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From: abcameo
Date: 12-25-2005, 03:38 PM (1 of 11)
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I'm researching sergers, getting ready to buy one. Has anyone heard of "Rex?" Is this an industrial brand name or perhaps it's an offshoot of a company I'd recognize (like the way Janome/New Home/Kenmore are the same company). The model I saw on overstock.com seems to have the features I want for a reasonable cost. I'd appreciate it if anyone could fill me in on details of Rex serges if they've heard of their reputation or worked with one. Many thanks, Amy |
User: abcameo
Member since: 11-02-2004 Total posts: 131 |
From: Chrysantha
Date: 12-25-2005, 09:27 PM (2 of 11)
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www.google.com
Chrys
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User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 2414 
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From: Tom Land
Date: 12-25-2005, 11:39 PM (3 of 11)
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Rex is one of the many names put on generic machines. There is no way to tell about it until you can see and sew on the machine since it could be any one of a number of machines and models. I would recommend agaist buying it. If you get it you have no one to turn to to back up the warranty (try to find a'Rex" dealer or even a "Rex" company. You will find there is none). The first time you take it to someone for repair you will have lost any savings you might have saved. This is if you can find anyone that will work on it. Most sewing machine dealers will no longer work on any machine purchased over the internet. Reliable companies market their products through responsible outlets that will stand behind the products. Have fun or don't do it, Tom
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User: Tom Land
Member since: 09-21-2005 Total posts: 514 |
From: abcameo
Date: 12-26-2005, 09:06 AM (4 of 11)
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Tom: This is most interesting. I also found several versions of Rex Sergers (from $215 on up to $999) on the Allbrands.com website. I know I mentioned Overstock.com, but now I found the machine at Allbrandds.com, and I thought this was a reputable online outlet that many sewers use. They offer a 3 and 5 year extended service policy that covers everything. http://www.allbrands.com/products/abp08299.html#See%20Specials Also, the machine comes with instructions, but I'd ask if the "White Manual" listed in the bottom section is the same as the instruction book. If I were stilll interested, I would also like to find out about the rolled hem feature and other stitch capabilities. My local sewing shop's serger brands are the highest quality--Janome, Viking, Bernina and Pfaff. They have trade-ins, but the floor models start at $400 for the least expensive/least features. I really can find better deals online for the same brands--even with shipping included. Since I'm buying a fancy knitting machine as well, I have to select a low-cost serger. I saw from a previous post, you are a dealer (or were one?). I was reading good reviews of the Janome 634D, Bernette 334D. Some of the features I've determined are very desirable are the differential feed, a seam guide, a drop arm, auto tension (seems available only on high-end machines but people seem to rave about it), and an easy switch to the rolled hem feature (like Janome seems to have a lever to click or something instead of switching a plate). I can't really figure out if I'll regret buying a 3/4 versus the 5-thread machine. Do you have any advice on machines and features? Many thanks, Amy |
User: abcameo
Member since: 11-02-2004 Total posts: 131 |
From: plrlegal
Date: 12-26-2005, 03:02 PM (5 of 11)
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Just keep in mind that whatever you buy through Allbrands that is warrantied through Allbrands has to be shipped back to them for work/service under the warranty. Reputable machine dealers only honor the warranties on products they sell directly. The Pfaff dealer here in OKC will work on a machine purchased over the internet, but they will also charge you to do it. They won[t necessarily honor a warranty that was written somewhere else. As far as purchasing an off-brand serger, I would be very leary of one. You're going to get exactly what you pay for in off-brand, low priced machines, especially sergers, in my opinion. Patsy Patsy
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User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001 Total posts: 318 |
From: abcameo
Date: 12-26-2005, 07:57 PM (6 of 11)
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Thanks, Patsy. Well, I'm just back from the sewing store where I did some research and watched the Janome serger in action. It was very easy to use--I was surprise after reading everywhere about features, threading nightmares and quirks, etc. However, after seeing it in action, I'm not so sure I need this machine right now, the way I thought I did. I didn't realize the stitches in a rolled hem are still so heavy on the right side of the fabric. For my styles, I'm not sure it's right for me. I thought a rolled hem would be similar to the rolled hem foot look of a sewing machine--where the hem really rolls over and you don't see the stitches much. It also won't particularly help my work with handknits and lace. It's true, it would be great for inside seams, and I want to look at the creative serging books I've glanced casually at Borders & Books because I'm interested in the decorative aspects more than anything else. I'm just not sure (aside from inside seams), it would achieve much more than what I can do with the various specialty feet I've got on my sewing machine (also a Janome). Glad I did my in-person research before plunging in and plunking down $$. If I do purchase a serger, I think the Janome would suit my needs just fine. Thanks for the great advice, everyone. Amy |
User: abcameo
Member since: 11-02-2004 Total posts: 131 |
From: Kylnne2
Date: 12-27-2005, 03:13 AM (7 of 11)
| Amy, if you are looking for a stitch for light weight fabrics and lace you might want a serger that does more stitch programs including several 2 thread stitches. You can adjust the width of different stitches and a narrow 2 thread rolled hem is delicate and might serve your need. Some different stitches for lace are also the flatlock stitches either 2 or 3 thread or overcast 2. |
User: Kylnne2
Member since: 07-10-2004 Total posts: 629 |
From: abcameo
Date: 12-27-2005, 01:29 PM (8 of 11)
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Kylnne2, please advise what type machine you have in mind for me. I am interested in light fabrics--chiffons for one--and lace. I went to the sewing shop to see what they had yesterday. I liked the Janome 644D--the only one in my price range. The Berninas & Vikings were way too expensive since this week, I'm also buying a fancy knitting machine to up my production. They also own a Pffaf outlet, but I don't expect the prices to be better over there. I was thinking I might buy one of their trade-in machines (at their main store). I might be able to afford a used model with greater capabilities that way. The salesperson and I tried it out, and it was very easy to work. I have been doing due diligence, reading everything I can find in 3 different forums on serger brands and their pros and cons. I liked that the Janome rolled hem only requires a flip of the lever. I, however, had not seen a serger in action and so I was surprised and,, truthfully, disappointed when the rolled hem didn't roll the way I expected--the way a rolled hem sewing machine foot works. I thought it would do the same thing--and hide the stitches--just faster and easier. So, I'm a little undecided whether I can justify the expense of a serger--even though I would love to be able to finish seams this way instead of with an overlock stitch on my sewing machine. I perused some books on creative serging techniques at Borders & Books awhile back. I'm going back to take a closer look. If I can realistically use a serger in some other creative capacities, I'll go for it. Many thanks, Amy |
User: abcameo
Member since: 11-02-2004 Total posts: 131 |
From: Kylnne2
Date: 12-28-2005, 06:08 PM (9 of 11)
| Amy, I suggest to take a look at some books as you have started to do and check out the many stitches and stitch programs that are offered with a serger and see if that is what suits your need. A serged rolled hem can be done even more delicately than on a sewing machine. Some brands of sergers do better rolled hems than others and it doesn't matter if they have the built in feature to change the stitch finger or whether you have to change the plate. Not having to change the plate is much easier but does not make the serger of lesser quality. Some sergers offer many more stitch programs than others. Some 4 thread sergers do not do a 2 thread stitch. In order to do a 2 thread stitch your serger should come with a converter that fits on or holds the upper looper to keep it out of action. A serger that does a 2, 3 and 4 thread stitch can be found in the less expensive sergers. I have a 4 thread serger that does 16 stitch programs and 3 coverhem stitches and chain. Mine is not what I call inexpensive but it is also nowhere the price of some sergers that do less. There are 5 thread , 8 thread and 10 thread sergers etc. After you learn of the many stitches sergers do, I would then look on line in search of the different brands and what they offer and their prices. I would check out the reviews by owners like on PatternReview and other sites on line. I would then try to find the models I liked the best and do a test drive on them. Some sergers are much easier to thread and use than others. Like sewing machines..some sergers need oiling in many places where some need oiling in one spot or are enclosed units and need no oiling. Some sergers are noisy and vibrate and some are smooth running and quiet. If you are comfortable using your serger you will use it more often. I would just study up on them as much as possible..good luck in your choice. I wanted to add a little PS to my long post..the Jamac which is a subsidiary of Janome does have something to do with Rex machines..you might want to check it out in a search on line. |
User: Kylnne2
Member since: 07-10-2004 Total posts: 629 |
From: abcameo
Date: 12-29-2005, 11:59 AM (10 of 11)
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Kylnne2: Thanks for the more detailed info. No kidding--I actually have read EVERY serger review/comment at patternreview.com and everywhere else I could find. I even read several of yours telling about the new machine you had bought. Even before you wrote back to me, I had decided you are THE serger expert because I saw you frequently responded to questions and comments about them. So thanks for writing to me as well.  That's why I went over to the sewing store to put my new-found knowledge to use. The Janome 644D was a 4 thread serger and the brochure says it does 2, 3 or 4 overlock. The stitches it's capable of (from the brochure) are: Thread overlock, thread overlock (Regular), Thread Overlock (Wide), Rolled Hem, Narrow Hem, Picot Edge & Decorative Overedge. We tried the rolled hem and picot edge at the shop. I really haven't found discussions about types of stitches, although I did read about the coverhem stitch--and how people regretted not buying a serger capable of this. I didn't know what this stitch was but was shown on a garment the salesperson was wearing. I don't think that's a stitch I must have--although, of course, the more the better.  I'm hoping to make it to the bookstore today. I was impressed with 2 books I browsed, several months ago, on creative uses for sergers. I'm sure they will demonstrate all of the possible stitches of which the machines are capable. I was impressed with the books at the time, but not having a serger... The back of the brochure shows the optional attachments. For these, I would check out prices at my favorite online discount presser foot shop--sewexcited.com They offer great prices, generic feet & prompt service. Which attachments did you purchase? I have all of these for my sewing machine (ruffler, blind stitch hem, beading, cording, piping and more) The one I don't have that they list for this serge is an elastic gathering attachment. That sounds fun and useful. Seems a shame to have to rebuy a whole new set for the serger because they're not that cheap. Best, Amy |
User: abcameo
Member since: 11-02-2004 Total posts: 131 |
From: Kylnne2
Date: 12-29-2005, 07:50 PM (11 of 11)
| Oh my Amy you make me blush, I'm not a serger expert. It might be hard to find someone that likes them more than I or likes to discuss them more than I do. The techs are the experts. I used to sell and give classes on machines and sergers years ago plus tinker in repairs and then was away from sewing for years. It is amazing how machines have changed. Different feet are nice for sergers as they are for sewing machines. Gathering and puffing can be done on a serger without a special foot just by using your differential feed. There is a gathering foot that can gather a layer and attach it to a flat non gathered layer at the same time however. Blind hem can also be done without a special foot but done better with a blindhem foot. Feet vary in style greatly depending on brand of serger. I especially like my adjustable Pfaff/Elna blindhem foot that I use for many taskes including putting on piping, attaching and inserting lace with coverhem and serging deco coverhem more accurately. I also like the band and braiding foot. If you want a basic serger now you can always get a coverhem only machine later if needed. I like that my serger does the triple seam coverhem besides the narrow and wide double seam. I like to reverse the triple cover for a deco look in a contrast color on my DGK's clothes. With the coverhems it opens up so much more in sewing. You can make belt loops, felled seams, insert zippers, do binding, chainstitch and deco stitching. There are many good older books in regards to serging. One of my favorites is Know your Babylock but some newer informative books I highly recommend are Serger Secrets.. I love this one it shows the diff. stitches well and The Complete Serger Handbook, ABC's of Serging, The Ultimate Serger Answer Guide and Serger Shortcuts. Maybe your library has some of these if you don't wish to purchase them. There are also tv shows that often show serger technique. I hope you have a happy new year and have fun in your search and serger experience. |
User: Kylnne2
Member since: 07-10-2004 Total posts: 629 |
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