Every machine dealer in my area uses poly thread for demoing in the new machines. All models. The settings are set for poly from the company. I think any good thread will be fine, the main thing is to have the right size needle for the wt and ply of the thread. This goes for all types of stitching. The needle and thread have to be compatible. The 830 is a big and heavy machine. I would certainly invest in a quality sewing table for it.