Advice on a new wheel?

DarkeningUndine wrote

on Nov 11, 2009 4:24 PM

I am looking at getting a second wheel, and was wondering if anyone had any favorites/reviews/advice/etc.

I've had an Ashford Traditional for half a year or so; I found it on craigslist for $100, and it's worked well for a beginner wheel.  Unfortunately, it is old, and it doesn't meet some of my spinning needs.  It doesn't have any ratios, and the conrod is splitting from the wheel being improperly assembled. 

So, for my second wheel, I've a few things I'd like:

1.) Transportable- I would love to take a wheel to classes and to visit family and friends.  So, something that has a carrying bag would be nice

2.) Plenty of options- I spin a huge variety of yarn sizes, mostly lace weight and chunky novelty yarns. It has to be able to handle that!  My traditional can barely handle it; I have to treadle like it's going out of fashion to get a bobbin full of singles for lace weight yarn.  (on a side note: I was spinning some singles, and didn't notice that my posts (maidens?) were loose!  I got up to speed, and was booking it, and all of a sudden, the post flips out, and the bobbin goes flying off the wheel, nearly taking out a dog!  It was hilarious.)

3.) A Good Value- I don't want to be so cheap that I get a horrible wheel, but I don't want to spend too much, either!  If you think it's worthwhile to spend extra on a certain wheel, tell me why, and I'll definitely take it into consideration.  I'm thinking of around $600, tops. 

I'm going to try them out at Paradise Fiber, before I make my final decision, but you don't really know for sure how well a wheel works till you own it! 

Any reviews and advice is greatly appreciated, ty!

JillyB wrote

on Nov 14, 2009 8:21 PM

Hello - I suggest you have a look at the Majacraft collection - www.majacraft.co.nz . The wheels come from New Zealand, but seem to widely available.  The proprietors are very helpful, have a newsletter etc.  My purchase was a "Rose" because it had the biggest variety of wheel ratios, plus there was a lace flyer and whorl available. Therefore you can change drive ratios really easily so there is no need to treadle like it's going out of style!   This model folds but is fairly heavy.  There are two smaller models, one of which pedals like a bicycle rather than treadles with the heel-toe action - that's a matter of taste.  I think there is a carry bag too.

Exciting, isn't it when there are so many possibilities to consider.

Cheers, Jilly

DarkeningUndine wrote

on Nov 16, 2009 1:26 AM

Thanks, Jilly!  I'm gonna look for a nearby dealer that carries them, and see if I can take one for a test drive.  I don't think that Paradise Fibers has any in stock, but it looks like there is a store with them in Walla Walla and Sandpoint, so I'll check there.  :3

There are soooo many different choices, for sure!  It's really quite overwhelming.  :/ 

I am looking at the Kromski Sonata and the Lendrum folding wheel right now.  I really like the Kromski, and it's small enough folded (less than 28x22x14 in) that I can take it on the train and spin there!  The Lendrum has so many good reviews, and seems to be a crowd pleaser, so there must be something about it, even if it does look cramped to me. It looks dangerous with a quill? attatched!

I think at this point, it's mostly down to how it feels and sounds when treadling.  It'd be nice to finally have a relatively quiet wheel! 

Thanks again for the input, it's greatly appreciated!

-Jess

ernie85017 wrote

on Nov 18, 2009 5:51 PM

i adore my Mach I by spinolutions.  It has 4 speeds, and I have complete control of the speed and stopping if I need to.  There is a guy on Etsy named famoussteve who is selling the discontinued Mach I's for a great price.  It is the answer to my spinning difficulties.

Denise Jackson wrote

on Nov 28, 2009 9:02 AM

I've tried out most of the major wheel makers. I like qualities about each, but see the problems with each. It boils down to what you like. Try out the treadling, the take up, the set up, the adjustment.

I have Louet wheels. I can spin lace wt easily with the proper bobbin. You see, you just need the ratios. I like these wheels because they have few breakable parts...I have small children. The wheels are user stupid. There are some days that I am spinning challenged after a long day of my kids fighting.

It also depends on your price range.

Try out wheels, find one that looks good and works well for you.

Love your wheel!