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Old Vikings like Viking 6690 How does it compare to same age Berninas?
ginaT Intermediate Member since 4/3/06 Posts: 186	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 2/12/07 7:54 AM I am looking for a good solid easy to use machine to teach my very eager middle DGD. It's her 6th birthday next month so i thought a sewing machine would be a good present ( has far to many toys and i am not looking for a toy machine lol) and anyway she just loves being with me in my sewing room. Spotted this Viking 6690 on ebay very cheap up till now and as i am a Viking convert i am curious about this model. I think it was Vikings first computerised SM and was wondering how it compared to Berninas of the same era which are much more coveted http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=018&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=280079485118&rd=1&rd=1 Thanks for any views and any sugestions for a SW to teach my DGD. -- Edited on 2/12/07 7:59 AM -- click her fingers crossed -- Edited on 2/12/07 8:02 AM -- ------ ginaT Have three beautiful grandaughters and a baby grandson
Bill Holman WI USA Member since 8/29/04 Posts: 566	Login to reply to this post In reply to ginaT Like this post Date: 2/12/07 8:56 AM When they work, they work well, because they share the sewing mechanism with the old Viking 6000 series mechanicals. However, the electronics are very undependable, and would cost a "fortune" to replace IF they are still available. Overall, a very bad gamble. Your heading, "like Viking 6690" does not work, because there wasn't anything else like this model. It was "an orphan." Bill Holman -- Edited on 2/12/07 8:59 AM --
ginaT Intermediate Member since 4/3/06 Posts: 186	Login to reply to this post In reply to Bill Holman Like this post Date: 2/12/07 3:12 PM Thank you Bill for the good advice I cant afford to waste money no matter how much a 'bargain' some things seem. I will keep looking,got my eye on a vintage Bernina now ------ ginaT Have three beautiful grandaughters and a baby grandson
Joey in Katy Intermediate TX Member since 10/19/05 Posts: 323	Login to reply to this post In reply to ginaT Like this post Date: 2/20/07 11:39 AM Some of the older mechanical Vikings (6430, 6440, 6460, 6170, 120, etc) can be bargains -- the 6170 in particular. It doesn't have as many features, which means there's less that might need repair. Check out the "Viking Sewing Machines pre 1980" group on Yahoo -- there's lots of good information and you can research candidate machines. Depending on the model, an old Bernina may also be a good buy. I find the bobbin mechanism on older Viking's behaves better than Bernina's. Your mileage may vary! Also find the prices on vintage Bernina's tend to be higher than similar aged and featured Vikings. ------ Joey ------------- 30% sewing ... 70% damage control http://www.using-sewing-machines.com
dblkara Expert/Couture ME USA Member since 5/6/11 Posts: 3	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 5/9/11 1:56 PM I still am using Viking 6690. I think I might have had it serviced 20 years ago. It just went in to replace the tension spring(?) It still runs great. I have sewn bathing suits to quilts on it. The only reason I would trade it in is because of the different stitches they have now. I haven't decided if it would be worth it.
dblkara Expert/Couture ME USA Member since 5/6/11 Posts: 3	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 5/9/11 1:56 PM I still am using Viking 6690. I think I might have had it serviced 20 years ago. It just went in to replace the tension spring(?) It still runs great. I have sewn bathing suits to quilts on it. The only reason I would trade it in is because of the different stitches they have now. I haven't decided if it would be worth it.
dblkara Expert/Couture ME USA Member since 5/6/11 Posts: 3	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 5/9/11 1:56 PM I still am using Viking 6690. I think I might have had it serviced 20 years ago. It just went in to replace the tension spring(?) It still runs great. I have sewn bathing suits to quilts on it. The only reason I would trade it in is because of the different stitches they have now. I haven't decided if it would be worth it.
Jannerie Advanced OH USA Member since 7/10/09 Posts: 109	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 5/9/11 4:25 PM I was teaching my DGD on my featherweight however she has trouble bumping into the light with her fingers. I just recently cleaned up a viking 6010 and I love it. The low gear is wonderful for thick fabrics. I will let my DGD use this one next time she comes over. The problem is that it is so heavy it is not portable but its a great machine. Keep looking and the right machine will find you. I think for a mechanical vintage machine the viking 6000 series can't be beat. ------ Pfaff creative Sensation, Singer 15-91,237,221,328K,301,301a,401,403,404,500,503 Bernina 630, 125jubilae Viking 6020
zanylady   Advanced MD USA Member since 5/6/09 Posts: 170	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 5/9/11 4:46 PM I think that any older mechanical machine, Viking, Kenmore, White et.al. would be a great machine for a beginner. They are forgiving of operator error, and the youngster could learn how to maintain her machine herself-cleaning, oiling greasing etc. Most of the older machines tell how to do this stuff in their manual. A machine with just straight and zigzag would be best, less to go wrong, easy to fix and parts (bobbins) are easy to find.

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