Another serger question..

I have narrowed by decision down to either a White 2000AT or a White 1934D. My problem is that I have to order the machine without having tried it, and will have to rely on the video for learning since there is not a sewing machine shop any closer than 50 miles from here. Is this a mistake? Would you recommend that I go try some out before buying? I am very experienced with regular sewing, but the comments in this forum make me wonder if I'll "get" serging without a class...thanks to you all.

While a class would be good and probably a lot of fun, if there isn't one close to you, I wouldn't worry about it. The Whites come with a very good video of the basics and a taste of advanced usage. With that and a good generic serger book, you'll be just fine.

speed through seams and hems...I'll post again after I have given it a try...

If you are comfortable with sewing, then you should be OK with learning how to use a serger on you own.

The two things folks new to serging can overcome are:

Threading the serger...and the key is to thread exactly as the manufacturer directions describe, otherwise it's impossible to get the stitching...

Adjustments to serger tension, stitch length and width and differential. The only recommendation I have for this is practice, play, practice, play. And when you get the right adjustments, write it down for future use. You might want to make a serger stitch book so you can record the adjustments for the fabrics you use frequently.

if you have any questions you can PM me or we can chat over the phone.

It comes with a video which I hope helps...

I actually had a chance to see the 1934D serger in a fabric store the other day. It should be easy to thread the way it's designed. Let us know how your first serging adventure was....

and after seeing this thread did a search on "serger" for some other threads. Pretty good info. Thanks to all the participants.