I use a thread cone standing behind and slightly to the right of my machine and have no problems. Mine is a really old one and very heavy so it doesn't move or tip. When I wind a bobbin, I run the thread up over the bar on top of the thread cone and usually place my hand in the area of the machine's spool holder to let the thread run over my fingers and into the guide at the same angle as if it was coming off the spool holder. It works fine that way.