I have a Viking 530 bought in 1980 and it's still going strong.
Mine is a four thread, though I use it more often as a three thread as I use it mostly for finishing raw edges than seaming. I remove the inner needle when using it as a three thread also.
Mine is not automatically threading. I cut the threads off from the spool, tie on the new thread and pull them through. I do have to cut and thread the one that goes through the needle, as the knot won't pull through that. But I pull it all the way to the needle.
I'd have to take out the book to actually thread the machine.
BTW - a long, bent tip tweezers is a valuable tool for threading a serge. It's not difficult as to where thread goes - but in getting your fingers in the right spot to grab the end and pull it through.
Last edited by Macybaby; 02-12-2014 at 11:38 AM.