I had bought one from a supplier on line and the thing was so flimsy and light weight I tossed it into a trash can and asked my brother to make me one. He used a wooden trophy from my dad's racing days to attach the thread spool and the guide he made with copper tubing. It works great! I use it for machine embroidery and I have never had any more trouble.
When my serger took a dump I saved the thread guide and I plan on asking him to mount it for me for one that looks a little more polished. We will see, maybe I can make it myself if I can figure out a bottom.