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Bernina 5 Series as Travel Machine? Is the Bernina 5 Series light for travel?
susyqueue Intermediate Member since 2011 Posts: 31	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 11/9/11 8:59 AM I'm interested in buying a Bernina sewing machine that I can use for classes and travel - my Viking 150 which I've trusted for quilting all these years is on its last leg. I LOVE the Bernina 550, and I think I'd like to have a machine with BSR, but I'm wondering if it's going to be too heavy. Does anyone have one, or a suggestion? My dream by the way is to someday get an 830..but alas that may remain a dream. Thanks! ------ "Look at the donut, not at the hole" Bernina 830 and 215, Featherweight 221 and 222k, Viking 150e
SewBusy63 Advanced IA USA Member since 2007 Posts: 1508	Login to reply to this post In reply to susyqueue Like this post Date: 11/9/11 9:10 AM I am not sure how much they weigh, but I would think it would not be too heavy to use as a travel/class machine. You can get a sewing machine trolley and transport it easily. ------ ~Diana~ ♥ Bernina 830E ♥ Bernina 1150MDA serger ✝The Lord is my Light and my Salvation: whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1✝
Karen31 Advanced CA USA Member since 2009 Posts: 859	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 11/9/11 9:51 AM It's a wonderful machine! It's also a standard size machine, also not sure of its weight but often when someone wants a travel/go to class or more compact machine they go for something smaller. I just lug my standard size one around, it's pretty heavy. I don't think it would be difficult to take this one just don't plan on it being a lighterweight more compact version like the 3 series (which I also love, they are not BSR compatible though). Do you think you'll use the BSR in your travels/classes? If not you could have the bigger machine at home and the smaller for travel (enable enable!) ------ Karen
Maia B Advanced Beginner IL USA Member since 2010 Posts: 1855	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 11/9/11 10:52 AM Just as an estimate, my 440 weighs 23lbs, just the machine. I've taken it to classes. My 240 weighs 18lbs. The foot pedal, extension table, power cord, accessory box, knee lift, and soft carrying case add about 8 lbs to that. There are other brands of machine with decent machines which weigh as little as 12 lbs. My kids' Brother weighs 9lbs. ------ Berninas 820 QE, Artista 630 PQE, Aurora 440 QE, Activa 240, 930 Record, and 731 Baby Lock Quest Plus, Featherweight 221s...
Skittl1321 Advanced Beginner IA USA Member since 2007 Posts: 638	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 11/9/11 10:57 AM I don't know how much that machine weighs specifically- but Bernina's are heavy. I would look into getting a rolling bag! I have the 430, and I can carry it (on my elbow, not in my hands) but if I have to park more than a block from whereve I'm going, I regret it. Consumer Reports says it weighs 21 pounds, but that is machine only- other stuff goes in the bag! My dealer offers car to classroom service for in house classes- they clearly know it is a pain to move most of these machines! -- Edited on 11/9/11 11:01 AM --
Lookingpast   Intermediate TX USA Member since 2008 Posts: 12	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 11/9/11 11:24 AM A lot depends on what kind of class/workshop I'm going to. If it's a workshop where the only sewing is straight seams, I'll take one of my Featherweights! They weigh only 11 pounds and are good, reliable machines. However, if I'm going to a class or retreat where I might have to do more than straight seams, I'll take my Bernina 730. Yes, Berninas are heavy (the innards are al metal) but not overly so and the new rolling totes are great. My other option for a take-along machine is my Kenmore Elite 385, but I'd really rather sew on my Bernina. Unless it's pure straight seams, then it's my Featherweight. ------ http://www.robbiesews.blogspot.com
Doris W. in TN   Intermediate TN USA Member since 2004 Posts: 6055	Login to reply to this post In reply to susyqueue Like this post Date: 11/9/11 12:27 PM Quote: susyqueue I'm interested in buying a Bernina sewing machine that I can use for classes and travel... I LOVE the Bernina 550, and I think I'd like to have a machine with BSR, but I'm wondering if it's going to be too heavy. Does anyone have one, or a suggestion? I have a 350PE for taking to classes. It weighs the same as the Activa line - 17 or 18 lbs and a lot less than a full-size Bernina. Before I got the 350PE, I had Janome Jems. They are great little machines for travel & classes and weigh only 12 lbs. Very portable! But I reached a point where I wanted more control over stitch length & width, as well as needle position, and was willing to carry the extra 5 lbs. There are times, though, when I miss that little 12-lb Jem because it is so little and lightweight.
susyqueue Intermediate Member since 2011 Posts: 31	Login to reply to this post In reply to Lookingpast Like this post Date: 11/9/11 2:46 PM I had thought I'd take free motion classes using the BSR. But if the 550 or 580 (not sure which I'd choose) is too heavy, then maybe I should bite the bullet and get the 830, and either try to repair my beloved Viking 150 or get a used 2 series or 3 series lightweight Bernina. So hard to decide... ------ "Look at the donut, not at the hole" Bernina 830 and 215, Featherweight 221 and 222k, Viking 150e
Maia B Advanced Beginner IL USA Member since 2010 Posts: 1855	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 11/9/11 6:53 PM Well, you won't want to take that heavy, expensive 830 anywhere unless you must! How about a used (or discontinued if you can find one) 430 or 440? Or 450, which is still on offer? ------ Berninas 820 QE, Artista 630 PQE, Aurora 440 QE, Activa 240, 930 Record, and 731 Baby Lock Quest Plus, Featherweight 221s...
susyqueue Intermediate Member since 2011 Posts: 31	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 11/10/11 8:52 AM I've looked into used Aurora's but they don't seem to cost much less than a new 550 QE (which I'm gathering weighs about the same). I'm also really wondering if I should get a used 820, which seems to be going to less the $5000 on ebay -- or the cost of a new 580. I haven't embroidered (although I thought I'd like that option for the future) and so I'd figured the 830 was the way to go, but the lower prices for an 820 make me think again. But then again, is there a reason there seem to be so many people selling their 820's and in many cases upgrading to the 830??? I have a feeling this is going to take some time to figure out.... ------ "Look at the donut, not at the hole" Bernina 830 and 215, Featherweight 221 and 222k, Viking 150e

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