Best serger for diapers, trainers and pants

[riboflavin]

I wanted to get a serger-mostly for thick training pants. I will probably use a lot of PUL and MM fleece. I also want to use it for baby pants and maybe a diaper or two. Eventually I may want to sell the stuff.

I can only spend up to $350.

I have an old Kenmore sewing machine-maybe 10 years old? It has a bunch of stitch types, but badly in need of repair.

Ok, so that's my situation. Any suggestions as to brands? I'm pretty new to all of this, so I don't know exactly what to look for...

TIA!

[milehighmonkeys]

I have a Brother that cost about 200 bucks. It's OK. Sometimes I have to serge on the edge because it doesn't like to cut thick stretchy stuff. The biggest thing you'll need is differential feed.

[andisunshine]

You could check ebay for a used industrial serger. I have one, it has differential feed and it is rock solid. I've used it to serge four layers of hemp fleece and terry. The only problems I've had is that the manual is translated from Chinese to English so it isn't very clear and not at all in depth. I have a five thread one but given a chance to buy over I'd get four thread. It's nice for decorative purposes and great for seams on clothing.
Kenmore is a great brand for sergers, I've heard. It is made by a well-known company (Janome, I think?) and you could easily get one from Sears in your price range. There is usually a sale every few weeks for around $279.
I think it would be worth it to repair your regular machine, too, I can't use just my serger for all my sewing. You might need zig-zag for attaching elastic and straight stitch for sewing hems, attaching labels, topstitching, etc.

[recycled_mama]

Try a Janome

You can usually find one at a Dealer for about 249.00
Some dealers will also offer a lesson or 2 with the purchace.
Hancock's and the like sell factory seconds, like the Janome Harmony. So if you want one of Top Quality you should buy from a Dealer. The prices are very comparable too.
The Janome 204-9 is the bottom of the line Janome and it will do almost anything you are looking for.
Hope this helps.
Amanda