What Is A Balance Bar On A Serger?

I would like to know if anyone can tell me what a balance bar is on a serger sewing machine? The thing is skipping stitches bad and no matter what I sew it still skips. I have cleaned it, changed needles, checked tensions, rethreaded,etc but it is still skipping.

If I change the width or length it skips worse. I am using a basic 3 thread, one needle stitch. A lady at the thrift store who also has a serger said there was a balance bar under the throat plate that slides back and forth and when adjusted it stops the skipping. I took off the plate and all I see is a metal bar with 2 screws on top. Is this it?

She said all sergers have this balance bar. I have searched the net trying to find the answer but none so far. I appreciate your help. I am about ready to toss this thing in the river. It's an older model Toyota serger. I cannot afford to take it to the shop so I need some help here! Thank you.

Marian from Danville, VA

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Meli

June 22, 20080 found this helpful

See Serger Video

www.youtube.com/watch?v=EmJJauCY4G0&feature=related - 74k

I can't exactly describe it but it keeps the machine in line and makes it run smoother. When it goes that's it - It has to go to a shop for repairs. I assume you have looked for parts. My aunt had a similar problem with her commercial Serger and finally saved up the money to take it in to a shop for repairs. (It cost her $1239 bucks)

I would call around to different shops or ask around to find a good one with reasonable rates. Also you really should not run it because you can make the problem worse and destroy the machine.

Personally, I would - put it in a yard sale for ? bucks w/ an as is sign on it and make it someone else's problem.
Then put the money toward saving up to buy a newer one. If you shop around, a decent machine can be found for less than $150.00
I understand about the money, because my new hubby (He's an accountant) is a real tightwad, he's refuses to use C-cards because he doesn't like paying interest, etc.. -
ergo if I want something like the sewing machine of my dreams, I have to save up for it. Otherwise he will not let me buy it because, in his view as long as my old one works, I don't need another one. I thought about throwing it in the river a few times too.

BTW:
My Hubby went through the roof he found out that I paid $20 at a yard-sale (it was a mess) for the Baby-Lock that I use at home and then I spent another $99 to get it fixed. I would have been in bigger trouble had it not been a $400 machine.

Good used one are out there you have to look for them and save up for them. Good Luck

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