Bernina 540 Favorit

I decided to treat myself to a really nice semi-industrial Bernina. 

This is the 540 Favorit.  The *40 Favorit machines are upgraded versions of the *30 Record versions for home use.  Favorits are what are considered Artisan Class machines: stronger, faster and made for tailors and dressmakers.  They often feature foot-activated presser lifts and can be placed in power stands fitted with lower hp motors (usually 1/3).  These setups offer the user faster long seaming and at lower speeds, more torque at the needle.  Essentially, they're just a bit more versatile. 

This 540 was not used much (although it looks like it did suffer a minor fall, denting its top lid on the back rim a bit and taking a bit of the paint off with it).  It's in great original condition and the newer motor (a Dayton) produces close to 2000 SPM.  This is very fast for home use and the power is instantaneous, although the inertia from the solid metal hand wheel (w/ plastic clutch) takes its time to come to a full stop.  Stitch quality is about as good as you'd expect -- excellent.  The cams are solid steel and oriented horizontally above the main shaft. 

There are some nylon gears and these appear to be original and in excellent shape.  Not only does nylon mean a less expensive construction; nylon increases smoothness and quietness of operation.  In a somewhat rickety, cheap domestic table, this machine vibrates alarmingly at full throttle.  This machine needs a heavy, sturdy table with dampening pads at the corners, a thick top, and braced legs.  Watching this machine stitch at high speed is a thing to behold.

The width control (and integrated needle position -- L, C, R) recalls the same steel-toothed design of the 117 series machines, complete with bottom and top limiters.  There is a sympathetic tension disc assembly for both sewing and winding and reverse can be locked with a lever under the hand wheel.  Such a nice touch.  

As you can see, this 540 has its original tin of several presser feet, bobbins, some original needles and other '50s ephemera.  The original manual is in excellent condition and like the machine, wasn't used much.  Will I keep it?  I'm not sure.  I have so many others that it's hard to justify making room for this one, especially as its tasks are largely filled by machines I probably enjoy even more.