Maxilock IS weaker than reg. thread. Serger thread is lighter weight to account for the 3-4 threads that are used in serging. I've always felt that serger thread isn't great for regular sewing machine use. I'm surprised that your dealer recommended it to you. I found an interesting response to this question on yahoo questions

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080526101456AAlGvo0

Here's another response where they all say they use it successfully

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080526101456AAlGvo0

Joann fabrics website says maxilock can be a serger and sewing machine thread...but the spool is clearly marked serger thread.
http://www.joann.com/maxilock-cone-thread-3000-yards/prd26558/

Did he say specifically not to use Gutermann? I know C&C spools are wound differently than Gutermann threads, hopefully that's what he was referring to? There are a couple of Janome groups out there on yahoo groups but I didn't take the time to join, you could subscribe and probably get a better answer.

Also, Janome has a forum you could try. Probably get the fastest answer there....

Does your new machine have the knee-lift shown in the ads? My Bernina has that and it's just like using an industrial machine, such a nice accessory. Hope you enjoy your new machine, it looks like a nice model.

Here is a link that might be useful: Janome forums

I wasn't clear: he was saying to use Gutermann thread on cones. I only had a Maxilock cone sitting there so he used that to thread the machine. I never would use that on a clients project other than serging the insides. I sat down with the machine for a few minutes, and threaded it with the Gutermann 1100 yard tube. I would think as long as I put the little cap thing on top of the spool holder, I should be OK. Maybe the tube thread would go spinning up and off at high speeds. I love that knee lift, too! I had a Bernina 30 years ago with one. I like that I can press a button and choose if the needle stays in the fabric or goes to the highest position when you stop pressing the pedal. I have never seen that before. It has a lot of bells and whistles that will take awhile to discover.

Your dealer is feeding you a load of crap, because he wants you to buy his expensive thread. Or he's just an under-educated salesman - not a sewing machine technician.

I have many machines, from my large industrial Consew, to a Pfaff embroidery machine, to a couple of 1950's Singers, and every single one of them will handle both cross-wound cone thread and straight-wound spool thread. You may need a different thread spool holder for the two different types of thread, but every machine I've ever seen has that option. Usually they are set up for the more common straight-wound standard spools, and one has to purchase a thread cone holder or stand.

And if this machine can't handle standard spools, I'd be demanding an explanation on the order of "I just spent $XXXX on this machine - and it can't HANDLE regular thread?!?!"

Gutterman is great thread, but so are many other brands, including Coates and Clark, Sulky, Madeira...

Honestly, his statement is just plain silly.

Oh, and I looked up the specifications and manual for the Janome 6300. THEY certainly aren't stating you must use a specific thread!

All it says is that it comes with a vertical spool pin. I use that with both type of threads - cross-wound and straight-wound. Large cones still work better from a thread stand.

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Thanks Maryc. He doesn't sell thread, so that can't be it. I think he probably has a commercial workroom background and only knows giant cones. Whatever, I am happily sewing away using my regular threads.

the needle-up or down feature sounds nice. I wish mine had that.

maryc, I read in website recently where they were bagging on C&C, but I've sewed most of my projects with, only went to the more expensive in the last few yrs (and still reach for C&C more). I've always had good results with it.

I'm the same as jomuir,i've used C&C for over 50 years,i also use guiterman,sulky and a host of others.The only thread i stay away from is that real cheap stuff that they sell 5 and 10 for 1.00.It's a very poor quality,weak and causes a lot of lint in your machine.Enjoy your new machine.

I also have the needle down on mine,but on this one (viking) i don't have the knee lift.did have it on my bernina.
Kathi