Like James, I always pick up the thread 'manually'. I'm not fortunate enough to have a collet setup but doing it the old-fashioned way has kept me in good practice over the years. I always keep a (fairly) fresh paper towel handy on the back side of the saddle and it gives a very good contrast for the operator's eye.
Regards, Joe

You can lead a man to logic but you can't make him think. NRA Life since 1976. God bless America!