Clair, I, too, wanted to try a serger. Didn't expect to use it except for crafty stuff and maybe some home dec. Searched on Craigslist until I found the right deal. It's an older machine and does not self thread. Only paid about $40 so not much lost if I never used it. By accident I was at a new-to-me LQS and they offered serger classes to anyone who wanted. $10/class - cheap at the price. Taught you how to thread the machine, make a pillowcase, etc. There were more advanced classes which I did not bother with as I wasn't planning to do garment or decorative sewing with it. Haven't really used it much but glad I have it. After the first class found out the tension was messed up on one of the threads and had it serviced for about $75. All in all I'm happy with my decision. I definitely would not buy a new one for the $$ involved for something I may never really use. For under $200 I have a decent machine, know the basics and can work my way through the rest of it...or go back to the shop and take some more classes. You definitely want a 4-thread machine. The greater the number of threads, the more fine the work you can do. Good luck with your decision.