Some are just not worth the energy.

The bobbin winder costs about $35 - you can get a small Brother at WalMart for about $80. For my money I bought the Brother. I have a no-frills machine to take the guild/classes, etc., and I have a bobbin winder. Works for me.

I tried the side winder, but the info with it says it is "not for all machines". I wondered. None of my bobbins would turn on the spindle. It would if I wanted to wind the thread backwards for my machine. I took it back.

I bought the Side Winder and quickly determined it was a big waste of money for me. I used it less than 2 dozen times. Instead, I buy 2 spools of the same thread, and when my bobbin needs refilling, I simply hold the other spool of thread in my hand while the bobbin winds, letting the thread run between my fingers. Works like a charm for me. You have to get used to how tightly to hold the spool so that it will wind by have enough tension to keep the thread on the bobbin tight.

I have the Side Winder also, and I love it. I keep the little diagram showing the arrows taped in the lid so I won't lose it....

I have a Side Winder and love it. No problems at all. Saves wear on my machine.

I'm wondering what the heck the problem is with those of us who couldn't get it to work right for us.

I wish the Sidewinder had an adaptor so the bobbins for my Singer Athena 2000, circa 1975, would fit on it. Their bobbins have a smaller center hole. Very disappointed to discover it only accommodates the larger center hole bobbins. Does a nice job on them, though.

I love mine also

Bev: When I go to work tomorrow (at JoAnn's) I'll look at the Side Winders to see if there is anything special needed to make them work. I've had mine a couple of years and they may be a little different now.