It is a loud machine. In the carpet department of Walmart or Kmart or where ever you shop, pick up an area rug made of closed cell foam. They are about 1/4 inch thick and have a printed picture on them. Put it under your serger when you are using it, it will cut the noise by half.
I was given one of the Brother serger's that needed a repair. I figured I had nothing to lose so I took all the covers off of it down to the skeleton. It is actually pretty well made. It has all metal innards, there are no plastic rods or gears to break. The only real weakness is the knob used to set the differential feed, it is plastic with a plastic toothed cog. I can see it breaking down the road - a long way down the road - unless it is misused and abused.
ETA The repair consisted of adjusting the upper looper. It was set in crooked. Once I straightened it out the machine sewed perfectly. I passed it on (free) to a young mom who loves to sew for her 4 little ones and make home dec. projects.
Last edited by Mitch's mom; 01-11-2013 at 08:30 PM.