When I was learning years ago on my mechanical I would write down fabric thread type on top and bottom and when I got the tension right I would record it to reference later to if I used cotton/cotton cotton/poly poly/poly the tension would be different on each. I feel like once you get a handle on tension, there should be no issues all the time with your machine. If its more trouble than its worth I would invest in a new machine that caused me less grief. Sewing should be fun and not frustrating