Author Topic: Spinning wheel (Read 1911 times)

Daisys Mum · « **on:** August 19, 2016, 01:50:49 pm »

local second hand furniture store has this for sale, does it look any good? It is very cheap and I wondered if it was worth buying, time I learnt to spin!

pharnorth · « **Reply #1 on:** August 19, 2016, 02:43:49 pm »

Not a very useful reply I guess since I would have to say I don't know! I can't really see enough of it in the photo and it certainly looks like it is home made or at least has been cobbled together from more than one. Is there anyone near you who can check it out for you? I have enjoyed learning to spin but it is quite tricky to start with and you kinda need to know that everything is working right unless you have an engineers mind.

SallyintNorth · « **Reply #2 on:** August 19, 2016, 04:21:40 pm »

It's missing the flyer and bobbins, and I don't recognise it as a standard make. So, unless they have the flyer and bobbins out of shot, it's worthless for spinning. Some people do fall in love with wheels that lack their flyer and bobbins, buy them and get a wheel maker to make the missing parts for them, but with a non-standard make, it can cost as much to get a bespoke flyer and set of bobbins made as to buy a perfectly serviceable secondhand wheel.

If you're ready to start to spin, Daisys Mum, it really isn't difficult to come across a decent wheel at a reasonable price...

Fleecewife · « **Reply #3 on:** August 19, 2016, 05:12:28 pm »

As above - don't buy it as there's nothing to actually spin with. Take your time and choose a wheel, new or second hand, that you find comfortable and easy to understand - which means easy to adjust. Also choose one you like the looks of. If you try to learn to spin on a less than perfect wheel, you will just put yourself off before you start.
The Ashford Traditional is an inexpensive, easy to use wheel, which is freely available both new and second hand, and many spinners use them so will be able to help you out with any problems

And yes, you're right - it's time you learnt to spin

fsmnutter · « **Reply #4 on:** August 19, 2016, 08:19:32 pm »

Looks like the flyer is sitting on the bottom at the back, but I'm not sure I see bobbins!
I have a beautiful handmade castle wheel that is similar to that, but it needs more bobbins (only came with 1), so I'll get chance to use it when the other half eventually has time to make bobbins (time?!!)!
But it is much easier to spin on a new/known model that has not got the kinks and quirks of the traditional handmade.
Definitely learn to spin, but try some wheels if you can, and get a known make as there are plenty people who can help troubleshoot problems and replacement parts available.