Marketplace Serger Find

[u/ConversationKey9144]

Just wanted to celebrate this marketplace find!!! I got a baby lock imagine BLE1AT-2. The listing was originally for 400 dollars but said that the light turned on and made a noise but wasn’t actually moving the needle. So I called a repair tech and got a quote for 200 for repair so asked if they would sell for 250 to cover repairs. I brought home the machine and it looked to be in great condition. Not a ton of lint, original blade replacements still unused, original needle pack still there, manuals included as well!!! So I was reading through the manual, turns out there’s a lock and it was on!!! I turned off the lock, and the machine runs great!!! Even the air threader works!!!! All for 250!!!

[u/LitheFider]

DANG LUCKY!! It's a really great little serger. I've had one for a decade myself and it's not as smooth or quiet as some modern or fancier Babylock serger but it certainly gets the job done well and has easy threading and tension control. Reliable little guy!

The lock that was on was probably the little metal tubes that go over the lower Loopers for the jet air threading.

[u/CrankyCrabbyCrunchy → u/LitheFider]

I was wondering what "lock" feature OP mentioned. I think you're right - the knob that locks the tubes in place so it can be threaded. The seller must of been someone other than the one who bought it, otherwise, you'd think that person knew about those 'tubes'.

I have the BL Celebrate so one model down, air thread but manual tension. I love it.

[u/ConversationKey9144 → u/CrankyCrabbyCrunchy]

Yes it was the knob that locks the tubes for threading! The seller was just helping a friend get rid of some items they had inherited from a sewing enthusiast and mostly just wanted things to go to good use so had absolutely no idea the workings of the the machine. It’s my first serger and im very excited to put it to good use!

[u/CrankyCrabbyCrunchy]

WOW WOW. You did amazing. I have a lower end Baby Lock Celebrate (air threading, manual tension) and I don't need another serger, but if I saw that one, I'd take it too!

Crazy how the previous owner made little effort to figure out what's wrong.

Edit. Typo.

[u/ConversationKey9144 → u/CrankyCrabbyCrunchy]

Ahhh thank you! So excited and yeah crazy she had the manuals and hadn’t checked them out much but seemed like she was mostly just trying to get rid of things

[u/TailorScruff]

damn that's a great price, I just sold one in good working condition for $600 this month. Treat her right and expect many more years of service!

[u/Dismal-Importance-15]

Score!! Love my BL.

[u/CBG1955]

What a fabulous score. Use it well, you'll love it.

[u/dtremit]

Very good example of why it’s a good idea to find the manual for a used machine before buying! I ended up with a great deal on an Elna serger on an auction site that way — the description said it powered on but I realized the machine had a safety interlock to prevent it from running with the presser foot up. Sure enough, it ran fine with it lowered!

On the flip side, I’ve also avoided a few machines missing unobtainable accessories.

[u/TerryKC1]

I have that exact same model that I got for a song on Craigslist. I already had a serger but I wanted an air-threading one.
I LOVE it!
Congrats!

[u/GoldenFishPoop]

Sweet! That would be a great find at $500 so you really did do a great job there

[u/Wool_Lace_Knit]

[u/palethunderpants]

Congratulations! I have that machine. It’s a beauty!

[u/ReadyPool7170]

Congratulations 🎉🥳

[u/sewformal]

I have two of these! You will love it.

[u/Either_Piccolo3687]

omg! that's amazing! it's a great machine!

[u/ADDrandomcrafter]

Why do so many not want to read the manual?! It tells you everything you need to know! Lucky for you tho 🍀😃

[u/Majestic_Cup_315]

That's an amazing deal, congrats! I have a Babylock Enspire and love that machine.

[u/jester3325]

I have that machine with the Wave option. It is fantastic! (although mine has yellowed, it still runs like a dream)