I was a bit hesitant when I first looked into this serger, but I am glad I "took the plunge" and bought it. It was extremely easy to use, I just "Cheated" and tied the new threads to the old and started the machine to change color. I am very happy with the way it sews, not a lot of "fiddling" with it. I find it interesting that the lower looper arm is hollow...are all the newer sergers like that ? I have an older Neechi, and that lower looper arm has the groove in the back.This machine is the same as Nancy Zieman's EZ Lock SWN 10, and has been in Nancy Zieman's Catalog and Website. I understand that this model, distributed by Tacony Corporation is the same as the Babylock Lauren. There is a series of 4 videos on YouTube, starting with: Lauren;How to Thread a Serger, Serger Quick Tips,Lauren;3 Thread Serging, and Lauren; Serger Differential, all presented by "Totally Stitchin" I found the manual helpful, and utilized YouTube a lot, watching many videos on different 4-thread sergers, starting with the 4 videos I mentioned. I also went to the Babylock website, and they have some information about the Lauren.All in all, I am Very Happy with my purchase, and would recommend this serger to anyone who is new to this form of sewing, as well as a more seasoned sewist.
