JanomeMOD-8933 Serger with Lay-In Threading, 3 and 4 Thread Convertible with Differential Feed WHITE

I debated and researched a fair amount, before deciding on this overlocker. I have not been disappointed, thus far. I also have a Janome Mod 15 digital machine, which I love. So, that was the deciding factor. Janome makes quality, easy-to-use machines. I have used the serger, mostly, for making canvas bags for ministry. It sews through canvas and webbing like butter! I am very pleased with my purchase, overall. The threading seems intimidating, at first, but is really not that bad. I am a first time serger-user but an experienced sewer. Hope this helps!

Love Janome machines. Made sturdy and are workhorses.

This is my first overlocker / serger. I had to read the manual to get the stitch tension dialed in but after that, it has been accurate and reliable. My first projects were edging fleece blankets and flannel cloths, which the machine handled equally well without further adjustments. I have made a pair of flannel PJ shorts constructed mostly with this machine (minus hems and waistband). The machine comes pre-threaded with sample spools of white thread. Tie on the new thread and gently PULL through. If you try to sew with the knots, the thread will snap. Rethreading this machine is complicated and frustrating. The instructions are not clear as to where to thread under the machine for lower looper and you need to watch a video to understand it. Product comes with DVD instructions but who has a DVD player these days? I would like to see the video on the Janome website or YouTube instead.

I've only played with the machine for about 20 minutes (will post more once I've had some more time with the machine). Here are some immediate thoughts to consider. There is no storage case for the two screwdrivers, needles and tweezers that come with the machine. The machine cover is basically a fancy garbage bag. The upper knife really has to be pushed hard to then turn the knob. It's awkward to do. I do like the differential feed.It does lack a free arm. This doesn't bother me but some people might have a problem with it. The lower loopers don't appear to be any more difficult to thread than most sergers. Set up appears to be very similar to my 30+ year old Singer serger. The machine itself is bigger/wider than my older serger.Serges beautifully. Sewing is as quiet as any other machine I have. Switching to a rolled hem is a snap. Machine is heavy enough to be sturdy. The internal parts I can see appear to all be metal except for the knob on the cutting width.Update 5/17/16: This thing is more noisy than my older serger from the 80s when going at high speeds. The lower looper is a bit of a challenge to get threaded but it is not impossible. Still serging like a champ.Update 9/8/16: After using this for a few months, I still love it. The tension does manage to shake itself out of whack but it's easy to fix by just adjusting a knob or two. I think it's from the vibration of the machine. Still no major problems with the machine. Very happy with it overall.Update 10/10/18: This thing is a tank. Zero issues at all with the mechanics of it.

Great easy to use serger. It’s nice that it comes threaded.

This is a great machine. I have not gotten to use it much but it is my 4th I’ve owned and it is good

I had such high hopes. I loved the reviews of Janome machines. The Mod 8933 is a pretty machine, feels sturdy... But sooo many problems with mine!Starting with unboxing: I was aware the machine would be already threaded so I unboxed carefully. It was threaded but the thread spools were all over the place and machine threads were twisted. I tried to turn the wheel. No go. Then I go to the instruction booklet to thread it myself. I spent over 4 hours threading, rethreading, cursing, crying... (you know the scene).Most frustrating..... Manual directions are so vague in areas that are important. Threading the lower looper was....horrifying! (You Tube videos are varied and unclear as well)I did get it running, but at hazard. Stitches would gather if the tensions were set at anything over "1". And the adjustments I tried still made sub-par stitches (there was space between material and edge of serged seam).Just in case you think I'm a whiner, I have solid backup. I asked a sewing machine mechanic to come look at this machine... She was visibly frustrated with the threading process, calling it the most difficult serger she'd ever tried to thread... then when she finally got it sewing the thread broke. Again and again. She offered a very professional and sensible recommendation, however: Return it. I did.

This serger is one of the best I ever had