Yes a serger not only finishes the edges of items but it cuts off the
the "scrap".
They are super fast much faster then a regular sewing machine.
I have two sergers.
They have come a LONG way since I got my first machine 11 yrs ago.
Not to mention the prices have come way down since then also.
I bought my second serger at Joann's it was an "open box" display
machine that I got for about $130 (after the discounts and such). It
is a Singer model and is MUCH easier to thread then my older serger
which is a Simplicity. Also try to get a serger that is easy to change
from a 4(or more) thread to a 3(or 2) thread.
If possible look for one that is easy to thread, has a good clear "diagram"
for threading (second serger has one, but the first did not).
About the only thing I really use my sergers for anymore is for the 3
thread rolled hem. I just love the look of the rolled hem the most.
But if you can "test drive different machines and research the.
Good luck and have fun when you get one.