Elna is a good brand,but if you don't know anything about them,try and get someone who does know about them to go with you.

Is it from a dealer or a private party??
Kathi

I use an Elna SU daily. It is not a serger but I can say IMHO Elna is a great brand and I would definately purchase another.......that is after looking around, test driving and comparing features. See what prices look like on Ebay and also call around to a dealer and see what they might sell it for. Make sure you get the manuals and attachments if you go for it. I agree completely with Kathi have another sewer try it out with you before you make the final decision. As I said early, this is just MHO>

I found it on Ebay. :-(

Since she no longer has the original box, I would stress proper packing and insurance.

The Elna 683 offers 3-thread and 4-thread stitches, so I would say it is a very basic serger. That is not a bad thing, the basic stitches are the most used of all.

IMO you need to be very wary of buying a machine from ebay, Craig's list or other sources. Not so much because the machine is not worth the price; Elna is a good brand. But because most people - and I include myself here - do not know how to pack a machine correctly so that it arrives in perfect condition and is absolutely free from damage. Even if it is insured, the damage may render the machine unusable.

Thanks for the advice. I think I will not buy it from Ebay and instead get one through a dealer that offers classes on how to use it.

Thanks so much for your help!

Do you have a regular sewing machine as well??A serger doesn't do everything you need to do in sewing,it's a wonderful thing to have along with a regular machine,Don't know how i ever lived without mine.
Kathi

I have an Emerald 116.

I have an Emerald 116.

Good decision to buy from a dealer! The most "interesting" thing about using a serger is the threading. The dealer can certainly help you with that! Practice threading the serger while in class about half a dozen times and you will be good to go. Sergers are amazing with what they can do. I paid for my Brother serger several years ago by making 50 table cloths for my sister.

Because I bought my Elna new many years back, I have kept all the packing and original box. I knew I would be moving a few times and it was so easy to pack my machine back into the original box and know it was safe for travel. I am now staying put for the next decade or so and still tucked my original box back under the basement stairwell...should I ever decide to travel with it - a quilting retreat for example, I am ready. I offer it as an idea only, but something to keep in mind for anyone else.

You are right, Budster! Guess that's why I still have the packing case that contained my Featherweight when it was shipped from Canada - not that I am planning on shipping it anywhere!