Sewers - tell me what I need from an over locker

Lilmrslay

I am in the market for an over locker and wondered if those who have them and use them can tell me what I need to look for when I buy one.

What features are must haves?
Which are nice to haves but not essential?
Do I have to spend a lot?
Or do 'middle of the road' models work fine?

I've never even used an over locker before so I'm totally uneducated about this. I just know I want one to improve my clothing sewing.

LittleFish1

are you asking about a serger? (I bought one of those over a year ago & have yet to try using it - major intimindation). For what I do, my basic sewing machine works just fine. Granted have made children size clothing only twice.

Lilmrslay

Yes, I think what we call an over locker is called a serger elsewhere.

mamarazzi528

All I know about is the serger I own:

Brother 1034D
https://www.amazon.com/Brother-1034D-Thread-Threading-Differential/dp/B0000CBK1L/ref=sr_1_1

I bought this one because it's on the cheaper side and had a lot of good recommendations (including on this board).  I know I don't use it to its fullest potential yet -- I pretty much just use the 4-thread overlock stitch for my seams.  The only other stitch I've tried is a rolled hem.  It works great for my purposes and it's pretty easy to use!  I use it on all my knit and woven cotton seams (I love not having to worry about fraying anymore!) and I think it makes my clothes look a little more professional.

I'm very glad I bought it and I think it's worth it! 

LindsayDesigner

I have the Juno Janome 3434D serger, I got it last year for $200. My previous experience has been with Bernina sergers so even though this is several steps down, it does the job well.  My only complaint with my serger is that the first thread is a pain in the butt to thread without a threading tool.  The tool that I have was fairly cheap, like, five bucks and it makes it a lot easier.