Elna Lock Pro 4 Dc Serger Manual
I always threaded my serger. But that was 10 years ago. I've used it a few times in the last month but for some reason, I can't thread it today. DH and I have worked on it for hours.
It's easy to thread. You can easily access each thread guide. There is a clear diagram inside the door. We are threading everything in the order that is clearly indicated on that diagram. What could we be doing wrong?
Is it important that one thread crosses another or something? It seems like the last time we did it successfully there was a subtle difference from the diagram but I can't remember what it was. I've googled and searched this forum but I've come up empty. Oh I even tried just two threads - they don't interlock and make a chain.
The threads don't jam but they don't make a chain either. If you made it this far, thanks for hanging with me!!
Just talking about it makes me feel better! - Edited on 10/4/08 6:51 PM.
I have a different model Elna with 5 needles and 3 loopers so the threading sequence might not be the same.but do remember to thread your needles last or they will tangle in the looper threads. I thread upper looper, lower looper then left needle and then the right needle last. Each brand and model seems to thread a bit differently.
I have another serger that is different and threads the right needle first.but it is important to thread your needles last after your threading or even rethreading loopers. Do also check that your threads are well seated in the tensions and that you are using the correct needles and be sure that your threading antenna is extended all of the way up as high as it will go. Edited on 10/4/08 6:47 PM.
Thanks so much for responding - I think I would be afraid to respond to a serger SOS thread!! I finally went through EVERYTHING and discovered the needle wasn't fully seated - it had slipped down partway. I pushed it all the way up, tightened it and now my serger is sewing correctly. There is still a subtle trick to threading it that I haven't figured out.
I think the upper looper thread has to be in front of the lower looper thread but I've had enough today - I want to finish the top I'm sewing! The next sunny afternoon I have without kids, I'm going to unthread and thread that sucker until it knows who is the boss!!! Thanks again - the moral support means so much. My stomach is so tight it hurts!!! Quote: marymary86 I just found this old thread while doing a google search for the needles my serger uses.
LOL - I did find that subtle difference and I did become the boss. (The diagram in the book and the diagram inside the door of the serger were different. The one on the serger itself is the right one.
I can thread it in my sleep now!) Posting and interacting here really does make a difference. Lol twice, some years ago I bought another brand once expensive serger in new condition from a neighbor for $ 20,her DH bought the brand new serger for her. She had lots of problems,countless broken needles and more. In the original manual were out of order threading instructions. She never went to the good dealer for free serger lessons. When I explained the error in the manual I offered the serger back to her,and free serger lessons. She didn't want the serger back.
Elna Lock Pro 4 Dc Serger Manual Free
I had the elna pro 4 it is a good serger. 100.for it go get it. It also does cover stitch too. I've only had it for 2 days, so perhaps I will come back and edit this later, but it does a 3 and 4 thread overlock, a simple chain stitch, a rolled hem, and a 5 thread safety stitch. I don't even know if that's the right term-a chain stitch overlocked edge.
It's very approachable to use, apparently, since I barely understand normal serger stitches and yet was able to figure out the machine immediately. I bought it used, and it came with a blind hem/flatlock foot, which is sweet.
You do have to switch plates for overlock, rolled hem, and flatlock, but it's super super easy to do so. Threading seems pretty easy so far-I haven't had to rethread it entirely, but I did have to rethread the top threads and then the 5th thread for the safety stitch, and it was very easy to figure out. It's almost definitely not as user friendly as a newer machine, but for $80 more than the entry-level Janome (204D?) I was originally planning to buy, I got everything I could've wanted except a coverstitch. It is super quiet, and though they highly recommend you buy the special Elna needles, it does take universal needles according to the manual. Hope this helps here's the latest review from here. Edited on 12/11/10 12:11 PM.
I have a Pro5 DC. Only serger I've ever owned. And don't serge very much. Never REALLY learned how, and now I see that it might be a temperamental machine, which would explain some of the difficulties I've had. It's frustrating when I get the stitches to form properly, and then have them suddenly stop working right. Also have a lot of trouble threading the left-most looper pathway, so I don't do much changing of the setup. Should probably just do a good cleaning & oiling, and run some knits through it.
I really need some tops. 2017 fabric in: 10 yd.; sewn: 13 yd; projects completed: 12 UFOs completed:2 Totals: -3 yds, since 2007 +63 yds 2018 fabric in: 14 1/2 yds (plus 22.5 yds gifted) sewn: 24.5 yards given away: 0 projects: 17 (2 lined gift bags, 2 bookmarks, brown/gold striped pleated maxi skirt, quilted tablecloth, lg.
Quilted Christmas stockings, quilted table runner, quilted sm. Tablecloth, covered theme book, 2 table runners, lg & sm Christmas stockings, olive oil table quilt, vest for DM, cover box with fabric) projects started: coins quilts (Christmas, for Sylvi, for Andrew), lg suede squares quilt, 2 baby quilts UFOs completed: 4 (faux fur purse, Q-sized quilt, set of linen napkins, teapot quilt). I think it does pay to shop around and to test different models if possible. There is such a big difference between the Elna models. I remember someone on PR that had an Elna serger that gave her grief.
She told of how hard it was to use and she was one that really loved machines. I tried an Elna model and hated it and did not purchase it but now I have a different model Elna combo/coverhem model 744 that is only a 4 thread, not computerized and is very easy to use. It does many overlock stitches including chain stitch and 3 coverhems with no need to change the plate to convert to coverhem. Being it is only a 4 thread model there is no need to purchase extra cones or swap thread spools around when converting, plus it has auto tensions.
Just dial the stitch you want, flip a couple of switches and thread the easy thread chain looper and change the needle position with the tilt needle bar. I would not change this serger for any other because it does great for any job that I have required of it, especially for heavy duty projects. I also have a second lower priced basic 4 thread serger with a free arm and higher knife that I use for other specified projects that also does great. Sergers pretty much do the same tasks but some much more easily, or more quieter than others. I suggest to shop around and do check reviews. I hope you end up with a nice serger. I bought one of these in 1992 when they first came out.
It was $1000. It's got many many miles on it and still works just fine. It was challenging to learn to thread, but many sergers are a challenge to thread. I've had it serviced a few times, but it's had no major problems until I broke the stitch finger on the rolled hem plate.
The part apparently is no longer easy to find. My repair man in Houston 'jerry mandered' a part for me for about $90. So, it still works. I think $100 sounds like a fair price considering you may have to take it somewhere to be serviced. Marguerite in Iola, TX.