For the last four years that I've owned it, I service my 1947 featherweight myself. I oil/clean it after I use 12 bobbins. About once a year, I grease it. I change the needle after four bobbins. I know how many bobbins I use because I fill 12 at a time.

I have got a Janome 6600p - a very nice machine. I also have a featherweight, manufactured in 1953. Do you ladies with featherweights service them yourselves, and how often would you oil them etc? Thanks!

I have a 42-year-old Bernina 730 that my mother bought new for $600. That was a huge amount at the time! It's the greatest machine. If you can't afford a computerized machine, I'd suggest you buy a mechanical Bernina. I think they still make one . . . is it the 1008?

I also have three Featherweights, which I take to classes and retreats (well, I only take one at a time), and nine other old black Singers. I love them all!

I have a Janome 6500 that I use for most of my quilting and also a Janome 10001 that embroiders and does just about everything else. The 6500 has a bigger harp space and that is the main reason I bought it, also if one breaks down I have a spare machine.
I would look into the Janome 7700, it has just come out and it looks like it would really be a workhorse.

Marge

i bought old Bernina like an old boot, but it is so great that i love it!! cant without it!
i was afraid at the beginning to buy 2nd hand sewing machine, but if you have a good trusted source than you can have 1 year guaranty just in case some thing goes wrong

I have 3 Pfaff machines -- oops, 4. I own 2 embroidery machines, a quilting machine and a "Pfaff" serger (Hobbylock). My mother (God rest her soul) was a Pfaff person, also. She had a machine that she bought in 1950 that one of my nieces is STILL using! It just goes and goes and goes. She takes it in to the dealer every year for a "well baby check" and he's amazed EVERY TIME! He wants to buy it, but, of course, she won't sell. I love my machines because they are very reliable. I don't have much trouble with any of them, at all. I like reliability in the things I buy. Did you know that Pfaff came out with a built-in walking foot in 1990? The first model is one of the machine I have and it, too, is still just going and going. (I guess I really have 5 Pfaffs -- I don't use this one much. It's stored in a closet and I take it out to run it every 2 months so that it won't ' "gum up" (or whatever technical term they're using now).

Twenty years ago I purchased a Bernina 150 and liked it. Last year I traded it in for an upgraded Bernina 200 "trade in". My Bernina dealer gave us a good price and I was able to add the BSR. Now I love my Bernina, I can do more with my machine (multiple decorative stitches, embroider, and quilt). My suggestion is to look at the used machines, talk to the dealer, let the dealer know what you want, be patient, it'll come.
Funny the relationship we form with these machines, because my was used I call it "Father John" after the person who previously owned it. Good Luck.

stmpr2 wrote: Yes, indeed. They have a personality and become like a pet sometimes. I suspect it's part of our personality we endow on them, but fun and makes them hard to part with them nevertheless. Cheers, BJ

Although I love the 730, I've been thinking of selling it. I originally thought I'd keep it to take to classes but our local store provides machines if you ask and it seems like a waste just having it sitting there. I'd keep the Quattro of course for a back up for when the 830 has to go in for service and maybe get an inexpensive smaller machine if I ever need to take one to a class. Funny how we form a relationship with these machines and find it hard to part with them. HMMMMMMMMMMM.....Phyl

I have a Janome 6500 and love it. Had two Bernina's before, but just couldn't afford a new one, so looked at the Janome and so far so good. Had it for about 5 years now.

stmpr2 wrote: Phyl, Do you find you need both the 830 and the 730? I've been thinking of selling my 200E/update730 and buying the 830. I also have an older 1240 that I love.

You are a lucky girl aren't you!

I have a new 830, bernina 730, and a quattro. Each one has features that I love but all in all, each of them are great machines.
Phyl

I have a Brother Quarttro. Have only had it for about 6 months, but love it. Prior to that I had a used Brother for about 9 months and a Singer before that