The Sewing Place

Machine Talk => Sewing Machines => Topic started by: Sandra on February 08, 2018, 08:12:55 AM

Title: Bernina 1001 not working
Post by: Sandra on February 08, 2018, 08:12:55 AM
My beloved and trusted Bernina 1001 stopped working last night.  :(

I'm feeling bereft  :'( and I don't know what to do.

It has power to the machine...the bulb is still lit...but absolutely nothing else. There have been no funny noises or smells. It has been running as good as it always does.
I was whizzing along putting a gathering stitch along the top edge of a skirt, when it suddenly stopped. It is silent when you press the pedal.

I checked the obvious bits....that the lead was securely in the pedal and into the machine, so it's nothing daft like that.

Any ideas what it might be...loose wires somewhere?... and is it something for me to be messing around with?

On a funnier note...I (need to) sew every day and the only other sewing machine in the house is a pale pink, JL Mini sewing machine which was bought for my daughter on her 8th birthday.  :\
Poor little thing. I'll have the motor burned out of it by teatime.

Sandra.
xxx
Title: Re: Bernina 1001 not working
Post by: Roger on February 08, 2018, 08:41:23 AM
Hi Sandra,

Theres definitely nothing from the motor?

Have you tried completely unplugging all the wires and reattaching them all?

Could be the socket, I’d check the kettle is working then plug it into that socket and retest.

Is it still in warranty? If it is, at this point I’d make it their problem ;)

If not, it is apparently a mechanical SM (I don’t know the model) It could be the plug, could be the pedal, and also worth checking the flex in case the insulation has obviously failed. It probably isn’t the motor or machine if there was no smoke and no sound from the motor (straining or slipping belts).

Intriguing!
Title: Re: Bernina 1001 not working
Post by: b15erk on February 08, 2018, 08:47:14 AM
Oh no Sandra!  I have more than enough machines that you would be welcome to borrow if you lived closer (or fancy a drive :)).

Could it be something as daft as a fuse?

Just thinking.  I have a Pfaff 1475 (quite old), and that stopped working once, due to an internal battery.  Something to do with the display I think.

Hope you soon get it sorted.

Jessie
Title: Re: Bernina 1001 not working
Post by: Sandra on February 08, 2018, 09:11:17 AM
Hello Roger.

No. The motor is silent and I've tried unplugging everything and re-plugging it all back in. The electric socket's fine....the machine light is on, so it's working.

I've had the machine for about 20 years...I bought it brand new....so no warranty any more.

I'm thinking loose wires. Maybe at the point of where they go into the pedal, or into the machine. This is a proper, well-used workhorse of a machine, and they could quite easily have become loose/damaged over the years.
It'd be handy to have another pedal to test with my machine. That'd quickly decide whether that theory's correct or not.

I had it serviced 18 months ago, and was told to, 'Look after the pedal. It's the single most expensive part on these machines.'
I think he said about £80 - £90?  ><

It's sure to be the pedal then...lol

My local sewing machine repair place is closed today.  I'll ask their advice tomorrow, but I'm hoping my brother will be visiting tomorrow afternoon, and he's really handy with stuff. He might be able to help, or if not, he might be willing to drive me over to drop it at the shop.

Thank you, Jessie  :) Not the fuse, and this model machine is very (very) basic. There's nothing as fancy as a display on this one.

If I'm going to be without a decent machine for too long, I'm going to get in touch with my ex-boyfriend. He has a good, tough old sewing machine which works a treat. He lent it to me when I last took my Bernina in for a service.

Sandra.
xxx
Title: Re: Bernina 1001 not working
Post by: b15erk on February 08, 2018, 09:23:37 AM
Oh I do hope you manage to get by without too much disruption.  I do hope it's not the pedal - I've replaced 2 on the Pfaff at over £100 a time. 

My local Sewing machine man used to repair Bernina Footpedals - Bob Green.  Don't know if he still does as I haven't needed his services for a while.

Jessie
Title: Re: Bernina 1001 not working
Post by: Roger on February 08, 2018, 09:28:41 AM
The power getting to the light indicates that the power is fine... I would think it’s either the pedal- maybe something in the mechanism has stopped making a connection.

Or motor- but the no smoke makes me think it’s not that...

I’d offer to lend you a 401 or 530-2 but I don’t think you’re close to me either.

Title: Re: Bernina 1001 not working
Post by: Sandra on February 08, 2018, 09:49:17 AM
I'm looking online at the possibility of buying a replacement pedal, but I need to know with the seller that if it doesn't solve the problem, then I want to be able to return it.
It's worth a try.

Have found one at £79.99 at Tysons. Trying to get them on the phone but they're not open yet.

Sandra.
xxx
Title: Re: Bernina 1001 not working
Post by: Roger on February 08, 2018, 10:11:54 AM
It’s not definitely your pedal, and if it is your pedal may be repairable so checking you can return it is very prudent.
Title: Re: Bernina 1001 not working
Post by: Sandra on February 08, 2018, 10:21:50 AM
Oh, POO!

Tysons don't actually have any in stock...(says they do online)....and they advised me to take it to a local repair place.

I'll go back to the plan for my brother to have a look tomorrow. I must be patient.

Sandra.
xxx
Title: Re: Bernina 1001 not working
Post by: b15erk on February 08, 2018, 10:36:22 AM
Would a Bernina 730 footpedal fit Sandra?  If so, I can send you mine to try. It's the big old green one.

Jessie
Title: Re: Bernina 1001 not working
Post by: Sandra on February 08, 2018, 11:08:00 AM
Thank you, Jessie. That's a kind offer.

No. I've just had a look for compatibility, and it wouldn't fit.

I'm going to leave alone for now and get on with a couple of sewing jobs. Luckily I've only got 2 pairs of trousers to shorten and a little bit of restitching on a jacket. Should be easy, even on a JL Mini.

Sandra.
xxx
Title: Re: Bernina 1001 not working
Post by: Madame Cholet on February 08, 2018, 11:21:13 AM
Oh Sandra that's dreadful  :'(
I think there is a circuit board in the foot pedal. I'm popping over to the Vintage Bernina FB page now to hunt for clues.
Title: Re: Bernina 1001 not working
Post by: Madame Cholet on February 08, 2018, 11:48:27 AM
I've had a quick read over there and it seems that provided the motor brushes are ok then it is most likely the circuit board in the foot pedal. Usually it is a capacitor that goes, but you would normally have smoke and smell with that. But other components can fail on the board too.

The board is usually repairable by a competent electronics person. Or the board can be replaced with another board if the tech has a spare one stashed away.

Is the pedal the same as the 1008 pedal? If so then am I right thinking the parts are still available, seeing as the 1008 is still in production??

If it is the pedal and you end up getting a new, replacement one then perhaps you can sell the old one spares and repair on ebay, or find a way to get it fixed and keep it as a spare.
 :)

Good luck with the mini machine  :)
Title: Re: Bernina 1001 not working
Post by: Greybird on February 08, 2018, 11:59:26 AM
I had a similar problem with my old Husqvarna 190 which turned out to be a fault in the internal part of the machine where the foot pedal plugs into. Sadly no parts were available for mine - I hope that isn't the case for yours.
Title: Re: Bernina 1001 not working
Post by: Sandra on February 08, 2018, 12:41:49 PM
Thank you for your helpful comments. I don't know what I'm going to do if it can't be mended  :'(

Two pairs of trousers have now been shortened. I feel like I should be making bunting on this dinky little pink machine  0_0  but it's O.K. It's making a neat, simple stitch... which is all I need at the moment.
It'll be no good to shorten jeans  ><

Sandra.
xxx
Title: Re: Bernina 1001 not working
Post by: Madame Cholet on February 08, 2018, 13:02:48 PM
Bambers have them listed on their website:
(£80.40)

http://www.bambersew.com/bernina-foot-control-1064-p.asp

They're usually very helpful on the phone.
0161 707 7786 is their number.
I don't know if they would attempt repair on the existing pedal but you could ask I suppose.
 :)
Title: Re: Bernina 1001 not working
Post by: HarryR on February 10, 2018, 12:17:34 PM
From memory the 1001 has a brushless AC motor, so no carbon brushes to check. As far as capacitors going in foot controls, it's usually the old line filter capacitors (filter out unwanted radio frequencies) that go, and they are not found in your model foot control. Also, when they do go, the machine usually runs flat out rather than not at all. If you're concerned about wiring you can check continuity with a multimeter. I'd be swapping out the foot control and if that fails, swap out the l-print (power print). Might be a job for a tech.
Title: Re: Bernina 1001 not working
Post by: Sandra on February 10, 2018, 12:22:41 PM
I've just got back home from dropping my machine in to the repair shop.

He didn't make any comment about what he thought the problem might be and I didn't ask. He said it should be ready to collect next Saturday if I don't hear from him before then.

I recognised the man as being the same one who sold me the machine 22 years ago  0_0

Sandra.
xxx
Title: Re: Bernina 1001 not working
Post by: Madame Cholet on February 10, 2018, 15:15:50 PM
@Sandra - I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you!  :)

From memory the 1001 has a brushless AC motor, so no carbon brushes to check. As far as capacitors going in foot controls, it's usually the old line filter capacitors (filter out unwanted radio frequencies) that go, and they are not found in your model foot control. Also, when they do go, the machine usually runs flat out rather than not at all. If you're concerned about wiring you can check continuity with a multimeter. I'd be swapping out the foot control and if that fails, swap out the l-print (power print). Might be a job for a tech.

@HarryR - this has nothing to do with Sandra's 1001 (... sorry Sandra!) - but do the 930 motors have brushes?
I ask because I sent my new-to-me 930 for a service just over a year ago, and the tech left the 'check motor brushes' box unticked on the service and repair checklist/receipt, which I only recently noticed, and I've been wondering why...  thanks!  :)
Title: Re: Bernina 1001 not working
Post by: Sandra on February 12, 2018, 12:42:20 PM
I've had a phone call from the repair shop this morning...good service!

It needs a new pedal...£83. I expected as much, but he said it's worth getting done, and I could collect tomorrow. He mentioned that the machine has had a lot of use and that's why it's broken.

I'll probably wait until Friday and my brother will be able to take me when he next visits.

Sandra.
xxx
Title: Re: Bernina 1001 not working
Post by: b15erk on February 12, 2018, 13:21:38 PM
Excellent service Sandra!

Looks like your Bernina will be clocking up the sewing miles again very shortly.

Jessie
Title: Re: Bernina 1001 not working
Post by: HarryR on February 13, 2018, 03:00:13 AM
@Sandra - I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you!  :)

@HarryR - this has nothing to do with Sandra's 1001 (... sorry Sandra!) - but do the 930 motors have brushes?
I ask because I sent my new-to-me 930 for a service just over a year ago, and the tech left the 'check motor brushes' box unticked on the service and repair checklist/receipt, which I only recently noticed, and I've been wondering why...  thanks!  :)

The 910 has brushes, and as the 930 is very similar I would think it too has brushes. I will check next time I get my hands on one. If you're not afraid of taking the covers off you can check for yourself. I can let you know how to access it if you like? Cheers.
Title: Re: Bernina 1001 not working
Post by: HarryR on February 13, 2018, 03:01:56 AM
Glad to hear it's a simple fix Sandra. You would have been up for a bit had it been the power print!
Title: Re: Bernina 1001 not working
Post by: Roger on February 13, 2018, 17:35:29 PM
I alway check the power point after my father had terrible trouble with his laptop cable ordered a new one and found the same fault... the plug sockets in the room were all out after he put a duff iron on...

But I’m glad to hear that your machine is fine and ready to go again soon!
Title: Re: Bernina 1001 not working
Post by: Barnyard on February 19, 2018, 21:21:59 PM
Ask your repair guy to give you the old pedal back. All of the parts are worth keeping hold of. If my fuddled memory serves me right the control unit works on 2 carbon tracks that provide the resistance and current flow to the motor. These do eventually wear out as do the contact brushes. If it is the track(s) that is worn it can be fettled by carefully removing a small part of the track and realigning it to a new part of unworn track. It sounds complex but it isn't. The Nova 900 has the same system I beleive and I have repaired a few of these and saved a packet on not buying new foot controllers.

Barny
Title: Re: Bernina 1001 not working
Post by: Marniesews on March 26, 2018, 21:54:00 PM
That's a thought, why don't you put up some photos of your foot pedal?

Quite a few multiple Bernina owners here or we may see them for sale.
Title: Re: Bernina 1001 not working
Post by: Sandra on March 27, 2018, 07:54:19 AM
Ooh... :[
Only just seen this, and it's a bit too late now. Yes. I should have asked for the old pedal back..  :(

I never gave it a thought when I collected the machine.

Sandra.
xxx
Title: Re: Bernina 1001 not working
Post by: Marniesews on March 27, 2018, 15:48:42 PM
@Sandra - If you search Google Images for 'Bernina foot pedal' I bet you'll find it, so many go for sale online these days it's probably there somewhere.