Hello, I hope someone can help me.
I got a beautiful 830 on ebay that looks like it is brand new. But I am having a couple of problems.
1. I can not open the lid on my Bernina 830 -- it is a 1981 model. I have posted on a Bernina site and have been told that it just lifts and that there is no lock, however I can not pull it up and either can my husband. I am wondering if this model might have a catch on it. I've opened the face door (where the light is housed) and can't see any catch.
2. The machine is noisy. Mostly it is the bobbin case rattling, because when I take it out it is not as noisy (however it's not quiet either.) Maybe it isn't an original case? Don't know for sure. Did the original cases have a BB on them?
3. There is an issue with the foot pedal & cord which I won't get into because hopefully we have already figured that part out.

Once this is sorted out I think it will be a great machine and am really looking forward to getting it all working.

Also, I need a source for some bobbins for this machine.

Thanks very much for your help. I do appreciate it.
C.C.

C.C., March 2008

The idea to oil the hinges worked perfectly. I am the only owner on this beautiful machine, but have not used it much in the last 10 years or so, and ran into a lint problem yesterday. Realized I probably needed to oil it, but when the lid would not open, I thought perhaps I had forgotten the secret. Opening the light door did not help and there is no hidden button on mine to push, but the oil on the hinges and waiting a few minutes did the trick.
Thank you, and maybe this will help someone else in the future!
btw, I actually ran a bead of oil the entire length of the back of the lid, even past the hinges since someone suggested it might be gunked up.

meg, December 2013

On some models THERE IS A HIDDEN LATCH! When the bullb door is open, there is a knob in the upper left corner. PUSH on that knob and it will release the needle end of the top cover. On the machine I fixed the knob was chrome, fluted and about 12mm in diameter.
I know this is an old thread, but I recently fixed a Bernina cover latch that was forced up. I happen to see this discussion from a Google search. Maybe this info will save some other older Bernina from a pry-bar attack.

Chicago2255, February 2011

hi
please do not pull the lid, open the light case, where the light switch is just open that, and then simply open the top lid. Sometimes you may have to try and hold the light case slightly ajar so the top case will open up
I have a benina 830 and I love it, its the best thing ever. email me if you like for any thing lese that bothers you with the machine, its is an excelllenmt investment believ me.
my email is
salis_18@yahoo.com

sakeena, December 2008

personaly i would be inclined to take it to a pro for a service

Matt, November 2008

As for opening the lid. I would carefully oil the hinges on the back and let set for 24 hours. I would also very carefully try running a slim something at the base of the lid. It sounds like it is gummed up and stuck but good. Which means that you have a major amount of cleaning to do when you open the lid. Also on ebay you can generally pick up a new bobbin case.

Barb, August 2008

Hello CC,
Get your bobbins on e-bay there are usually loads for sale on there, Bernina bobbin case do have BB on them and you must use that bobbin case, if it is noisy it may need a bit of a clean and a drop of oil, as far as the top is concerned it should just lift up, there are no catches.

drivewithken@blueyonder.co.uk, March 2008