I have an 18 needle on mine... but that is just my personal preference. I've never used serger thread for my quilting... i read somewhere that it has fewer strands and is not as twisted. I use regular sewing machine oil on it and don't find a great need to oil it more than any other. I have a Quilter's Cruise Control on mine... they are specific to different brands. It really is a work horse. I just love mine. If you google "juki tl98e manual" you will find many sites where you can get a manual. hth