I have a high speed machine and it takes all threads but one type of Madeira, for FMQ. I can piece with that thread fine. I use a 90/14 either top stitch or microtex in my machine. I had an older high speed machine and it shredded thread and turns out there was something wrong in the hook assembly. At least that is what was wrong with that machine. I got a good deal on a trade to a new same version Brother PQ1500 and it has never given me a problem with anything. Except that one kind of Madiera. I have never found burr on any of my machines. I have also soaked some thread in mineral oil just to see. It didn't affect the thread at all as far as performance, but, since my machine is trouble free, didn't add anything either.