New Toy!
I teased y'all two posts ago regarding the unveiling of something new. Here it is!!
Yep. I got a spinning wheel last week! I did a random search on Craigslist and came across an ad posting for a spinning wheel for $200. After contacting the seller, I decided that this wheel (and price) was worth the 1 hour drive through L.A. traffic to see.
This wheel is slightly rickety and it was missing the drive band and the spring set-up for the Scotch tension brake, but it is otherwise in good condition. It's nothing a screwdriver and some light elbow grease can't remedy. After a smooth haggle, I became the new owner of this single treadle Ashford Traditional, along with the 4 bobbins, lazy kate, drop spindle and a set of Clemes & Clemes carders, for a great bargain of $150!
According to the seller, who is a non-knitter and non-spinner, her mother bought this wheel about 10 years ago. However, upon closer inspection, I think this wheel was bought and made before 1990 (or sitting in a store since). According to my research, wheels before 1990 only had a 2 flyer ratios, just like mine. I don't think there's anything wrong with the 2 ratio flyers, it's just not as versatile as the 3 ratio flyers. The flyer update, although not necessary, would probably cost around $32.
With a simple trip to the hardware store, I bought some springs and rigged my own Scotch tension brake. It's not the same kind of spring that Ashford puts on the wheels, but it works. For the drive band, I'm using a really thin cotton yarn. Everything seems okay so far, except for a few more loose screws and some oiling. I can't complain for the price I got, except for that I think I prefer a double treadle. After having played with Aubrey's double treadle Ashford Kiwi, I think the double treadle system is better and the single treadle. The double is faster and seem more natural for my feet. I have to check with the manufacturer for compatibility first, but eventually, I'd like to purchase the double treadle conversion kit for my wheel (but it's $70).
Yep. I got a spinning wheel last week! I did a random search on Craigslist and came across an ad posting for a spinning wheel for $200. After contacting the seller, I decided that this wheel (and price) was worth the 1 hour drive through L.A. traffic to see. This wheel is slightly rickety and it was missing the drive band and the spring set-up for the Scotch tension brake, but it is otherwise in good condition. It's nothing a screwdriver and some light elbow grease can't remedy. After a smooth haggle, I became the new owner of this single treadle Ashford Traditional, along with the 4 bobbins, lazy kate, drop spindle and a set of Clemes & Clemes carders, for a great bargain of $150!
According to the seller, who is a non-knitter and non-spinner, her mother bought this wheel about 10 years ago. However, upon closer inspection, I think this wheel was bought and made before 1990 (or sitting in a store since). According to my research, wheels before 1990 only had a 2 flyer ratios, just like mine. I don't think there's anything wrong with the 2 ratio flyers, it's just not as versatile as the 3 ratio flyers. The flyer update, although not necessary, would probably cost around $32.
With a simple trip to the hardware store, I bought some springs and rigged my own Scotch tension brake. It's not the same kind of spring that Ashford puts on the wheels, but it works. For the drive band, I'm using a really thin cotton yarn. Everything seems okay so far, except for a few more loose screws and some oiling. I can't complain for the price I got, except for that I think I prefer a double treadle. After having played with Aubrey's double treadle Ashford Kiwi, I think the double treadle system is better and the single treadle. The double is faster and seem more natural for my feet. I have to check with the manufacturer for compatibility first, but eventually, I'd like to purchase the double treadle conversion kit for my wheel (but it's $70).Labels: general craftiness, spinning
posted by Anne at
3:13 PM
NEW! Twister Pattern
NEW! Rio Dances...
Photo Gallery
6 Comments:
OMG!! girl, that is sooo exciting:) its beautiful...cant wait to see what you make from it.
Congratulations on your new baby! Enjoy.
I can't stop staring at the picture, it is so, so beautiful!
Oh.My.God. *drool*
Thanks! Damn wool and fiber is addicting.
Very cool! It sounds like you got a good deal. Isn't it cool to fix something up and actually use it?
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