Repair or Buy a New Serger
Like your car, computer or washer, your serger is a great machine and a true wonder in the world of sewing. And like any tool with constantly moving parts, your serger will eventually develop a serious problem. Sergers are typically a big investment, so they tend to get a lot of use. No matter how carefully and regularly you maintain your serger, components wear out and down over time. While replacing certain internal mechanism can often restore a well-loved serger back to health, it might just delay the inevitable. Another consideration is the cost between repairs and replacement. Should you repair your serger buy a new one? This isn’t always an easy decision, so we’ll take a look at all the options.
The Value of Your Serger
This can be somewhat tricky because a good many serger owners put more than monetary value on an heirloom serger that’s served the family well for generations. But professional repair shops often recommend that only repairs estimated to cost less than 75 percent of the machine’s original purchase price be considered.
No matter how old your machine is, the true difference between a high-end serger and a bargain basement model is inside the machine. The materials used in manufacturing a serger’s internal parts are good indications of quality and durability. Most lower-end sergers contain plastic and/or aluminum parts. Neither material can handle the stresses of daily use for long. They snap, they fail, they wear out fast. And in many instances, it may be cheaper to purchase the same model new than paying to repair the one you own.
On the other hand, newer high-end machines and well-made older models invariably contain components made of sturdier metals, such as steel. These machines are made entirely of metal. They’re heavy when lifted and typically include enough power to handle the heaviest fabrics. In this case, making the necessary investment to have the machine serviced can guarantee many more years of use.
The Condition of Your Machine
This section pertains more to repairing older sergers. Decades of use, even when operated occasionally, wears down components. Those used more often naturally wear out faster. While the majority of worn or broken components can be replaced or repaired, it doesn’t always guarantee your machine any serious longevity. When using the same serger for years, you know how it should perform. Sometimes repairs and replacement parts can return a machine to proper working order, but not necessarily perfect working order.
Your Serger Needs
This is potentially the most important consideration before deciding whether to repair or replace your serger. If you want to expand your creative skills by taking on more intricate or difficult projects, you might reconsider investing in what might be expensive repairs – especially if you own an inexpensive, entry-level or manual model. Take the time to do some research into different models after deciding whether your current serger is capable of handling what you plan to do in the future. If it honestly can’t handle heavier or more involved projects, it might be best to invest in a more powerful, better made machine. Keep in mind that while older models might not include all the bells and whistles new sergers do, they’re solid, powerful and built to last. You know best what you need.
Sergers, like automobiles, are specialty machines that often require a serious financial investment. And keeping such a machine well maintained is part of the responsibility of ownership. Time and use will eventually take their toll on sergers that receive even the best of care. Choosing to replace your serger with a new model can mean a substantial investment, learning new settings, tricks and techniques, and making new adjustments to the way you work. Some sewists love the challenge of tackling a new machine, while others prefer to stay with what they know best. The choice is yours.