My guild owns a Nolting. We were told to run the thread through a tiny bit of liquid silicone soaked fabric. We do use the same cone thread I use for everything else. We change needles frequently. However, jerky movements can break thread very easily. The guild suggests beginning with a capital cursive L movement, then trying other things. I hate marking, so I don't. Many "experts" suggest drawing the pattern you want to use repeatedly on paper (newspaper will do) with a marker pen, to get the 'flow' right. I can't stand and work on the guild's LA any more, so I really envy you.