I use mine with cones, using a thread stand.

I have one and hate it. A quilting friend has the same and loves it , so much that even though her brand new juki has a fantastic winder on she still uses her sidewinder, she even brings it to class.
Mine winds far too loosely and not as proficient as hers.

I love my sidewinder. When it winds too loosely I've noticed it's because the thread needs a bit more tension. Make sure you have it threaded right. It needs to go through the ring. if that isn't enough you can put your finger under the thread by the bobbin and give it a bit more tension. I do this all the time.

Did you know you can also adjust the tension of the thread by tightening down the tension guide on the right. I use my SWinder with cones on stands, and did you know that when the bobbin stops winding, just hold the little power button down and continue??? Seems mine stops automatically before the bobbin is as filled as I'd like. With an adaptor, you can wind by battery OR elect.

Look on the Yahoo group for the Sweet Sixteen (same machine) . There are small adjustments you can make to the winder to get better results.

Your dealer also should be able to help. My dealer adjusted mine perfectly. You paid a bunch of money for that winder - you should be able to use it.

Thanks so much to everyone who shared information about the Sidewinder. Exactly what I asked for. :thumbup:

Daffy