Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

There is a great review from a long-time serger user, however,I thought it might be helpful to give you the impressions from a first-time user. First off, I ordered the machine "used-like new" from the warehouse deals. It was $368 and it came in its original package; the only thing that was missing was the original thread. I was disappointed at first, because I was hoping to see how it was threaded right out of the factory. It still had the grey thread tangled in the loopers which made me hang my head even lower, thinking "looks like the previous owner had issues with the stitch, threading, or loopers". I bought the book Successful Serging: From Setup to Simple and Specialty Stitches in advance because I had read that the user manual is not all that user friendly. I was determined to brace the threading storm and get acquainted with the machine at once. The user manual is actually not bad at all. I managed to get the Juki threaded correctly on my first try-the key is to make sure the loopers just cross after the lower looper snaps back in place. I also made sure the tension dials were at 1 when I threaded it and when it purred to life the overlock it produced was impressive. The lower looper need a slight tweak, but that was it. The booklet has one downfall though: it does not speak about how to produce a flatlock seam; no biggie, I have the book and there are plenty of tutorials available online. I decided to change it to a 3-thread overlock and it was a breeze. Threading the second time around was even easier, and in retrospect I was so apprehensive of something that turned out to be quite easy. The knives cut through various material nicely, the machine purrs, it runs very smoothly, it does not move at all-overall my first impression is excellent. I am used to working with a bright LED light on my Brother sewing machine, something this Juki does not have. It is a regular old light source, bright, but different to LEDs. Also, something that I did not read in the description but this machine has is a thread cutter, right at the back of the presser foot. I will edit this review in a few weeks when I have used the serger more extensively. So far, my first impression as a first time user is a very good one! FYI, I am using it with regular Maxi Lock thread and Maxi Lock Stretch thread. ***Update 06/15/13*** I have used the Juki for over 4 months now, and I still absolutely love it. By now, threading has become a quick and painless effort. The knive cut through 6 layers of cotton batting and 2 layers of denim, but I was pushing the knives limit there. However, I think any home machine would be put to the test sewing through 8 layers, 6 of which are thick cotton batting. Overall I am very pleased with this Juki. The differential feed makes sewing knits an actually enjoyable thing; the switch to rolled hem is basically removing a needle and moving the small lever to the front. The tension dials work reliably as well. I now know my settings (5 for the needles and 4,5 for the loopers) and except for small adjustments here and there, it stitches as really nice overlock. Frankly, I don't think you can go wrong with a Juki. This thing really is a powerhorse!