When I use thread from Connecting Threads I use barrel from an old straight ink pen, just take the guts out of it and put it on the spool pin. When I use Coats and Clark on the large spool, I either use a cone thread stand or the wooden spool insert. You can see one in the following picture link.

http://home-and-garden.webshots.com/...45965719RMiKSl

You can see the pen barrel in the following picture link.

http://home-and-garden.webshots.com/...45965719VtHrGS

The only thread I've had trouble with on my FWs is Masterpiece, it breaks constantly; however none of my more modern machines have a problem with it.

I use any thread but I do mostly use connectingthreads thread. I have not had any problems but I did buy from http://www.shop.sew-classic.com a new spool pin that has a hole in it so provide a place of you to run the thread through if you are using a cone on a cone holder. They also sell a little spring to put over the spool pin that they say makes the spool turn easier if using a normal size spool of thread. I have purchased from this store several times and am very happy with their shipping prices and fast shipping. I like that idea about the Sonic straw.

What is a sonic straw?