i think taking it off the frame temporarily is a good idea. i have a threader on my brother embroidery machine, my brother dsm, and on the juki. the juki threader is the only one i find hard to use. if you don't have the right angle, it doesn't work. but mine is on the frame and i have a large eye needle, so threading manually is easier. other than that, i absolutely love my juki. if i get a bigger machine for the frame, the juki will become my go to piecer. sorry you're having trouble.