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Post by zed on May 27, 2016 11:24:39 GMT
I know I'm going to get a spinning wheel before too long, but I have no way of trying before buying. I know absolutely nothing about them, but I'll want a versatile one that can take 'standard' bobbin thingies if there is such a thing, and one which isn't likely to break or can be fixed easily/maintained etc. And will be strong enough for someone really clumsy and ham fisted So, does anyone have any suggestions?
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Post by Shepherdess on May 29, 2016 2:48:05 GMT
There are no standard bobbins. each one is special to the wheel. I know lots of people like the hitchhiker. It is small and sturdy. it is a direct drive wheel. It is portable and you can get a wolly winder for it. You can do fine or thick yarn. Be very careful of used "antique" ones. They often are only spinning wheel shaped objects. Often made up of several different wheels. Even a real antique wheel can be very hard to make work properly.
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Post by zed on May 29, 2016 10:37:38 GMT
Thanks, Ann The 'antique spinning wheel' shaped object is probably the only thing I do know, that and there are a lot of German flax spinning wheels knocking about for some reason That's a shame about the bobbins.
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Post by Shepherdess on May 29, 2016 13:07:15 GMT
We see lots of wheels form eastern block countries advertised for some reason. Flax wheels are fast I think. I think that is the only difference.
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Post by koffipot on May 29, 2016 18:43:34 GMT
Ashford wheels are good, spares and bobbins are easy to get hold of if necessary and don't cost an arm and a leg. I have a Kiwi, which is the cheapest in their range at about £270, it's not a pretty decorative item, but it spins well with only 2 ratios; 5:1 and 8:1 which are fine for most things. If you want to make chunky or super chunky there are conversion kits available - no need for a separate wheel. Comes with 3 bobbins and a built in Lazy Kate. The "Bliss" which is made for Woolmakers by Louet comes in cheaper, though I'm told the quality is not good. There is also the Kromski Fantasia in the £290 range, it's a prettier wheel, but I'm not sure how easy it is to get spares. If you have the opportunity to get over to Wingham's it would be worth your while, they have Ashford and Kromski wheels set up for you to try and give good advice, no hard sell. I'm perhaps biased, but I think the kiwi would suit you.
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Post by zed on May 31, 2016 10:43:48 GMT
Thanks Judith I think the Bliss is the one I was thinking of getting. I was wary of getting an Ashford because people who sell them here are kind of dealers, maybe it's changed over the years, but I know people had trouble buying Ashford products especially from Wingham, being akward about them being broken etc. I have no idea what the ratios mean, but I'm guessing I'd probably spin on the chunkier side. I should probably wait until I can actually try some out.
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Post by koffipot on May 31, 2016 13:04:34 GMT
I can only recommend Wingham. I had a problem with the fast flyer kit I bought as an add on. Emailed them last night just asking for advice. They replied this morning, saying they'd organise a replacement to be sent.
Ratios:- Just like the gears on a bike. The higher the ratio, the more twists go into the fibre for each revolution of the drive wheel.
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Post by carole aka craftywoman on Jun 1, 2016 8:51:35 GMT
I am hoping to try before I buy Zed from a local guild, they charge £10 a month, there are so many kinds but one that keeps attracting me is not the traditional style but a simple one pedal easy to transport one - it's the Joy2 www.ashforduk.co.uk/view_product.php?ProdID=305 wow, I hadn't realised that they were so expensive, this is the one I am hoping to loan.
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Post by koffipot on Jun 1, 2016 9:13:37 GMT
It's good that you have the opportunity to "test drive" Carole.
The Joy is a good choice, it's portable and quite pretty in a rather Gothic way, but of course the most important aspects are function, budget and what is most comfortable to the individual.
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Post by zed on Jun 1, 2016 19:52:29 GMT
I've not had a bike with gears since I had a Chopper It seems spinning just isn't popular round here, any 'Manchester' spinners I see are from places like Stockport or about 3 feet from the M/cr/Warrington border. I might have to try and find if there's a group near to a convenient train station.
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Post by Shepherdess on Jun 3, 2016 1:37:56 GMT
I had an Ashford traveler, it an castle style. I liked it but you need to get a kit to spin chunky. A friend has the Joy. It is stile fairly heavy. She used it while getting her master spinner certificate. The small "hat box" wheels are lighter. www.etsy.com/listing/26076419/louet-s40-hatbox-spinning-wheel-spinnrad The is one called a hat box that is newly back in production. There are different types or orifices. some will do all thicknesses. the one on the hatbox lets you do a lot of things. the style of orifice lets you do any kind of yarn and having posts instead of hooks on the flyer means it is easier to make yarn with locks. it is something to look at while researching. I sound like an add for the hatbox. but it is just an example of a different type of orifice. I would think it would be cheaper to get an English or European wheel.
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Post by koffipot on Jun 3, 2016 14:59:11 GMT
I've just borrowed "Spinning and Dyeing Yarn" by Ashley Martineau from the library and found instructions for this DIY wheel from plastic pipe and fittings, together with the link to Ravelry !!!! www.ravelry.com/discuss/diy-wheels/2714661/1-25She also makes a niddynoddy - similar to the one I made and a 3 tier wool drying rack - made in a similar fashion to Ann's Embroidery frame. Resourceful .
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Post by zed on Jun 3, 2016 20:08:40 GMT
Thanks for that, Ann I don't have a ravelry account, Judith. I remember quite a few years ago seeing pvc pipe wheels though, now you mention it.
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Post by Shepherdess on Jun 3, 2016 20:24:58 GMT
There is a company that makes plastic pipe wheels. Its called a babe wheel I think. A friend has one for sale. It is a type of great wheel. but you peddle it. it has a quill instead of a flyer. It takes up a lot of room. When I got mine I got a castle style because it takes up less room.
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Post by koffipot on Jun 4, 2016 7:42:52 GMT
Thanks for that, Ann I don't have a ravelry account, Judith. I remember quite a few years ago seeing pvc pipe wheels though, now you mention it. A Ravelry account is free zed, as are many of the patterns. Another consideration for buying a wheel is that a single drive, with Scotch tension is easier than double drive for beginners.
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