Austin Bell

Have you reviewed page 108 in the manual that offers some explanations of why it could be skipping stitches? I would rethread everything and start over with a finer thread in the bobbin and the upper thread like Bottom Line, or Glide. Pages 23-25 of the manual shows how to set the needle. You need to match the size of the needle to the thickness of the thread. If you're using a thicker thread like Perma Core, YLI, Omni you will need to use a little larger needle. Are you pulling down 6-8" of bobbin thread so you can bring up your bobbin thread and have enough upper thread and bobbin thread to hold on to when you start to quilt? I hope one of these tips help.

I looked at the bobbin winders on eBay and decided on the Automatic High Speed unit made by QuiltingMasters. I paid $99 in 2013, and I've not had any trouble with it at all. I just checked eBay, and the new ones are running about $75. I'd buy a new one and practice getting the tension just right, and ensure it's loading the thread evenly. It take a little practice, but it's not too difficult. If it's not working for you, it can be returned. Good luck with your search.