Bernina Sewing Machine Maintenance 800 Manual

The Bernina Sewing Machine Model 800 is a high-quality mechanical sewing machine featuring straight stitch, zigzag stitch, built-in buttonholer, free arm capability, stitch length and width controls, reverse stitching, built-in light, drop feed for free-motion sewing, and accessory storage. Designed for durability and precision sewing with metal construction. Below are essential sections for maintenance procedures, cleaning, lubrication, troubleshooting, and care guidelines.

1. Maintenance Overview 2. Regular Cleaning Procedures 3. Lubrication Guide 4. Technical Specifications 5. Machine Controls & Functions 6. Needle & Bobbin Maintenance 7. Tension Adjustment 8. Troubleshooting Common Issues 9. Storage & Protection 10. Safety Information 11. Service & Support

Maintenance Overview

Key maintenance components: Bobbin case, feed dogs, needle bar, tension discs, hook race, motor belt, light bulb.

ComponentMaintenance Frequency
Bobbin area cleaningAfter every 8 hours of use
Needle replacementAfter every project or 4 hours of sewing
Full lubricationEvery 3 months or 50 hours of use
Motor belt inspectionEvery 6 months
External cleaningAfter each use
Tension adjustment checkWhen changing fabric types
Feed dog cleaningMonthly
Hook race cleaningEvery 3 months

Regular Cleaning Procedures

Unplug machine before cleaning. Use soft brush and lint-free cloth.

  1. Remove needle plate: Use screwdriver to remove screws, lift off plate.
  2. Clean bobbin area: Use small brush to remove lint and thread fragments.
  3. Clean feed dogs: Brush away accumulated lint between teeth.
  4. Clean tension discs: Slide unthreaded fabric strip between discs.
  5. Wipe exterior: Use damp cloth, then dry immediately.

WARNING! Never use compressed air as it can force lint deeper into mechanism.

Lubrication Guide

Use only Bernina recommended sewing machine oil.

  1. Oil hook race: Apply 1-2 drops to hook race after cleaning.
  2. Oil needle bar: Apply small drop where needle bar enters housing.
  3. Oil presser foot mechanism: Lift presser bar, apply drop to joint.
  4. Oil thread take-up lever: Apply sparingly to pivot point.
  5. Wipe excess: Run machine without thread to distribute oil, wipe excess.

CAUTION! Over-oiling can damage fabrics and attract more lint.

Technical Specifications

Machine Controls & Functions

Front Panel: Stitch selector, stitch length dial, stitch width dial, reverse lever, bobbin winder.

Additional Features: Free arm conversion, built-in light, accessory storage, drop feed lever, hand wheel.

Stitch Selection: Turn dial to desired stitch pattern. Stitch Length: 0-4 mm for straight stitches, automatic for zigzag. Stitch Width: 0-5 mm for zigzag and decorative stitches. Reverse: Hold lever for reinforcement stitching. Bobbin Winding: Disengages needle mechanism when activated.

Needle & Bobbin Maintenance

Proper needle and bobbin care ensures smooth operation.

  1. Needle replacement: Loosen needle clamp screw, remove old needle, insert new needle with flat side toward back, tighten securely.
  2. Bobbin insertion: Place bobbin in case with thread unwinding counterclockwise, pull thread through slot.
  3. Bobbin case removal: Slide latch, lift out case for cleaning.
  4. Thread tension: Adjust bobbin tension screw only if necessary - quarter turn increments.

Tip: Always use high-quality needles and bobbins designed for Bernina machines.

Tension Adjustment

Upper and lower thread tension must be balanced for perfect stitches.

  1. Upper tension: Turn dial higher number for tighter tension, lower for looser.
  2. Test stitches: Sew on scrap fabric of same type as project.
  3. Check balance: Both threads should lock in middle of fabric layers.
  4. Bobbin tension: Adjust only if upper tension at 4-5 doesn't balance.

WARNING! Never force tension dial - turn gently between settings.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

ProblemPossible CauseSolution
Thread breakingIncorrect threading/tensionRethread completely; reduce tension; check for burrs on needle.
Skip stitchesBent needle/wrong needleReplace needle; ensure correct needle type for fabric.
Uneven stitchesTension imbalanceBalance upper and lower tension; clean tension discs.
Machine jamsThread buildupRemove needle plate; clean bobbin area; check for tangled thread.
Noisy operationNeed for lubricationOil according to lubrication guide; check for loose parts.
Fabric not feedingFeed dogs loweredRaise feed dog lever; clean feed dogs.

Storage & Protection

Store in dry area away from direct sunlight and moisture.

  1. Cover machine when not in use to prevent dust accumulation.
  2. Store in upright position on stable surface.
  3. Remove needle and lower presser foot for long-term storage.
  4. Keep accessories in designated storage compartment.

CAUTION! Do not store in damp areas to prevent rust and corrosion.

Safety Information

Always unplug machine when not in use, during cleaning, and when changing needles. Keep fingers away from moving parts. Do not operate with damaged power cord. Use proper lighting when sewing. Keep machine out of reach of children.

Electrical Safety: Use only 110V outlet; do not use extension cords. Disconnect power before servicing.

Service & Support

For professional service, contact authorized Bernina service centers. Regular professional maintenance recommended annually for heavy use. Genuine Bernina parts ensure optimal performance.

Service Centers: Visit www.bernina.com for authorized service locations.

Technical Support: 1-800-BERNINA (1-800-237-6462)

Warranty: 20-year limited warranty on mechanical parts.

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