I'm selling my Viking since it was too expensive to just keep in a closet and use infrequently, but I seem to remember reading about a model of serger than many here have gotten on Ebay for around $150. I just want something cheap that works well enough to zip off some burp cloths or a pillowcase if the urge strikes. Any ideas? Thanks!!

New Home 104D? It's $199 ppd....


http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=3118&item=8143833741&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW

I have the 104D and it's been a great workhorse for me. For the price, you can't get a better serger IMO.

I got the new home 104D. I like it but i haven't owned any other serger.

Anyone else have thoughts on this one? I am serger shopping and don't know much about them so don't know what features would be really great to have.

features that i think are important are 4thread serging and differential feed]

hth

:ditto:

I also have the New Home 104D (new on eBay) and really like it. (But I also haven't used another serger for any length of time.) The 104D has proven to be a workhorse for me, though. :)

Tara

I"m fairly sure I have the Janome version of the 104D and I adore it.

However, if I were to buy another serger, i'd buy one that could flatlock or coverstitch or something cool like that. Mine doesn't, and that annoys the pants off me.

Anise - The 104D is a Janome...well...it's a New Home but Janome bought out New Home so now it's all Janome LOL!

Can the 104D do layers, like pads or dipes?

Also, are the tensions annoying? I have lay-in tensions now and am tempted by a Simplicity with lay-in that I saw for around $150 (which also had 2-thread, which the 104D doesn't have).

I honestly don't sew a lot these days, but want something that won't frustrate me when I do get it out!

Thanks!

I have the 104D from eBay too. It sounds like it would be perfect for what you're needing/wanting. For the money it's a great machine and it runs great.

I'm ready to move up to something nicer. Probably won't happen anytime soon though, so I'm content for now :)

Originally posted by anise
I"m fairly sure I have the Janome version of the 104D and I adore it.

However, if I were to buy another serger, i'd buy one that could flatlock or coverstitch or something cool like that. Mine doesn't, and that annoys the pants off me.

I didn't know you could get a serger that did that too. Thought you needed a separate coverstitch machine. I guess that would make for a pretty expensive serger?

Also, someone asked about the 104D and multiple layers. I tried to do a few layers of sherpa on another serger and could not. Would this one work?

Originally posted by Danaia
Anise - The 104D is a Janome...well...it's a New Home but Janome bought out New Home so now it's all Janome LOL!

I know. That's what I"m saying. I have a Janome, but other than the name i'm pretty sure its the same machine.

Originally posted by anise
I"m fairly sure I have the Janome version of the 104D and I adore it.

However, if I were to buy another serger, i'd buy one that could flatlock or coverstitch or something cool like that. Mine doesn't, and that annoys the pants off me.

I'm betting you could flatlock on your machine. Start with a three thread serge. Set your needle tension really loose, like to 0 and your lower looper really tight, like to 9. Start on two layers scraps and adjust as you need it. Your needle thread fills in on the underside, your lower looper should be virtually straight, and your upper looper should look normal. Now open up what you just serged. You'll have a flatlock seam. Now this flatlock is great for wovens, and not so stretchy knits. I prefer a two thread flatlock for stretchystuff, it has more give.

Originally posted by Michele
Can the 104D do layers, like pads or dipes?

Also, are the tensions annoying? I have lay-in tensions now and am tempted by a Simplicity with lay-in that I saw for around $150 (which also had 2-thread, which the 104D doesn't have).

I honestly don't sew a lot these days, but want something that won't frustrate me when I do get it out!

Thanks!

Michele,
I have the 104D also. I do use it for diapers but have had to alter certain things (like soakers) that I would definitely do differnently if I had a machine that could do it... For example, I cannot make it sew any more than 2 layers of hemp fleece + layer of micro. It simply won't do it.

Another consideration is that it does not have an adjustable presser foot. IMO option would make it 100% the best serger for the money. YOu might look into the New Home 504D -- I believe it's the next up in line and I believe it does have the adjustable presser foot and could possibly do more layers. I believe Tiffany (GWG -- Fluffymail) has this machine. The price on this one isn't much more than the 104.

If you were willing to go up a little bit in price -- $300 -- I would go wtih the White ATS2000. I have done a lot of reseach and when I decide to buy another. It has many high end options and gets just RAVE reviews. Check around.

HTH! :)

Thanks everyone! My MIL has the White 2000ATS and it does seem like a great machine. I'm selling my Huskylock for $300 though so it wouldn't do me a lot of good to buy another $300 machine, except that the Husky is a large machine and I wouldn't mind something smaller. I'm very tempted by Allbrands FS Simplicity sergers for $169 shipped/no tax--I read in another thread about someone who has that model and is very happy with it. Also found a site that has the New Home HF504D (next model up from 104D I think) with lay-in tensions and I think adjustable presser foot pressure for $199 + shipping. I was just hoping to stay closer to $150.

Originally posted by Michele
Thanks everyone! My MIL has the White 2000ATS and it does seem like a great machine. I'm selling my Huskylock for $300 though so it wouldn't do me a lot of good to buy another $300 machine, except that the Husky is a large machine and I wouldn't mind something smaller. I'm very tempted by Allbrands FS Simplicity sergers for $169 shipped/no tax--I read in another thread about someone who has that model and is very happy with it. Also found a site that has the New Home HF504D (next model up from 104D I think) with lay-in tensions and I think adjustable presser foot pressure for $199 + shipping. I was just hoping to stay closer to $150.

Here's the 504D for 199 free shipping on ebay.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=41249&item=8145131240&rd=1
I am considering this one too, but still wonder if it can for sure handle the multiple layers. I like to make dipes w/ sherpa and make multiple layer hemp soakers.

for anyone else looking I just found these reviews of the White 2000ATS. Can't make up my mind!
http://www.epinions.com/hmgd-Sewing_Machines-White_Sewing-Sergers-White_Superlock_2000_ATS

bubbles - they do make machines that do both coverstitch and serge. But from what I've heard, it isn't so great b/c changeover is a bit complicated (i think it might even involve rethreading) and each project can use some serging and some coverhemming so you're changing back and forth. That's why we mostly talk about standalone coverstitchers around here.


HTH

Originally posted by tara
I also have the New Home 104D (new on eBay) and really like it. (But I also haven't used another serger for any length of time.) The 104D has proven to be a workhorse for me, though. :)

Tara
:ditto:

Originally posted by Pixie's~Mama
Michele,
I have the 104D also. I do use it for diapers but have had to alter certain things (like soakers) that I would definitely do differnently if I had a machine that could do it... For example, I cannot make it sew any more than 2 layers of hemp fleece + layer of micro. It simply won't do it.

Another consideration is that it does not have an adjustable presser foot. IMO option would make it 100% the best serger for the money. YOu might look into the New Home 504D -- I believe it's the next up in line and I believe it does have the adjustable presser foot and could possibly do more layers. I believe Tiffany (GWG -- Fluffymail) has this machine. The price on this one isn't much more than the 104.

If you were willing to go up a little bit in price -- $300 -- I would go wtih the White ATS2000. I have done a lot of reseach and when I decide to buy another. It has many high end options and gets just RAVE reviews. Check around.

HTH! :)

What are the differences between the 104d and the 504d? I understand the lay in threading, But is that in its self a big deal? Here (http://www.sewvacdirect.com/newhomeserg.html) They are both the same price. So what other differences am I missing?