Janome Artistic SD 18
 

looking for help setting tension on this machine - it seems to be a bit finicky. I usually use Glide thread

For a long arm you always start with the bobbin. This video by Jamie Wallen was a huge help to me. Once you have the bobbin tension right it's just a matter of turning the top tension up or down to balance it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q1mRhcquZTM

Cari

I own this machine as well and I also highly endorse Jamie Wallen's video. It is the only thing that saved me!! Once I got that part figured out, I am able to quilt anything with any thread that I have chosen. It's a great video!

I also have this machine, I use Jamie Wallen's method. I also put a thread net on my top thread, otherwise, my thread will slip out of the upper tension guides. I have two bobbin holders, one for polys and one for cottons, as bottom tension on mine is different for polys and cotton threads.

That's a great video! Thanks for posting!