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Member since 5/19/17
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Posted on: 8/25/19 12:28 PM ET
I started working/volunteering at a local nonprofit a few days ago and have been tasked with getting their sewing room up and running again. They had 2 industrial straight stitch machines and a babylock eclipse dx that were all in pretty rough shape but I managed to get the 2 industrial machines up and running without much issue. The babylock is proving to be a bit more of a challenge though. It's a bit more beat up than the others, and is missing (among other things) the selector lever for the automatic threading feature that switches between the upper and lower looper thread path. It's threaded now, but I'm not sure I'll be able to re thread it without that switch. It also isn't incorporating the upper looper thread into the stitch at all. Normally, I'd start by rethreading it, but I'm not sure that's possible. I'm hoping there are some troubleshooting steps somebody can suggest that don't involve rethreading, or if there's a way to rethread it without that switch. I'm attaching some pictures that may or may not be helpful. Thanks!

PS - can't attach pictures from here, will try later.
  
Member since 5/2/09
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Posted on: 8/25/19 3:45 PM ET
In reply to mwpdx86
Well, it's really unfair of them, to expect you to be able to fix that at all. So, maybe just tell them that. And the cost of things to buy to do that, probably made it not worth it to someone, and that is probably why they donated it there even. Or maybe it's someone's old parts machine, and donated for that reason and lots of other stuff missing too possibly. But, the jet air threading part does not have to be intact or there or working at all to just use it either. You could always manually thread it up with a wire. So, if it's a re-sale, thrift store kind of non profit shop, if they just say that part is not working and missing stuff, someone will probably still buy it, (at some price) and just manually thread it up and even use it like that instead even. Just to even tell them that, you have probably done your volunteering "duty" to them and made yourself somewhat useful.
  
Member since 5/2/09
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Posted on: 8/25/19 5:47 PM ET
In reply to beauturbo
If it's not a re-sale shop, and the person there whom uses it broke it, or took it apart, and lost stuff, then they probably even know they could have just threaded it up with a wire, and use it anyways. And if they really know that, and did not even tell you that and kept that little piece of information from you, and on purpose, then that probably was not very nice of them.
  
Member since 11/29/05
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Posted on: 8/26/19 7:18 AM ET
You might try downloading the manual for the Eclipse to see what they say about manual threading. You will need the wire. The threading wire for Babylocks is pretty long. You might also try calling a Babylock dealer and explaining the situation. They might be able to tell you if it's possible to thread it that way or, if not, if it's fixable. Good luck with it.
  
Member since 2/8/09
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Posted on: 8/26/19 8:37 AM ET
I would second the idea of asking the BL dealer for help in fixing if that's an option or call and connect with their sales rep. Some are quite active in local communties.

You can reverse thread the Loopers by using a thin, flexible wire from the exiting point and feeding it back up to the looper insert hole. Then form a loop on the end of the wire, pull the thread through and withdraw the thin wire. The thread will come.

That doesn't solve your problems of not forming a stitch. Of course, if it's not correctly threaded right now, that may be why.

If BL or another local dealer that fixes sergers (all brands) can't fix it then toss it and keep your eyes peeled for a working serger that someone will donate or purchase for your use. Depending on where you live, check local area and groups for serger ads.

Also, what is the purpose of your non-profit sewing room? To teach? To make items? To repairs items and sell them? Not having a serger shouldn't prevent you from making or repairing items. Some of us do that all the time without a serger.
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Needlework brings joy and meaning to my life...member of ASG
Now using: Singer 301, Pfaff 6152 & BL Enlighten serger
  
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