Overlocker recommendations please

[Celia]

@So Chic you have to remember they were there to sell Babylock machines

I agree you can get some other machines that work beautifully but some are an absolute nightmare. 

[SewRuthieSews]

@SewRuthieSews your Bernina 800 shouldn’t be tricky to thread.  The lower looper swings right out making it easy to thread.    It’s the same as the 1150 which I have and I always rethread from scratch now as it’s quicker than tying on. 

Agreed the looper are not too bad, but I find the needles fiddlier to thread than my old NewHome 134D (which has difficult to thread loopers) because the upper knife assembly blocks access.
I watched a lot of YouTube videos for the machine and we get along OK now, so I'm not looking to replace it myself, but if someone could buy any new machine maybe this wouldn't be it :-)

[Elnnina]

Bodgeitandscarper there is a lady in Norfolk - Janet Spink and she used to write books/demonstrate on all things Babylock maybe worth getting in touch with her for some up to date advice on this model.  Have fun.

[StitchinTime]

@SewRuthieSews I have a Bernina 600DL and can raise the knife to make access easier. I think the same can be done on the 800DL.
https://www.bernina.com/Bernina/media/Support/Overlocker_Serger/800DL/Documents/EN/Instruction-Manual-700D_800DL_EN_DE_FR_E.pdf

[So Chic]

@Celia   The class was a follow up to a “get to know your overlocker” class and we had to take our overlockers, it was not a Babylock demonstration.  I appreciate that the tutor worked for Babylock but she  shouldn’t have put down other machines, also she did not provide any hand outs which would have been helpful considering the cost of the class.

[Celia]

@So Chic yes I do agree that is not good especially if you were paying for it.

[Tamnymore]

This is a fascinating discussion. My basic Janome overlocker is about 25 years old and it works fine but is a bit of a bear to rethread if you aren't successful in tying on the new thread and sewing it through.

Your Jaguar machine looks like an absolute bargain @Greybird and I am sorely tempted. I can see it on the Jaguar website and GUR have it but I don't see anywhere where I could see it in action. Might I ask where you and your DD got yours?

[Greybird]

@Tamnymore we both got them from GUR. Very good service too.

[Tamnymore]

Thanks @Greybird . Yes GUR have a good name.

[Acorn]

I have the same overlocker, and am equally pleased with it.  Mine came from Sewing Machines Direct, who were brilliant. They offered me as much help over the phone/email as I needed (for overlocking in general, not just for this machine) - I was scared of overlockers at that point - but I didn't need any.

I got a free set of feet and carrying bag as well.

[Ohsewsimple]

I’ve done several lessons on Jaguar overlockers, which is what @Greybird has and I was very surprised and pleased with the way they behaved.  They sound nice, if you know what I mean.  Easy to thread, thread cutter on top, stitched nicely, well behaved and a good price.   

[Tamnymore]

Oops I've bought a new overlocker. Love Bodgey's new Rolls Royce one but have gone for the VW Golf equivalent instead - namely the Novum 488 from GUR. It has the feet and carry bag. It's a lot cheaper than the new model - the 489 - but has the same mecahinms and threading and so on.
 I'm assuming it's come down in price so much as they want to get rid of the old stock so they can sell the new model. I won't accuse everyone of being influencers as I'm extremely easily led so it's entirely my fault. But after 25 years with a very basic model it will be nice to have a new solid machine. Once I'm set up I'll have to find a home for the old overlocker.

[Ohsewsimple]

@Tamnymore I’m sure you’ll find it better than the Janome!  Enjoy! 

[Bodgeitandscarper]

Ooh, well done @Tamnymore 

[Greybird]

@Tamnymore - hope you're as happy with it as I am with mine!