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From: LaurieZ33
Date: 01-09-2005, 01:37 AM (1 of 19)
|
Am finally going to break down and spend a little $ on a serger, but need opinions from those who know about these things. I can't justify the really big bucks machines, as will primarily be using it for diapers and clothes for the family. I've read a bunch of threads from this forum and learned alot, but have one more question. I've been looking online and am able to find a new elna 704 DEX plus for about $400 - but has been next to impossible to find info about this machine and the non plus 704. They seem great b/c of the coverstitch capability but will they be difficult to service b/c "out of date?" Were they even a good year? What is the difference between them and the newer models. Everyone with elnas seems happy with their newer versions, from what I've read here. Can buy a Huskylock 905 for about $620 from the dealer here (but no coverstitch). Mighty confusing, I must say. Any and all opinions appreciated. Any other machines in this price range I should consider? Don't mind used. Thanks, -Laurie |
User: LaurieZ33
Member since: 01-09-2005 Total posts: 10 |
From: Skye
Date: 01-09-2005, 01:59 AM (2 of 19)
|
there is a very active elna serger group over at yahoo some one there maybe able to help you. I have a elderly elna 4dc 13yrs old which has been a real work horse and so easy to thread. Machine buying is a bit like buying a car what suits me may not be your cup of tea at all. Can you test drive each machine with samples of material that you will use a lot try threading from scratch etc good luck Skye |
User: Skye
Member since: 09-28-2000 Total posts: 233 |
From: LaurieZ33
Date: 01-09-2005, 10:52 AM (3 of 19)
|
Thanks so much for your post - I'll go over to yahoo and pick their brains. We don't have an elna dealer, here, but do have viking and bernina. -Laurie |
User: LaurieZ33
Member since: 01-09-2005 Total posts: 10 |
From: toadusew
Date: 01-09-2005, 11:30 AM (4 of 19)
I'm new to this website, but so far this morning, I've hopped all over this board!  At any rate, I recently bought a Huskylock 905 serger and love it! I don't use it for much more than finishing seams right now because I still don't know how to use the machine to its full potential. There are free, lifetime classes in my area, but I haven't taken any yet. I like this machine because it is heavier, has a free arm (which was important for me in finishing pants' legs, etc.), and is easy to thread. Also, I got a set of free presser feet that will be fun to use once I learn how! I paid a bit more for it than the $620 you've been quoted, but so far, I am very pleased! I also looked at the Elna's and Janome's and I found that the Elna seemed to "dance" all over the table, which didn't appeal to me. The Janome is a good machine as well, and I love my Janome embroidery/sewing machines, but for me the Husklock 905 was the right choice for a serger. I liked the fact that it was heavier and didn't "dance" all over the table. And one of these days, I'm going to learn everything it can do and really learn how to use it to its full potential!
|
User: toadusew
Member since: 01-08-2005 Total posts: 369 |
From: LaurieZ33
Date: 01-09-2005, 12:28 PM (5 of 19)
|
Thanks, Dallas! It sure is tempting to buy from the dealer - so much extra support. That may sway my decision more than the coverstitch option. We are in Shreveport and love to come to Dallas when we need to get away to the big city. -Laurie |
User: LaurieZ33
Member since: 01-09-2005 Total posts: 10 |
From: toadusew
Date: 01-10-2005, 08:46 AM (6 of 19)
|
You're quite welcome! When I was looking for a serger, I considered the coverstitch option, too, but decided it would be nice, but was something that I could live without--at least for now. I think if you do a lot of hemming on knits (t-shirts, etc.) it might be nice to have, but I tend to work more with wovens. The dealer was/is great and she told me that if I had trouble with the serger, all I had to do was call her and she could probably tell me (over the phone) what I was doing wrong. So far, my biggest problem is thread breaking when I change thread color. For some reason, it takes me about 3 tries to get it all threaded properly again. (How often do you get to Dallas? I am originally from Little Rock, Arkansas and haven't particularly enjoyed my time in this huge city. A bit too big for my taste. Of course, I've been here almost 10 years, so you 'd think I'd be used to it by now!  ) Belinda |
User: toadusew
Member since: 01-08-2005 Total posts: 369 |
From: LaurieZ33
Date: 01-10-2005, 03:15 PM (7 of 19)
We get to Dallas a few times a year - I guess it is nice to be able to come back to the small town atmosphere after a weekend in the big city. You can't really do that if you live there; I guess the novelty would wear off. I bet you have your choice of sewing stores, though! A DEFINITE plus.  -Laurie |
User: LaurieZ33
Member since: 01-09-2005 Total posts: 10 |
From: toadusew
Date: 01-10-2005, 08:32 PM (8 of 19)
|
I do have several sewing/fabric stores fairly close by--there are 3 Hancock's , a Hobby Lobby , and a Joann's not too far away either. I mostly go to Hobby Lobby and Hancock's, though since those are the 2 closest to me.
|
User: toadusew
Member since: 01-08-2005 Total posts: 369 |
From: Kylnne2
Date: 01-11-2005, 05:13 AM (9 of 19)
| Toadusew, was that model Elna serger that you test drove by any chance a 686? I am not sure but I think that is the model that I tried and it was noisy and shook the table. I thought I would never own an Elna. But of my 3 sergers I can say my Elna 744 is by far the easiest and the best. It is sturdy and quiet and has automatic tensions and tilt needles..4 thread and 3 coverhems/chain and many serged programs. I just posted in another thread on this site about the differences in models in the same company. When one sits and sews they can tell the quality. I have a Janome, a Pfaff and the Elna. I like them all and all are very different in features and price..but all are of good quality. Though I miss my old Babylock that served me many years todays sergers really can do so much more. |
User: Kylnne2
Member since: 07-10-2004 Total posts: 629 |
From: toadusew
Date: 01-11-2005, 09:58 AM (10 of 19)
|
Kylynne2, I don't remember the model number of the Elna that I test drove since that was some months ago. It had some features that I liked and it seemed like a good quality machine, but the "dancing" all over the table bothered me. My hubby was watching as I was "test driving" and he said he noticed the movement more than anything else. I loved the tilt needle feature as well. I want to say that the model number I was test driving was in the 700's but I'm just not sure; it might have been the 686. For me, that wasn't the right serger. I like the Huskylock (Viking) 905 that I got--it is larger and sturdier (no dancing) and was the right one for my needs. Some folks may not like it because it is larger (more like a sewing machine) but for me, it works. I think all the brands that you have mentioned are all good brand names and make good, quality products. I have a Janome sewing/embroidery machine and just love it!
|
User: toadusew
Member since: 01-08-2005 Total posts: 369 |
From: Kylnne2
Date: 01-11-2005, 06:31 PM (11 of 19)
| Yes, those Vikings are big beautiful machines. I did not test one because I knew I did not have room for one that size. So I ended up with 3 sergers..LOL go figure. I am now downsizing my machine and serger collection. |
User: Kylnne2
Member since: 07-10-2004 Total posts: 629 |
From: LaurieZ33
Date: 01-12-2005, 12:30 AM (12 of 19)
|
I ended up with the elna 704 - it is used and couldn't pass up the price with a coverstich option to play with, as well. Decided I could always upsize later. Sadly, I didn't get to testdrive it first - our options here are pretty limited in the used machine market so bought from a dealer out of state. Although found someone who said he could work on it. The elna group on yahoo that Skye talked about really helped me decide. They talked about their machines' quirks and have alot of tutorials you can view. I'm hoping the cool Viking shop will still let me beg my way into lessons for a fee. -Laurie |
User: LaurieZ33
Member since: 01-09-2005 Total posts: 10 |
From: toadusew
Date: 01-12-2005, 09:24 AM (13 of 19)
Laurie, I hope you have lots of fun with your new serger! I still don't use mine to its full potential, but it's going to be fun trying to learn! 
|
User: toadusew
Member since: 01-08-2005 Total posts: 369 |
From: Kylnne2
Date: 01-13-2005, 03:49 AM (14 of 19)
| Laurie I hope you like your new 704 as much as I like my 744. Please keep us informed on how it goes. Ky |
User: Kylnne2
Member since: 07-10-2004 Total posts: 629 |
From: LaurieZ33
Date: 01-13-2005, 10:37 AM (15 of 19)
|
Thanks, guys. Feels good to have decided something, finally. Kylnne, have you found your coverstich a bit tricky at times on your 744? I've read to be sure to have the EL needles and good thread, as well as an alternate upper threading pathway is sometimes helpful. -Laurie |
User: LaurieZ33
Member since: 01-09-2005 Total posts: 10 |
From: Kylnne2
Date: 01-14-2005, 03:55 AM (16 of 19)
| Laurie, No the coverhems on my Elna are not tricky at all. The first time I tried to do a coverhem was the triple seam just by reading the instruction book because the video was missing out of my new box. I was so pleased with the coverhem and I have never had any problems with it. I finally did get the video over a month later but I found the instruction book to be more than adequate. I tried all of the stitch programs and the 3 coverhems and played with the chain stitch. I am amazed at how easy this serger is. After using a serger that has tilt needles and auto tensions..it makes you never to want to use any other kind. |
User: Kylnne2
Member since: 07-10-2004 Total posts: 629 |
From: LaurieZ33
Date: 01-14-2005, 03:51 PM (17 of 19)
|
Thank you so much. I'm more than a little relieved since my used machine has lost its video somewhere during its previous life. I know it has the manual. I've also gone a little book crazy on amazon and purchased some beginner serger books. I bought a bunch of thread today at Joann's - it's all 50% off through Monday! -Laurie |
User: LaurieZ33
Member since: 01-09-2005 Total posts: 10 |
From: jackie40042003
Date: 01-15-2005, 01:45 PM (18 of 19)
|
Toadusew, was that model Elna serger that you test drove by any chance a 686? I am not sure but I think that is the model that I tried and it was noisy and shook the table. I thought I would never own an Elna. But of my 3 sergers I can say my Elna 744 is by far the easiest and the best. It is sturdy and quiet and has automatic tensions and tilt needles..4 thread and 3 coverhems/chain and many serged programs. I just posted in another thread on this site about the differences in models in the same company. When one sits and sews they can tell the quality. I have a Janome, a Pfaff and the Elna. I like them all and all are very different in features and price..but all are of good quality. Though I miss my old Babylock that served me many years todays sergers really can do so much more. Hi I just bought a new elna 744 has anybody priced the feets and the needles. And whats a good price to pay for this machine. Jackie |
User: jackie40042003
Member since: 01-14-2005 Total posts: 1 |
From: Kylnne2
Date: 01-16-2005, 12:52 AM (19 of 19)
| Jackie you are going to love your new serger. My friend gave me 3 new feet that came in a kit but they are Pfaff feet and they fit my Elna. They look exactly like the Elna feet and have the same letters on them. They were priced at $90 for the kit of 3 on sale. |
User: Kylnne2
Member since: 07-10-2004 Total posts: 629 |
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