Replies

1. 
   suesew | Nov 25, 2008 05:19am | #1

   My experience with Viking is that they are excellent machines. But any company can put out a bad one from time to time, so I will repeat what I have said here many times before. Buy from a reputable dealer. They will stand behind their products and take care of any problems you have. Buy the best you can afford and buy something that does a little more than you ever expect to use - then you can grow into your new machine. And enjoy!

1. 
   charm | Nov 25, 2008 11:13pm | #4

   Suesew, thank you very much for the infomation regarding of the dealers. I came close of thinking of buying a machine from ebay. and sure enough the dealers said the ebay do not carry warranty. so you are right about sticking with the dealers. thanks.

2. 
   sewman | Nov 25, 2008 08:35am | #2

   I have a Viking 850. I love the extended arm gate, the feature that allows you to turn and sew in another direction with out touching the presser foot up button, it makes a smooth beautiful stitch, it's enjoyable to sew on, and has beautiful decorative stitches.  On the other hand, It has some minor problems. ie: The machine has to come to a full stop before you can hit the backstitch button, (I tend to sew in a hurry), It takes about three weeks of regular use in order to get used to it ( it has some features on it that make it difficult to get used to), the thread cutter on the side of the machine is dull (useless), The buttonhole feature is imprecise,  the feed dogs have trouble grabbing the material, and the needle is difficult to change. Although, it is a very attractive machine visually.  I sewed on the same Pfaff machine for 16 years, and loved it. I decided to retire it and try another brand on a friends recommendation.  That was a mistake.  I actually wish I had bought another Pfaff. I think that it is simply a better made machine.

1. 
   charm | Nov 25, 2008 11:17pm | #5

   sewman, interesting! glad you said it about regarding of the model 850. I centaintly crossed it out. I don't want any problem with machines that is gonna cost anywhere from $1699.00 or up. the deal should be fair without any problem with the machine. so I truly thank you for being honest. I'll keep looking. smiling

3. 
   Betakin | Nov 25, 2008 11:00am | #3

   Two of my machines are a Pfaff and a Viking and manufactured before the Kohlberg merge of (VSP) Viking/Singer/Pfaff. The Sapphire line of Vikings (830, 850 and 870) were introduced after the merge and many of the new Vikings and Pfaff's have similarities. Some of Viking's machines are made in Sweden and some are Swedish designed but made elsewhere, just as Pfaff is of German engineering but made elsewhere. On one of the Sapphire models it stated designed in Sweden on the front..but I forget if it was on the back or underneath the machine it stated made in Sweden. I understand that some of the Pfaff TOL machines are also now made in Sweden.

   I did try out the 830 and 850 when they were first introduced. I thought they were lovely machines but I have seen mixed reviews by owners of the Sapphires on the PatternReview website.

1. 
   charm | Nov 25, 2008 11:22pm | #6

   Betakin, yep that is something of what I have heard where parts of the machines were made from. other than that I almost had my moments to spend time on that webiste you have provided. someone else have talked about it.  than I couldn't even get to logged in as of yet due from the upkeep of everything! I sure will get back with the patterns.com. and check it out. again thanks for everything. it's a pleasure to hear from you threads members. thanks goodness for this threads website. again thankyou!