Should I look into this serger?

[steffanie3]

I have been wanting a serger for simple household projects, but I know nothing about them. This ad is on craigslist


4-thread serger, made by White. Used very little and in great condition. $50.00

Should I look into it? If so is there anything else I should know from the seller?

[mommy2maya]

If it is a white 1600 I wouldn't get it. They are very finicky and not very reliable.

[sewchris2642]

Do you know how to operate a serger? How to trouble shoot simple problems? Are you comfortable being self taught? Do you know which sewing machine skills don't transfer to the serger? Not to discourage you or anything but if the answer is no or I don't know then I wouldn't buy one off Craig's List, Ebay, or even through an ad in the local paper. You need to educate yourself first by taking classes or by visitibg local sewing machine dealers. You could find out that you really don't need one. Or that you could really use the after sales support and services that a dealer can provide.

Chris

[steffanie3]

I know nothing really about them.

I do have several church ladies who are very experienced who have offered to help me learn and a local sewing shop that has classes. I have seen them in action quite a bit in our quilt ministry.

[mommy2maya]

I wouldn't not buy one from craigslist because of lack of experience- but I wouldn't buy one that isn't a good one, that has a good reputation.

[jjawm]

I have a White and I love it. Find out more about it - model and year, and look up reviews. My White is really easy to thread, came with a DVD, and has been awesome.

[maygee]

Originally Posted by sewchris2642

Do you know how to operate a serger? How to trouble shoot simple problems? Are you comfortable being self taught? Do you know which sewing machine skills don't transfer to the serger? Not to discourage you or anything but if the answer is no or I don't know then I wouldn't buy one off Craig's List, Ebay, or even through an ad in the local paper. You need to educate yourself first by taking classes or by visitibg local sewing machine dealers. You could find out that you really don't need one. Or that you could really use the after sales support and services that a dealer can provide.

Chris

Ehh, I bought my first serger, a pfaff, off craigslist and had no problem. It's just a machine, and there is so much information out there that it was pretty easy to feel comfortable taking the plunge. I would recommend patternreview.com for the reviews, and sewingmamas.com for a lot of personal experiences on specific machines and trouble shooting. I felt no need to take a class. The benefit of buying used is that if you hold out for a decent price and it isn't for you, you can just resell it. I would verify that it worked well, before buying though.

[sewchris2642]

Originally Posted by maygee

Ehh, I bought my first serger, a pfaff, off craigslist and had no problem. It's just a machine, and there is so much information out there that it was pretty easy to feel comfortable taking the plunge. I would recommend patternreview.com for the reviews, and sewingmamas.com for a lot of personal experiences on specific machines and trouble shooting. I felt no need to take a class. The benefit of buying used is that if you hold out for a decent price and it isn't for you, you can just resell it. I would verify that it worked well, before buying though.

I got my first serger from my sister and learned on my own. Of the 4 sergers I've had over the years ( still have 3 of them and sew on 2 regularly. The 3rd needs expensive repairs than it's worth), I've bought 2 from dealers. I was the dealer for one of them. And the 2nd one, I never went back to take the operating lessons. But then, I've taught serger sewing classes in the past. So that's the back story and reasons why I posted the questions. They came from experience. But I didn't mean to come accross as if one couldn't learn on their own or shouldn't ever buy one from anyone else than a dealer. I'm sorry for any confusion my op gave.

Chris

[steffanie3]

I had replied to the ad, but the serger is pending. She did tell me it is a White Babylock, Model Sl34D, so I am going to look it up and find some more info incase the other person doesn't pick it up.

[sewchris2642]

I'm confused about the model. It can't be both a White and a Babylock. They are separate brands. I found a Goggle listing for White Speedylock SL34D. Be sure to sew on it. Do all the stitches: 4 thread, 3 thread, and rolled hem are the main ones. Take both lightweight and home dec fabric to make sure it will roll hem on the lightweight and seam the home dec.

Chris