My machine Brother 1500 sometimes comes unthreaded when using the thread cutter. I by pass the top thread guide (the one with the three holes) or just use one hole and that solved the problem of the thread having too much tension for the cutter. Maybe you could skip a guide before the tension assembly. The best thread stand I have found is this one:
http://www.superiorthreads.com/shop/...thread-holder/ Sometimes Nancy Notions has them on sale but it's so good I'd buy it at full price. This stand will allow thread to be vertical or horizontal.