I had to laugh out loud, because I bought my overlocker a year ago from an art scholarship and then I was so intimidated, that i did not touch it for 3 month. Crazy or? I was so afraid of the knife that will cut the fabric… So, you are much more courageous than me.
But it is interesting for me to read about your experience, perhaps I had not waited so long in using mine if I had read your post (not possible, I know, as time travel is not a thing).
I am happy you now can use your overlocker and are satisfied with the purchase as its a lot of money. I am also super happy with mine and love to sew jersey fabric on it. So much neater, no curly or wavey seams. And so fast….