To clarify I raised the RPM on my Craftsman GT (Becky) with 20HP Kohler Command Pro engine... I spoke with a small engine expert who has done this sort of thing for years with nary a complaint or problem... As far as oil goes I use half dino & half synthetic...So far a winning combination...Also I use what ever oil filter that cross references with the Kohler recommended filter...Generally a WIX 51056 but NAPA GOLD 1348 works as well...Just depends where i am at the time I need to purchase... I like butter on my popcorn please... ;^)

Don't know much about what otherwise available, now. I've been using "Leopard's" built-in "Time Machine" with an external HD. All I had to do is one short forced back-up before the install to get the last few bits in there. Before that was available, I used manual back-up to the external HD from time-to-time. Seem to recall using carbon copy cloner or some such name, too. Know next to nothing about what available for PC's anymore. I can heap much praise on Apple's Time Machine feature. IMHO, every computer OS sold should have something like it built in. Really takes care of things.

If your thread is breaking it could be running to fast or a thread problem, the thread might even be too old. If the thread is shredding as you say, look at: worn needle wrong size needle/thread a nick at the needle plate or bobbin housing, or possibility the hook itself could have a nick. If you have had a broken needle or a needle/hoop collision the latter could be the problem. However, remember free designs are FREE designs; they may be too dense, perhaps being designed for a very different machine/fabric. Remember, your choice of fabric and design density dictates your needle size and stabilizer selection. Many times on free Internet designs you just donÂt know what the author had in mind. Try a built in design at the same speed, thread, needle setup, or perhaps at a high speed, if the thread survives then it is most assuredly a design problem. You might try using something like Embird to reduce the stitch density and then stitch out the design again. Also if you have resized the design try stitching it at its original size and see if it works better, then adjust it LESS, say a max of 15%. You might also send the design to someone else and have him or her try it, if it fails on two different machines that would be more evidence of a poorly digitized design. Good luck.

" During the spin cycles it shook so violently that it started "walking." I had to push on it/hold it during the spin so it would not walk off the pad." I have not had this happen in two years of owning our SQ FL. I know nothing about installation because our vendor always installs for us. Our machine recently made some really loud noises when the load was unbalanced --- only two items: a heavy looped cotton bath mat & toilet mat on the spin cycle. I knew better, but had a senior moment when I ran that load with just two pieces. But the machine didn't move or walk (and IKWYM about "walking"....old top load machines would do that, too) I paused the machine to add a terrycloth towel to provide more weight distribution for balance, and then the machine was happy.