breaking, I think what caused it is I had a thread jam using a heavy weight thread and pulled on it just a little, but I think that is what caused it.. help !!!!
i am trying to find a service manual for my bernina virtuosa 155. It is not available on the sites i am looking at, only for 130 140 150 160, is this the manual i need.
Thanks Anita
Hi Joe. I have a 200/730. My needle was off centered and my husband, who is a Mechanical Engineer, was going to fix it. At some point, the needle would not move at all. He quit and after a few days, I decided that I would account for the needle placement and took my machine back to my sewing room. When I turned it on, I got a message that it is in Security mode. Can you please tell me how to get out of it? I lived about 4-5 hours away from the closest Bernina dealer and cannot get up there. I am not worried about my husband fixing it at all. We just can't figure out how it got into the security mode. Thank you very much. Melody Kona
Thank you so much. It's good to know! Does this apply to the old models 1000 series too? I have a used 1001 and was wondering why my handwheel seemed tight.
I am not familiar with the 1000 series model so I don't know if they have any of the idler tension wheels. There are a lot of moving parts inside of any machine. So a good internal cleaning, inspection and lubrication is important in keeping all machines running. Any bearing surface can become gummy with old dried up oil deposits and dirt. You can also have broken thread wrapped around a moving mechanical part that can cause binding. These are all things that need to be checked when servicing any brand, make or model sewing machine.
So if you feel some tightness or binding I would strongly recommend having that machine serviced by a shop that has a good reputation in your area.
I got frustrated seeing the same simple problems over and over again with supposedly serviced machines. So somewhere along the line a few simple steps were skipped or simply not known about. That is why I made this video.
Happy sewing!
Thank you! :)
Hi Bill, your videos are great and very informative. I was wondering if you wouldn't mind taking time to tell me how you get off the front lower cover? I purchased 200/730 recently, took it to the nearest dealer for service. When I got home I realized that the machine is full of dirt on the inside of the bobbin case and to the right as far I could see. I suspect it wasn't cleaned at all. Can't figure it out how to take that cover off. I would greatly appreciate any help.
I did read your question about a month ago and intended on responding with a video. Just got busy with Christmas Bernina orders.
It is so easy to remove the free arm cover and its a perfect way to clean out lint build up by removing the cover. So this would be a good video to make.
The cover is held on by one torx head screw. Feel under the very end of this plastic cover and you will feel where the screw is. Just below the screw on the machines lower cover there is a oval plastic piece that pushes out from the bottom up. Now you can get to that screw. You must pull off the bobbin door and unplug the wire for the bobbin sensor that is located on the bobbin door. The free arm cover then pulls straight off. The trick is getting the cover back on and having the wire that goes to the bobbin sensor, back in the proper place otherwise it will get caught in a spring and wear through. This is why I need to show people in a video how to do this. It is the only way to properly clean out the lint.
Shame on the person who serviced your machine if they did not remove this part and clean out the lint. There are also parts under the cover that need to be greased and oiled as part of a proper servicing.
As soon as I get a chance I will make that video.
I did read your question about a month ago and intended on responding with a video. Just got busy with Christmas Bernina orders.
It is so easy to remove the free arm cover and its a perfect way to clean out lint build up by removing the cover. So this would be a good video to make.
The cover is held ob by one torn head screw. Feel under the very end of this plastic cover and you will feel where the screw is. Just below the screw on the machines lower cover there is a oval plastic piece that pushes out from the bottom up. Now you can get to that screw. You must pull off the bobbin door and unplug the wire for the bobbin sensor that is located on the bobbin door. The free arm cover then pulls straight off. The trick is getting the cover back on and having the wire that goes to the bobbin sensor, back in the proper place otherwise it will get caught in a spring and wear through. This is why I need to show people in a video how to do this. It is the only way to properly clean out the lint.
Shame on the person who serviced your machine if they did not remove this part and clean out the lint. There are also parts under the cover that need to be greased and oiled as part of a proper servicing.
As soon as I get a chance I will make that video.e
JoeKind1958 Thank you.
Just wondering on a 135 circuit fuse blows
Needle breaking hitting bobbin case. Help. Bernina 740 favorite 😢
Where are you located? I would love to have you service my machine.
Hello Joe, / Bill can you tell me if the Bernina Version 5 software is compatible with the 165 sewing machine, many thanks VAl
I've tried to find you at the eBay storefront you mentioned and couldn't get anything to come up on the search. I have a Bernina 180 that has been serviced multiple times because the idler belt keeps coming off after just a couple of hours of sewing. The handwheel is very hard to turn and I don't use it because I'm afraid of harming it. Your video confirms my fears. Would you be interested in servicing it? According to my Bernina Tech, the machine has less than 100 hours on it...Thanks!
Hi Joe. May I ask... how can I check the reverse button myself? It must have muck in it, because it doesnt want to reverse when i push it. Only sometimes if I push it really really hard.
Just wanted to let you know right away not to push too hard on the reversing button as it’s not a real heavy duty type of switch. You need to remove the front plastic off of the machine to get to the back of that button. There is only one screw that holds That assembly on the front cover so that’s why you don’t want to push on it that hard because you don’t want to break that screw out. I’m not sure if I show in any of my videos how to remove the front cover off of the machine. I’m not gonna have the time today to look through all my older videos and see if I have any information on removing the front plastic. I got out of selling and servicing Berninas around 2018 because I only sold on eBay and the cost to sell on that site have skyrocketed and in the end there was just nothing left for me after selling a Bernina. Long story short I just haven’t posted any Bernina videos in quite some time But I still do have about eight of the 180 models sitting around and could still post some videos if needed. Possibly making a video showing how to remove the plastic off the outside of the machine might be a good idea. Again it’s been a while so I’m not sure if I cover that in one of my videos if not let me know.
The spring on the upper thread path between the tension unit and the take up is not the tension spring, it is the check spring.
Hi Bill, upper thread tension is not enough tension to pull the lower thread up to balance,what else can we adjust?
Thanks,
tam le Hi, I do have a video entitled “Bernina upper thread tension” where I go into detail about thread tensions. If you have your upper tension as tight as it goes with the onscreen settings, that should actually be overly tight and you should be pulling bobbin thread up to the top or experience thread looping on the top. Could be that the bobbin tension is excessively tight causing a condition that no matter how tight you make the top thread it still is looping on the bottom. You should of purchased the machine from me and you would not be having all these problems. Though you do need to make adjustments with any machine depending on things like different thread brands as that will affect both upper and lower tensions. I set up the machines that I sell to work right out of the box. It just shows that you can save a few $$ by purchasing a machine from a seller who has no idea how these machines work or buy from me, the only Ebay seller who services what he sells. And I don’t sell recycled Ebay items that were purchases on eBay to resell on eBay like other sellers do. You might of purchased something that someone else had these problems with and that was why they sold it and the seller has no idea how to help you. As they say, you get what you pay for.
Hi Bill, I have a low mileage 2004 vintage Bernina Artista 165 with an apparent bad S Print board as the LCD lights up but does not display any characters.
Do you have boards available?
Or, can you point me at a board component that typically goes south...I may be able to solder in a replacement component?
*Last service was in 2010. Machine had 22 hours and 600k stitches at that time...Outfit servicing the machine reset timing due to skipping stitches on left side.
Machine has worked fine then about 8 months ago the LCD began to fade to black.....Re-powering would usually cure...became worse over time then...NADA.
Machine has always been on surge protector and not plugged in while idle.
Any words of wisdom would be appreciated.
Hi DC W,
Electronic problems can be tricky to diagnose. I have always had the luxury of having another model in stock that I can test out the different boards or displays on till I find the item that does not work.
In your case it could be the main print or the display itself. I would first try to sew with the machine. Even though you can not see the display, when the machine turns on in the sewing mode the straight stitch will be selected. So turn it on and try sewing with it. If all the boards are okay and it's just the display it should start sewing a straight stitch. If it does then try tapping on the center area of the screen and see if that selects a different stitch. If it does or even if it does not (but it did sew the straight stitch) I would suspect a problem with the display.
There are 3 parts to the display. The fluorescent light, the part that goes on the front of the display that is the touch sensitive part or front screen, and the display itself that is behind the front screen. I know with the 200/730 models you can individually replace some of these parts. On the 165 to 185 models I believe the LCD display is just one part.
So it could be a board, but I would first suspect the display itself.
My best advice would be to find a dealer that can help you with this problem. Someone that will not just charge you for parts that they think are bad and are not needed. But correctly diagnose the problem and just charge you for the needed part.
I hear way to many stories about the dealers that guess, replace a part, it was the wrong guess but the customer pays for their bad guess and wrong part anyway. Then they try and talk the person into a new machine! Or there are the places that say they can no longer get parts then they try and sell you a new machine. My answer to the ones who try and make a sale by saying you can no longer get parts is to respond by saying "why should I spend thousands on something you wont be able to get parts for in 12 years?" Their tone will quickly change... You can still get parts and the 165 is a fantastic machine.
I can get in parts for the machines that I service and sell, but I am not a Bernina dealer and cant get in parts for other people. So you need to find a GOOD dealer that will help and knows what they are doing when it comes to repairs.
I have a Bernina 180E. The touch screen is out. The light bulb won't come on. Touch screen is dark like no power. The machine turns on and will sew straight stitch. I can adjust stitch width, length and it will sew in reverse. I cannot change stitches or embroider. My best guess is the L print. Any suggestion? I have talked to a dealer repair person and a repair person at Bernina usa. They are baffled.
How do I take my 170 apart to check my sewing machine is there a book that I can get that would walk me though the steps to maintain my machine
Bill, I hope you get this message. I really need your help! Just had my Artista 180 serviced at a Bernina service center. I had to take it back again a month later for same problems. (Machine making a "clicking" sound from the bobbin area.) Serviceman mentioned something like rubber discs that act like brakes which get old and worn. The serviceman really doesn't want to work on my machine and says they don't like to spend $$ on such an old machine! Hey, I'm the one spending the $ and just want everything that needs fixing, to be fixed! He says problem is my oiling of the machine. I reviewed your video and now I oil it once every bobbin fill. Clicking is better, but not gone. Any suggestions?? Also, do you have a video on how to properly remove the outer panels on the machine so I can take a look inside? I KNOW the serviceman did only the very minimal cleaning and servicing, although I have paid nearly $300 so far. I am a very handy do-it-yourself type and with some instruction can fix about anything myself. By the way where are you? I would LOVE for you to work on my machine.
Hi Margaret, I just happened to catch your message shortly after it came in.
Mechanically except for the addition of the auto thread cutter on the 185, the 180 is mechanically the same machine as a 185, 200 and 730. I have serviced and repaired at least a couple of hundred of these models. I have to say that I know nothing about rubber discs that act as brakes. There are no rubber discs that act like brakes anywhere inside of the machine so I have no idea what that guy was telling you. The clicking could be several things . There is no real way I could give you any ideas on that without looking at your machine. Inside of bobbin hook assembly is a hard black plastic part that the hook rubs against when it’s rotating. They do wear down eventually then you get a metal against metal situation and that will create some noise. Most likely that noise will change for a while after being lubricated. I would suggest to remove the plastic cover that is under your sewing table so you can see what’s going on. You can sew with that cover off, just don’t stick your fingers in anything. The bobbin door snaps off and there is one torx head screw on the bottom end of that cover. Email me at joekind@comcast.net and I can email you a quick video showing you how to remove that plastic. You know the 180 is a fantastic machine capable of doing most anything one of the latest multi thousand dollar machines can do. Shame on the dealers who act like it’s some sort of old outdated model. Back when the 180 was sold as a new machine, people were told it would last them a lifetime. Something they could pass on to their grandchildren. Now they call it a old model . It’s more about selling new machines than offering service. Again, shame on them!
Can you explain how to remove the lower cover on my 160? We'd like to check some of these things, but can't get the cover to come off.
Hi,
The 160 on up through the 730 all come apart the same way. I have been out of the Bernina business for a few years and have also not looked at my videos in a long time. I would think that one of them should show how to remove the outside plastic. If not here is a quick run-through. All the covers are held on with torx screw head screws.
Remove the top cover held on with two screws. Next remove the end cap that covers the sewing light and foot area, held on with one screw. The plastic on the bottom of the sewing arm has one screw , on the bottom facing down at the end. Sometimes there will be a small plastic cap/cover that covers the access hole to get to the screw. Unclip the bobbin door (carefully this older plastic likes to break) Remove the screw and pull down on the cover and slide it out. Next you would remove the one long screw that holds on the power board assembly on the back of the machine. Keep track, make notes where any wires need to be unplugged. Once thats off the front and rear main plastic are just clicked into place, no other screws. The number one problem with these GREAT machines it the main belt tensioner wheel. I have a few videos on that subject. Its a shame that Bernina did not just use a couple of small ball bearings rather than a metal wheel on a metal shaft that eventually gunks up and the wheel stops turning, then either the motor or electronics burn out due to being overloaded or the belt gets worn through and breaks. Best of luck, keep your 160 running its much better than the Overpriced China crap that Bernina now sells.
Hi, I wonder if you can help me. I have just got a second hand artista 180 which was barely used. There is a strange problem where I can't change the stitch length periodically. If I take the top panel off and put it back again this seems to sort the problem for a while, but next time I use it, the problem has reoccurred. Have you any pointers for me to fix this problem? Thank you
On the inside of the machine there is an optical disc that is attached to the knob that you turn for the stitch length. On the circuitboard there is an optical sensor that detects the movement of disc. One or both is most likely dirty with dust or something so the optical sensor is not detecting the movement of that disc. Take off the top of the machine and the plastic end cap cover that is just above the needle area. With those two items off you can pull the front cover away from the machine a little bit without the need for disconnecting any of the wires that are plugged in across the top of the circuit board. Turn the knob and you should be able to see the plastic disc turning against the circuit board. Blow some air in there to clean out any dust that might be accumulated in this should fix the problem. . Be careful if you are using canned air. If you tilt the can to much the propellant will come out and that can damage electronic parts.
Hi, Thank you for getting back to me. I followed your instructions, but it hasnt fixed the issue. I noticed that it works fine when the top is off but stops again when I put it back on. I wondered if its just not getting enough light for the detector to work? Have you any ideas? Thank you :)
The amount of light with the top off really has nothing to do with the optical sensor. Possibly removing the top mover one of the circuit boars connectors slightly and then it makes a connection. As you know when the top is off you can see all of those plug in connectors along the top front of the circuit board. How about, one at a time, unplug each one then plug it back in. Just do one at a time so you don't mix any up. Possibly one of those connectors is loose or not making a good connection. And when you remove the top of the machine one of those connectors moves and then makes a connection? Its worth a try.
Hello Joe, I have a Bernina 180, for some reason, the needle will not move at all. We have looked to try to figure the problem. would you happen to know the cause.
As long as you have do not have a broken belt. Most likely the basting stitch lever assembly needs oil. Take the plastic end cap off of the machine. It's belt on by one t-20 torx head screw. Once off turn the machine with the hand wheel and locate the needle shaft. You will see a metal part with a black plastic lever going up and down on the needle shaft. That black plastic lever, when pressed in by the basting solenoid, keeps the needle from going up and down by pulling out a locking pin. If this assembly has not been oiled in a long time this pin can stick. Just get some good sewing machine oil in around the black plastic lever. You can usually unstick the pin by pulling down the needle shaft and letting it go. This most likely will loosen the pin making it engage. The oil should prevent this from happening again for along time.
This pin can also stick in the in position preventing the machine from doing a basting stitch.
This should help.
My real name is Bill
I'm having trouble locating your 'Seller site' on ebay under the bushvideo name ? Any suggesstions or hints ? Do I look via their advance search function ? thanks
Adrienne Kilbride Hi, thanks for asking. It’s easy to find me on eBay by using my eBay store name in a web search. My eBay store name is Bills Sewing Machine Garage . So do a web search for that ebay store and it should come up near the top in any web search. Right now as of 7-29-18 I do not have any Bernina items listed. I have taken a bit of a brake this year on selling Berninas. One main reason has to do with another ebay Bernina seller who is dominating the Bernina market on eBay by purchasing lots of Berninas machines and accessories on eBay then reselling those same items back on eBay. Something I would never do as it has really messed up the Bernina category on eBay. This person has no idea how to repair or service a what he sells. It’s more about having a ton of items listed and making $$. I had many people asking me questions about Berninas then after helping them for many weeks, ( one lady I exchanged emails with every few days for 4 months) they then buy from the other seller to save a few $$. Even had people ask for help after purchasing a machine from this other seller because I am the guy who knows these machines inside and out. Even though I spent a lot of time helping many last year decide on what model to purchase, my sales really suffered because I simply am not a high volume seller. Never had more than 4 machines listed at one time so I had the time to give personal service along with the sale. Now they can buy from the guy who has over 400 Bernina items listed that he bought off of eBay to resell. Sellers like that really screw up the market as people now need to compete with him for purchasing auction item Bernina accessories. Again something I would never do. I also restore running model gas engines, something that not that many people know how to do. So I have spent more time on that hobby/business this past year. I have many videos posted here of those engines.
I do have about 10 Bernina 180 models and a bunch of accessories I need to sell off. I am not getting out of selling Berninas, just taking a well needed brake. Had this happen before on eBay and sellers like that never last that long. So we will see what happens. Thanks for watching my videos, Bill
Elna/Janome Sewing machines also suffer from belt tensioners not being oiled.
It's a small , easy to matin item that is frequently overlooked. Yet it can cause so many problems.
I am trying to find you on on ebay. I am Sister Trish and am interested in purchasing aa used Bernina for quilting from you. There are 2 features that I need: Dual Feed BSR anything else would be frosting on the cake. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Blessings. Sister Trish
Hi, I have a Bernina Artista 200 with the embroidery module. When I took the class they told me how to embroider without pushing on the foot pedal the whole time. I cannot remember how to do it. It does not have a start button like I saw you demonstrate on the 640 model. Thanks
Joan Christen For the 200 and 730 models, this also includes the 165,170,180 and 185 models. You hold in the stitch reversing button. Not a quick push, hold it in till the machine starts. The machine will stitch a few stitches and stop. This is so you can cut off the extra thread that is there when it starts embroidering. Cut off the excess thread and hold in the reversing button again till the machine starts running. That's how you do it!
Thanks for watching! Bill
Thanks so much!
I have a 180 that the needle will not go up and down? any ideas. It has not been used in quite a while.
On the needle shaft you will see a black plastic part that has a small arm on it. When doing a basting stitch that arm is pushed in slightly and a pin that is inside of that part is pulled out. That disengages the lower half of the needle shaft so the needle just stays up and skips a stitch when doing basting. Over time that assembly gets sticky and the pin won’t smoothly go back in place to lock the needle shaft. A quick fix is to pull the the shaft down to the sewing table and let go of it. A spring will pull it back up quickly. The shock if doing that a couple of times will loosen the pin and thus lock the shaft into one unit again.
The long term fix is to remove the machines end cap and oil that black plastic part where the small black plastic lever is attached to get some lubrication into the pin. That will fix you up!
Thanks for watching my videos😁
No problem calling me Joe. The name Joe Kind Is a fictitious name that I use on the Internet. I got a bit busy today and did not get the chance to make the two videos I an on making for you. One will be "how to remove the bobbin assembly" and the other will be "how to check trimming". I will post the videos on this site but I will have to email you a page or two from the manual as well.
Hi Bill. I have searched the internet for 3 hours trying to find an answer to a question: Why won't my Artista recognized the large and medium hoops, but does recognize the small hoop. It makes it a pain to use. Any ideas?
On the hoop just below the latching mechanism you will see some triangular shape ridges. When the machine first checks to see what hoop is attached to the module it moves the hoop towards you then away from you. When this happens you should hear a series of clicks. The clicks are those triangular shape ridges sliding over a black plastic switch lever on the modules arm. The large hoop has 4 and the medium hoop has 2.
So these triangular shapes slide past the switch moving at all arm and that tells the machine what size hoop is on the module. If the hoop is not adjusted so it slides real close to the top surface of the module these triangular shapes can miss the switch and then the machine won't know what hoop is on the module. The height of the hoop can be adjusted by loosening the two screws that are on the latching assembly for the embroidery hoop. It also could have to do with the problem with the microswitch that clicks and to text what size hoop is on the machine.
This is something that's rather hard to explain in an email but would be very easy to show in a video. I think I have some information about this in one of my videos that has to do with embroidery module testing.
It would be best to take your machine to a Bernina dealer and have them check it out as it could be a very simple problem.
Thats about the best information I can give you in the form of an email without making an actual video to show you what I'm talking about
Hi Donna,
After writing my reply to you last night I thought of something else. A couple years ago I had a lady that purchase a Bernina from me and she had the same problem. Long story short, it ended up that she was trying to use the free arm adapter with the medium and large hoop. This free arm adapter is a plastic part that clips on to the machine then the module clips to the adapter. This is for use only with the small hoop.
Do not use this adapter with the medium and large hoop! Clip the module directly on to the machine when using the medium and large hoop.
I spent a lot of time with the lady who was using the free arm adaptor with the medium and large hoops.I had no idea why a recently serviced and tested machine would not detect the two larger hoops. I also had no idea that she had the embroidery module hooked up to the machine with the adapter.
So this could be your problem.
Should that not be your problem you can check out this video I have posted on CZcams. Put this in the search box..." Bernina 200 / 730 embroidery module test".
Bill
My lightbulb needs to be replaced. The service man said it would be $250 for the bulb....saw it for $3.99 online? Is this true and do you have a video on replacing it on my Artista 180? thank you
Sandra Runyon There are two different lighting systems for your machine. The first is a simple lightbulb. That is what you are finding for $3.99 and even that price sounds high for a simple light bulb. Then there is the "U" shaped Bernina fluorescent sewing light that goes to the side and around the back of your needle area. Those sell for around $250 at the Bernina dealers.
This brings up a great subject for another CZcams video as the $250 price tag for a light is a joke. The u-shaped fluorescent expensive light can be removed and you can simply plug a lightbulb in to the outlet but again that I should show people how to do that in a video as there is a bracket missing for the lightbulb outlet when you have the fluorescent sewing lite.
You can find LCD lights that replace standard sewing light bulbs and they put off a lot of light and do not get hot like a regular bulb does.
As soon as I get a chance I will make a video on this subject. You can email me at joekind@comcast.net for more information as I can email you photos if needed or a short video clip.
Thanks for watching! , Bill
Where are you located? And thanks for all the info you have provided.
I am located in Eastern Pennsylvania.
@@JoeKind1958 is it possible for me to drop off my Artista 170 with you for service?
Hey 🤔 Hola 😎 my Bernina 730 just stop doesn't want to run I I put some oil but nothing HELP ME Plz❣️thanks ❣️😎👈
hello...I'm wondering if you know how to calibrate a needle?
There is a screw on the bottom end of the bracket that comes down from the "side to side" motion stepper motor. This screw is just above the needle area. You need to remove the machines plastic end cap that is held on with just one screw. With the machine off, move the needle shaft from side to side. You will see the metal bracket that runs up to the stepper motor. The screw, located just above the needle is what you loosen for adjustment. You need to remove the top plastic off of the machine so you can get to the stepper motor as it must be pinned or set in its centered position before you set the needle in its centered position. You can't do one without doing the other as they both must be set to center positions. I use the stitch plate for lining up the needle and it's centered position. It's a simple fix but you can really mess things up if you don't know what you doing. If it sounds too complex I would suggest that you go to a Bernina dealer. Hope this helps.
what is the belt called from handcrank to main motor, I need to replace on a 730 I dont know where to get or what its called
Here is the information I have on that belt. On the bag that the belt comes in it says, Belt HTD 393-3M , Reorder part # 002397.51.00 On the cog belt itself there is the part number 0912DS. These belts are usually made by company's like Gates. So I have already looked up the part number that is on the belt and found replacements that was as Bernina does not actually manufacture belts. They purchase them from company's like Gates and put their own part number on the bag. That should be enough information for you to find the belt if you do not have a Bernina dealer to purchase one from. Just make sure when doing the replacement that you do not make the belt too tight. You should be able to flex the belt about a quarter of a inch , half inch when flexed both ways from center, when it's installed.
Nate's IT - Computer Services & PC Repair I have Bernina B 710 and its said the main drive sync failed
Hai Joe i have a big problem with My Bernina artista 165 . I take it mano time to fixed this problem but its After short time dame problem its not working stating button can you help me
HELLO JoeKind1958 I'VE JUST PURCHASED FOR MY NIECE'S FIRST SEWING MACHINE A BERNINA ACTIVA 140 BUT IT DIDN'T COME WITH A FOOT PEDAL, WHERE SHOULD I LOOK TO PURCHASE ONE? ALSO WHERE ARE YOU LOCATED I'M LOOKING TO GET IT CLEANED BEFORE GIFTING IT TO HER? THANK YOU
Sonja Bell Hi,
I am located in Eastern Pennsylvania.
I did see a few listed on eBay. Best price was $95 plus shipping. I would sell you one for $95 plus Priority postage. Please email me at joekind@comcast.net if you are interested. My name is actually Bill. Joe Kind is just a user name.
i also want you to know i posted this video on fixya for people who just want to see the inside of the machine etc.. lisa
Can you repair the L Prints. If so can you show me how.
I don't get into doing any circuit board repairs unless it is a obvious problem like a blown resister or a cracked solder joint. There should be a lot of information on the internet about repairing circuit boards. Definitely not a job for someone that does not have experience with something like this.
Hi Joe. I just bought a bernina 930 and the handwheel will not turn by hand. Does this model have the same idler tensioner?
Kathy Botard Just having a belt tensioner wheel lock up will not prevent you from turning the hand wheel. Newer models don't seem to have this problem as it has been corrected over the years. Your most likely problem might have to do with something jammed in the bobbin assembly like a broken needle or thread that has caught and wrapped around a moving part. If you can't find the problem and correct it then a trip to the dealer will be needed.
Thanks for watching,
Bill
It's the fan belt motor. It's shot, can it be overhauled?
Kathy Botard I did a real quick web search for a 930 motor. A couple web sites listed the motor as discontinued but they sell the motor brushes. That tells me that these motors are rebuildable. The motor brushes are what eventually wear down and the motor will no longer run.
I think you need to find someone who can either rebuild or replace the motor for you if that is what the problem is. There still is the possibility that your 930 might have some other problems that could of caused a problem with the motor. Like a lack of maintenance/oiling and servicing that could of caused a extra load to be put on the motor.
Sounds like you need to find a dealer or repair shop that knows something about this model to help you out.
Bill
JoeKind1958 my husband took a look at it and said whatever (he told me but I don't remember) holds the bearings in was loose so he pushed it back on and for now it's working. since I haven't attached the motor I may go ahead and order a pair of motor brushes and let him put those in.
how do you take the motor out of the black plastic that holds it in place? I knew to be careful but the top two snapped off. any suggestions on how to secure it if the superglue doesn't hold tight?
and should we put lubricant on the bearings? he said the motor looked good and clean and didn't feel he needed to.
I am impressed, have an old 180, but Microsoft sent me a message they no longer support xp. So I am unable to use the old Dell computer to run it. Help!
Microsoft has not supported Windows XP for well over 10 years now. All that really means is that they are no longer updating the security part of the software. So can you still use XP, of course you can! I use XP all the time when I have the need to use older programs that will only work in XP.
Since Microsoft is no longer making security updates for XP, the only thing you should avoid doing is going on the Internet. Do you have the need to go on the Internet with your old Dell computer ?
Bill, I hope you can help me. i bought a Bernina 200 13 years ago. I use the machine every now and then but not really much all the embroidery part. Last time I used it, the machine kept freezing. Had to turn it off, wait a few minuts and then it will go for about 3 minuts and go frozen again, and again... Took it to dealer and they charged me for doing the oiling maintenaince. The machine came back and it still doing same thing. Went back to dealer and they called me to say it needed a new mother board (don't kniw if that is what you refer as s or l Primy...???) but they want to charge $550dlls more and they offer no waranty at all for the new electronic board.... Having paid more than 6000 for this wonderful machine that I thought would last forever, it did not sounded a fair deal from Bernina... So the machine came back to me. Ina chat room people talking about same problem of freezing machine, they were saying that needed to download the firm ware or program once again. I wrote to customer service and they sent me a link for a program, downloaded that program but it looks like they did not send to me the right link as this is the program that one would use to creat a personal embroidery drawing.... So I wrote back to them. I still do not know if I will be able to get that fixed. Do you have any experience on these machines going frozen, what do you think it is. At this point I am. Kor even sure if the technitian with Bernina here is not just trying to get money and maybe my machine does not even need a new mother board...?.. Please let me know what your thoughts are. I wish you were in Texas, I would drive to get you to check on my machine. For what I see you are very knowledgable and hinest. Thank you so much. Gloriux
Did I respond to your question about your machine locking up? I was just checking through some of the questions I have been asked here on CZcams. Sometimes I do not get notices email to me that someone has asked a question.
Sounds like you need a mini print board (it's a small circuit board that plugs into the main circuit board ). The miniprint board contains the ram memory for the computer in the machine. Original many print boards contained only 32 MB of memory. Updated miniprint boards the same ones that are used in a 730, contain 64 MB of RAM memory. Installing one of these will stop the lock up problem. Actually more important then a mini print upgrade would be to put the latest firmware and your machine. Earlier versions of the firmware did have problems with lock up. So a simple firmware upgrade to version 5 or at mr meat v4.51 might be all that you need. .
It would be good to see how to sharpen the thread cutter with a dremel. I have a dremel. I could probably manage it.
The trick is removing the cutting part off of the outside of the bobbin assembly. Most would tell you that you need to remove the complete bobbin assembly to remove the cutting blade, but it can be done without going through all that extra work. Its held on by two rather small and short screws. Should you loose one of those screws during removal or assembly you will need to go to a dealer to get another one.
A small magnetic screwdriver is needed and just take your tine.
I could make a "how to" video but I am afraid it will end up getting more people in trouble that it will help.
On sharpening. I do it under a microscope and use a lightly abrasive silicone wheel for a variable foot, speed controlled Dremel type tool. I also found that using some lite sewing machine oil on the abrasive wheel gives a perfectly polished sharp edge.
To sum it up. I believe it goes beyond most peoples skill level .
If you can figure out how to remove the cutting blade you could go to a dealer and just purchase more. That would give you a extra one that you could try and sharpen yourself. its got to be razor sharp to cleanly cut thread.
@@JoeKind1958 Thanks Joe, that was helpful. I am quite keen to watch any videos you make because it helps me piece together how to whole machine works. I like getting any old machines I find going. My machine I bought new. I am going to carefully take it apart but binge watch lots of sewing machine repair videos like yours, again, first.
Where are you located?
🤺💐
Hi Bill I have e cuesteion I by e foot for my Bernina 200 model 730 don't fret es too beg for my 200 way
Hi there,I am buying a bernna artista 200 and the seller said when they turn on and sewing for alittle bit then it stopped for 15 mnutes and on,could you heip it work normally again?Thank you ,Tam,I am in Lakewood,WA 98499
tam le Sorry for not responding sooner. What happens when the machine stops? Does it completely turn off or does a message come up on the screen when it stops? I would need some more detailed information. The most common problem of having a machine stop during sewing or embroidery has to do with the upper and lower thread sensors. Especially the lower bobbin thread sensor. I do have some information about these sensors in my 200 and 730 videos as both the 200 and 730 are mechanically the exact same machines. I do have a super nice low hour 200 with embroidery up for sale right now on eBay. Bills Sewing Machine Garage is the name of my eBay store and bushvideo is my Ebay account user name. I can always sell at slightly lower prices in a direct sale off of eBay as I do not need to pay the ebay selling fees. I am located near Reading Pennsylvania so I am a long time US seller borne and raised in Pa. Give me some more details on the problem and possibly I can help. Bill, JoeKind is just a user name for CZcams
Tell you what.. I will make you a video tomorrow showing you how to check the timing of your 180. Doing this just for you and I don't want to leave the video up on this site for very long. Please message me back so I know you read this message, otherwise I won't make the video. I
I see you haven't come by for a while but I'll give it a shot.
The feed dogs on my wife's Bernina 150 QE stopped moving the material (feeding). She's involved in her guild's quilt auction and can't wait 6-8 weeks for a repair. I'd try to fix it but I can't figure out how to remove the cover panels below the throat plate, and haven't been able to find a repair manual. The feed dogs move up and down but not forward and back. She said while feeding cloth through it made a sound like a spring breaking and the dogs stopped. Can you tell me what might have broken and how to get the cover panels off? Here is a picture of the machine oi66.tinypic.com/317d210.jpg
Jim SomethingElse You are in luck as that is a easy one to take off as it does not require removing all of the machines plastic like the newer models do. There is just one torx head screw that holds the cover in place. First remove the bobbin door. That just clips on so open it and carefully pull it out from the metal rod it’s clipped on to. The torx screw you need to access from the bottom end of the cover. There is usually a small oval plastic plug that unclips from the bottom plastic on the machine to the left under the bobbin area. Unclimbed that piece and you can go straight up to the torx screw that holds that cover on. More good news is that it’s likely that a return spring broke that brings the feed dogs back into position. I can send a photo to show you where to goes. Email me at joekind@comcast.net You need to clean and lubricate the plastic cam that raises and lowers the feed dogs while you are in there with a lite grease. Not sure if that model has a button to lock out the feed dogs but you better check as that could of been pressed. It’s on the bottom right on the hand wheel side. It should be in the out position. Check that first. Bill
U don't say what you are servicing in title, machine has no cover, I thought for help on serger.
Somebody is going to screw up. Just saying. Wish you would help with my Bernina 1200da serger discontinued model. I love her but can't even find bulb.
Good job
Dedra Skipworth it’s a 730 that I am showing in the video. The mechanics of that machine go back to around 1995. So what I am showing here covers a lot of models. See the video title. Sorry but I never got into servicing/repairing surgers. On the lightbulb, I do have a video on Bernina sewing lights. Many 12volt sewing machine bulbs are the same as what is used on cars like for interior or license plate bulbs. They are all 12volt bulbs as well. So those same bulbs have many different uses from cars to sewing machines. I explain more in my video “ Bernina sewing lights. How to update” Thanks for watching!
Update 2/18... The belt tension rollers in these machines, I am now replacing them with ball bearings. The way they should of been built in the first place !
You must first show how to mask off the machine while it is not easy, especially for the female sex. I'm specifically interested Bernina Virtuosa 160 I tried to but I could not do it as per your instruction.Can you help how to safely take off the mask and how these parts are removed to be cleaned.
P.S. I am writing from Serbija not speak English, and I use Google translator, sorry if unclear writing.
Thank you :)
Hello, I have a Bernina Activa 220 which isn't going into reverse. Just been serviced so everything is correctly lubricated. Any ideas?
Loz Marks Without looking at the machine I really could not guess as to what the problem might be. Did it work before servicing? It would be best to take it back to the place that did the servicing, especially if it worked okay before it was serviced.
No, it didn't work before either. He said mechanically it is sound but he's not competent enough to test the circuit board. Just wondered if there was a common fault or anything. Thanks for your reply
JoeKind1958 We have a Bernina activa 130 I was sewing all at once it tied up & you cannot turn the wheel, can you tell us how to remove the case so we can check the idler of the drive belt? We listen to your video ph # 4193047281 ask for Tom. Thank you
Hi
LOL its 2019.... and no one has made a direct drive domestic sewing machine?
Hehe, If they did then the service people would have one less job to charge for "belt replacement". It's a tough world out there for sewing machine technicians in the age of the cheap disposable sewing machines. Keeping the valuable high end machines going it their primary income. In reply to your question, Singer started making direct drive domestic sewing machines in the 1930s. I believe the first model was the Singer 101. They continued to offer direct drive machines into the early 1970s.
Are you still selling machines.
The simple answer is , no not right now there is not anything up on eBay. I still have some 180 models, some parts, accessories and my 20 plus years of experience working on the models that I sold. In cases where someone has a dealer that can’t fix their problem or don’t have a dealer in their area they ship their machines to me for servicing or repair. That is if I still have the parts to fix their problem. Your name sounds familiar I believe I sold you a machine?
When selling on eBay ( fee-bay as I call it) got to the point where ebay made more on a sale than I did, it was time to take a brake and turn my attention to something else. That’s a real shame after investing so much time and effort into what I did.
The other big seller of Bernina items who is now on eBay is what I call a flipper. He buys most of what he sell on eBay.
From sewing feet to machines and anything in between. Most of those items were purchased on eBay then resold at a higher price of ebay. He does not service or know how to service what he sells. So beware.
JoeKind1958 that is sad. i also stopped selling on ebay, quite a few years ago. No I have not bought a machine from you. But I really enjoy your videos. I learned a lot from them. There is always someone willing to rip people off, so sad.