I have a BabyLock for many years, do not use it regularly ...however, when I need it I am very happy I have it...an older model so no air threading...i just get out manual when needed :)

Judy in Phx, AZ

For me, the cover stitch -- used to hem tee shirt, swim suit, and other stretchy fabrics -- was a must. Only the more expensive air-threading machines offer this. If you want one of the basic air-threading machines, and don't need the cover stitch, that's great. Should you ever need it, you can buy a stand alone cover stitch machine, and use it just when needed. It need not be air threaded, as with 2 needles and one looper thread, all of which are relatively easy to learn -- and all of us will tell you that you can "tie on" a new color of thread, and pull it through, up to the eye of the needle.
The Baby Lock machine I use at work is wonderful, with the air threading! but -- there is no way to thread it if this system is not working; ours did have a build up of lint from threads over time, and needed a service call to clean it out -- we use it extensively at work to do the most beautiful rolled hems on many craft items we make for
our shop.

Juki still makes Babylock Overlockers. Babylock has no manufacturing capability and all their machines are made for them by other makers.

I highly recommend the Juki MO1000. No affiliation at all just a happy sewer. I had a Pfaff coverstitch, an older one with a beautiful stitch but having to change stitches back and forth from coverstitch to overlock stitch was a pain. It took me longer to get the changes made than to do the stitching, literally. I took the plunge and got a used Babylock Coverstitch machine, and a new Juki MO1000 and I love this arrangement. No time lost changing back and forth and I get beautiful results. I do lots of garment sewing for my grand children. There are several reviews for the Juki online and this is the main reason I choose this particular machine. It serges like a dream, through any fabric with little to no adjustments. The rolled hem is beautiful. Can't say enough about it.❤️❤️❤️

Babylock had the patent. When the patent ran out, Juki could make their sergers. They do make nice ones.

I have the Imagine and the Coverstitch. I have the Juki 2010 single stitch.

The only problem I am seeing with the 2010 machine is lack of some accessories. The machine itself is great.

The same with the Pfaff IDT walking foot. Patent ran out, Pfaff didn't renew, and a few companies did try it. You couldn't buy a walking foot for a Pfaff with IDT. My Pfaff has the IDT. Wouldn't sew without it.

Thank you for all the great input. I have some ideas as to what to look for. In the meantime some one is letting me use her serger. No idea what it is and she did not know either. She plans to dig it up. It is older and she bought it used a long time ago but maybe it will give me some understanding of what a serger is.

Why does it scare you. I hear it gets less clogged than the babylock air threading. I heard it is actually better threading than babylock. My dealer sells both. I know my dealer told me the 654 is a wonderful serger but not the best for a beginner. Do you find that to be true. I am saving for the juki QVP-2000 because it looked more solid than the babylock eclipse.

Well the serger is a Juki but definitely needs attention. It does turn on. I am excited and hope I am off to a good start for now. Juki MO-654DE She said it is at least a decade old and she bought it from a friend. She used it once.

I use mine all the time to serge the edge of my quilts before adding binding. Makes a nice firm base for attaching the binding.

Babylock Ovation is the best......but they are pricey. Depends on your budget. Babylock has other models with the air threading that are less expensive. Love my Babylock sergers.