I'm stumped; are you just imforming us of your problems or wanting help with your machine. You don't askd for help. I have the mega quilter and have never had to adjust the tension; that is one advantage about it that most dont have an issue with tension. The manual isn't too big but then you have a machine that does a basic straight stitch and that's it. Between the manual and the CD I was never lost when searching for answers. I used mostly Aurifil thread because the viking rep recommended it and that's what I use when piecing but I've used other thread with no problem. If you want help please let us know what kind of help. Why would you go in reverse if you were told not to? The new viking walking foot can go in reverse but it doesn't fit the mega quilter.