This rustic spinning wheel is designed for spinning or plying very thick yarn. It was custom made, one of five identical wheels crafted in the 1970s. My family owned two of the five, one of which was assembled and used, then passed along to another spinner. Following a cross country move, this one remained boxed in kit form until now; it was partially assembled for this photo op, then taken apart for shipping.
Please note: Assembling this kit is best done by someone who fully understands how to assemble, adjust, and use a spinning wheel.
This spinning wheel is made of solid wood except the drive wheel, which is plywood. All parts are finished with Minwax wood finish 235 cherry. The original drive band (included) is a Singer sewing machine leather belt #25134. A string could be used instead, as is done on many spinning wheels.
The part called mother-of-all slides into a pair of carriage bolts. To increase tension on the drive band, a wedge (not included) is need between the frame and mother-of-all. A few pieces of thick leather or felt (not included) stacked together could be used to adjust the drive wheel tension.
The brake system is a string and rubber band tensioner. The rubber band threads through an eye and the string is tied to a spiral wooden peg that turns to take up tension. I believe this system is called Irish tension. A spring could be used instead of the rubber band, or the string and rubber band could be replaced with a length of nylon line.
The bobbin is constructed in four parts (as shown in photo), which I believe should be glued together. The inside length of the bobbin is 9.5 inches. The distance between the bobbin shaft and outer edge of the bobbin end is 2.5 inches. The flyer needs hooks for yarn guides (not included). I recall the other wheel we had used large cup hooks, available at any hardware store. The generous-size wooden bore has a diameter of 3/4 inches.
The frame is 28 inches high by 20 inches deep by 15.5 inches wide. Including the flyer assembly, the maximum total overall height is 37.5 inches. All parts are wood except the leather footman tie, the metal flyer axle, and the metal footman connector (attaching footman to drive wheel with an included cotter pin), plus of course the included screws and bolts needed for assembly.
Assembly requires a square head or Phillips screwdriver (not included). All screws should be just snugged, but not fully tightened, until assembly is complete. Assembly involves the following steps:
1. Mount the treadle to the two sides of the frame, using lag screws and washers (included).
1a. Note that the washers go on the inside of the frame, between the frame and the treadle, to minimize friction.
2. Mount the back bearing bar.
3. Mount the drivewheel to the bearing bar. If a continuous loop drive band is used (such as the Singer belt) insert it before attaching the drivewheel.
4. Mount the flywheel assembly.
This is everything we can recall about assembling and using this spinning wheel. It is offered here as-is without warranty or return.
