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Member since 1/20/15
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Posted on: 1/23/15 11:29 PM ET
I am considering buying a pre-owned Babylock with air threading from a private party.
Would I be okay without any lesson of how to use it?
Would I be able to find a comprehensive tutorials and basics on line or so?
Is it expensive to get lesson on how to use from a dealer?

Just not sure how important it is to get a lesson from a dealer.

Ps. If I buy from the store, I would pay more but get free lessons. (And some warranty)
-- Edited on 1/23/15 at 11:38 PM --
  
Member since 3/9/09
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Posted on: 1/23/15 11:39 PM ET
In reply to Precious4hug
You open the box, plug the machine in, pook the thread ends into the threading ports and push da button...yep, I think you'll be fine without any dealer lessons.

I was so PO'd at a different brand's serger, some years ago, that I stormed into my nearest BL store, said "gimme one of them!", lugged the box to my car and home it and I went. I opened the box, plugged the machine in, pooked the thread ends into the threading ports and pushed da button. Never had a lesson, never needed one.

If you get stuck on anything, ask us. We're cheap. Oops, I mean free.
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I heart Woo (HimmyCat). Until we meet again, my beautiful little boy. I love you.
  
Member since 12/3/06
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Posted on: 1/23/15 11:44 PM ET
I have never gotten more than a quick how to thread "lesson" from a dealer.

The person you are purchasing the serger from can do this much.

You can get free tutorials on the Internet and a manual, if you need one can be downloaded from the BabyLock website.
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OLD CHINESE PROVERB: I HEAR & I FORGET; I SEE & I REMEMBER; I DO & I UNDERSTAND.
  
Member since 5/2/09
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Posted on: 1/23/15 11:50 PM ET
I did not find it quite that easy with my Babylock Evolve. But I got it from a dealer new, had not had a overlocker before, and it came with lessons but the lessons were scheduled more than a week a way. Since it came home with me that day instead, there was no way I was not going to use it right away actually. It did take me the better part of maybe two days playing around with it, in lots of ways, to figure out how to do all that stuff. But, I also had been sewing on sewing machines for a real long time, and also went out and bought myself a bunch of handy more generic non brand specific overlocker/ serger books from several sources and actually did read and study those before even getting any kind of overlocker. I think that probably helps a whole lot, as a lot different on a overlocker than a sewing machine. But by the time I got to my class, a week or so later, I had already done everything that they did in that class, and knew about it. That is what happens if you are a self starter and put enough time and effort into something I think, If not though, maybe not always.

The place I got mine from had free lessons as long as you bought yours there, if you got it some other way, I think the same lessons would have been about maybe $100 or a little more instead.
-- Edited on 1/23/15 at 11:56 PM --
  
Member since 10/28/06
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Posted on: 1/24/15 0:19 AM ET
I believe there are YouTube videos that would be helpful. Dealers will be glad to give you lessons for a fee usually, when you have bought elsewhere.
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Dawn T.
  
Member since 8/6/12
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Posted on: 1/24/15 0:31 AM ET
Did you ask the person why they are selling their serger? Not all sergers work and you'd be sad to have spent your money only to find out its a dud.

Sew on one at a dealer and then sew on the 'deal' serger to be sure you know what you're purchasing.
  
Member since 3/6/13
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Posted on: 1/24/15 8:10 AM ET
Timely topic I purchased new evolution from dealer several years ago it came with lessons but never could work it out as I live an hour away and work fulltime. I couldn't understand how to thread it so I called the dealer and they tried to walk me thru it on the phone but I had to drive over there when I got there I was given real quick lesson on threading machine. I went to use it yesterday and had same issue as someone stated try machine to make sure it works then you can find all kinds of help on you tube or right here.
  
Member since 8/30/10
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Posted on: 1/24/15 8:44 AM ET
In reply to Precious4hug
Two key questions and answers: Have your owned/used a serger before? If you have, the Babylock will be easy for you.

Do you use your sewing machine/serger manual or do you prefer to have someone demonstrate? If it's the former, Go for it! If you are more comfortable with a demonstration and panic a little when things don't go well, you might want to wait.

I used an Elna 945 for years and it was an excellent machine, but it had to be threaded in keeping with a specific protocol. The Babylock blew my mind b/c it was so easy and forgiving.

Congratulations on your purchase and enjoy!

  
Member since 9/1/08
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Posted on: 1/24/15 9:49 AM ET
Make sure your seller includes the manual and the quick reference card that came with the machine. The quick reference card is especially helpful for ensuring you thread correctly for each stitch you want to serge. I always refer to mine before changing settings/stitches.
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SMs: Janome Continental M17; Babylock Solaris 3; Juki TL 2200 QVP Mini; Juki Kokochi 4000QVP; Janome Professional HD-9; Sergers/Coverstitch: Babylock Triumph; Bernina L890
  
Member since 10/1/06
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Posted on: 1/24/15 9:59 AM ET
I didn't have any more than the quick demonstration. The demonstration will also prove that the machine is in working order. It is pretty self explanatory with the manual. And you can go online to babylock.com for information. The manual and card is very helpful in selecting stitches.

The other benefit is that the serger doesn't care about threading sequence.

I love my Imagine and can thread it in a couple of minutes.
  
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