I have a side winder from Joann's. Got it back when new they ran about $40 with my 50% coupon I decided to try it. I love my side winder. It is plug in, or battery operated. Winds thread evenly everytime, have even wound bobbins off large cones with no problem (cone in coffee cup beside the winder) My older machines, 45 yrs plus, don't like the pre wound. It is quick and easy to wind 4-5 bobbins before I start a quilt and I'm set to go.