http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&vertical=APPL&pid=02016655000
This one.
Is it easy to thread? How well does it go thru thick fabric?
Would you buy another one?
Is the service plan essential?
Any downsides to this model?
And what the heck is a coverstitch?

I bought one last thanksgiving

Is it easy to thread? How well does it go thru thick fabric? very easy to thread. Arrives threaded but also has a quick reference color coded chart and a video that arrives with it. It does pretty well with thick fabrics. I've serged 2 layers of thick fleece with batting in between for a dog bed but I wouldn't do much more than that (like 5 layers of fleece, etc)
Would you buy another one?I'd say definitely since it's one of the better moderately priced sergers.
Is the service plan essential?I thought so even if it's just for the yearly cleaning/tune up.
Any downsides to this model?Not that I can tell. Other than the fact that it won't thread itself it's pretty great even for a beginner that knows nothing about serging.
And what the heck is a coverstitch? A coverstitch machine creates the look you see on RTW clothing where you see a serged hem on the inside and a double or triple line of stitching on the right side.

Hey, I have that serger! I bought it last August and love it. Didn't get the service plan, and it hasn't needed service. Very easy to thread, IME. Takes a little practice, but then it's no big deal. Thick fabric? I haven't really challenged it, just doing clothing and haven't had any issues. I would buy it again, I think it's a really good value for the money.

I think that's mine. I got it on clearance :D. It's my first serger and I wanted something basic. It's easy to thread and I have had no problem with clothes...but I also haven't challenged it with anything thick. I'm very happy with it.

http://www.allbrands.com/products/abp08034-0069.html
Another question so I am bumping. Sorry, big decision and I want to be 100% sure I feel good about what I get.
The link above to the new home janome.....better than Kenmore? How is that online place to deal with? Is getting repairs a PITA?

the kenmore serger is also janome made.

little bump for input......

i have this and it has made LOTS of diapers. very thick, many layers etc and can handle everything i put it through.

Erin, are you saying you have the kenmore or the new house....I linked to the new house a couple posts up...

I have a kenmore serger. I ran darlingdiapers.com sewing with it for two years and never had any problems. I can do three layers of hemp french terry topped with microfleece. Anything more than that and she gets upset, but that's VERY thick and besides diapers, I can't imagine trying to serge anything that thick. It's easy to thread, and does't break threads often at all so I just tie on a new color and pull it through when I need to change colors. It's a good machine.

amber

Oh.. and I think a service plan on ANY serger is essential. I opened up my serger once after about six months without a professional cleaning and it had HANDFULLS of fluff in there..it was disgusting. When I took it in to have it cleaned (I let my warranty expire) it cost me $130 for a cleaning and to fix the timing (which goes out faster if you are doing heavy and thick stuff so says the repairman) .. and I need that done about twice a year.. the warranty you can get from sears is WELL worth it just for the cleanings, but they cover all repairs too. Get the warranty.. I cannot imagine that you'd regret it.