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Antiques & Collectibles

spinning wheel info

6 years ago

hi all, a friend of mine has this spinning wheel. asked if i could research it's value. not knowing anything about the subject, i'd like to know if this wheel is of a particular style. i read some past posts on the subject, any info would be appreciated.

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Comments (6)

lindac92
6 years ago
I know just enough about spinning wheels to be dangerous!...a picture clearly showing the whole thing with a refrence to size would help to know a flax wheel from a Scandanavian wheel from a walking wheel. And to know if all the parts are present.

Also you might cross post on the fiber arts forum on this site
300ft_anin
Original Author
6 years ago
thanks linda, she did mention the bobbins, didn't know where they were. the wheel is approx. 32". i'll try and swing by and get some better pics. thanks again.
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Wool was spun on a flax wheel but flax could not be spun on a wool wheel because to spin flax, 2 hands were needed to twist and smooth the fiber and the "great wheel" had no treadle and needed one hand to turn the wheel. A wheel made mainly for flax often would have a little indentation in the wood to hold water for the spinner to moisten her fingers. Flax was a major crop in the early days of the U. S....particularly before the invention of the cotton gin. It didnt' require slave labor to grow, had a short growing season and could be grown in the northern states, unlike cotton. Linen fabric was certainly not for the rich only, what do you suppose people used for non wool fibers before the South began growing lots of cotton? The oil from the seeds was linseed oil and used in furniture finishes. Flax is a major crop today in one of the Dakotas, but mainly for the oil and seed since our recent interest in all things omega 3. A field of blooming flax is a beautiful thing. As to the wheel being unusually complete, I don't see a distaff....but the design and workmanship is beautiful. Look at those pegged fittings. Linda C
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Yes, I spin. I have an Ashford traditional, but there are many kinds out there. Get on ravelry.com. It's free, and there is a site for buying and selling wheels, spindles, carders, drum carders, etc. Also check crags list, and most importantly of all, if you have a shop close to you, go test drive as many wheels as you can. Check your local yarn shop and put up a notice asking about wheel, lessons and all things spinning related. Being in MN there should be LOTS of people who spin! It may take a little detective work, but you won't be sorry. I have been a spinner for more than 30 years. I spin to spin, I never have a project in mind when I start. I just love the feel of the fiber and how it runs through my fingers onto the bobbin. I try to spin a little every day, some days more than others LOL. Good luck in your search, I hope you find what you are looking for!! Welcome to the world of spinners. Oh, and we have a spin in public day as well (don't know when it is) just like the knit in public day.
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I'm in New Hampshire and the cabinet maker I'm using, Crown Point Cabinetry, does cabinets for people all over the country. They're a "direct buy" company, meaning you deal with them from start to finish, as their cabinets are not sold by other vendors. I believe they'll work to your specifications. Have a look at their website: http://www.crown-point.com/ For kitchens, they have a KD in-house who'll work with you by phone or email and mock up the layout you want, so you can see it on paper. I don't think they do installation except under special circumstances, but they are sending someone to my home (in New Hampshire) to take the measurements. Maybe they'd do that for you too (depending on the size of your job?). Or you can have your installation guy take the measurements.
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Good to hear from you. So sorry to hear about Shannon's health issues. There's a really nice rv resort in Spring, TX. We liked the one in Galveston but really love the rv park on the beach at Bolivar Peninsula. We were supposed to be sitting out there in June but since the house went under water we are living in the rv which is in the driveway instead. Tell Mike we said hi.
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jemdandy
6 years ago
I think this wheel is intended for heavier duty than a common spinning wheel for cotton or wool thread. It may make produce strands for rope making or twine. Notice that it is a slow speed wheel with a handle on one of the spokes. It has no provision for a foot treadle and spindle crank. More torque, but slower speed, can be applied compared to a foot treadle design.

On a foot treadle design, power can be applied for only a little less than a half rotation of the wheel. The wheel then must continue moving by momentum to complete the rotation before anther foot stoke can be applied.

The wheel of this item has a handle and that allows power to be applied for a full rotation of the wheel, that is, if the user is so inclined. From a practical view, I can't envision this wheel being cranked as fast or for as many turns as a common spinning wheel. This design favors torque over speedy rotations. This may be a flax wheel.
lindac92
6 years ago
A flax wheel is for spinning linen thread ...it needs speed to twist the thread.
It may well be for making rope, but I certainly have no idea without seeing more and getting some idea of the size and what makes it "go"...
jemdandy
6 years ago
"getting some idea of the size and what makes it "go"..."

It is obvious what makes it go. There is a handle on one of wheel spokes. This is used to turn the wheel. There is no crank or treadle.

I think there are parts missing. I see no spindle or sheaves belted to the main wheel. By the way, the main wheel is designed to accept a flat belt instead of round section, cord-like belts. It is difficult to tell for sure, but I think the wheel has a slight crown, e.g., the center of the wheel is slightly larger in diameter than the edges. This is a requirement to keep a flat belt on the wheel. If a wheel is flat to slightly lower in its center, a flat belt will walk off the wheel.
300ft_anin
Original Author
6 years ago
hi all, thanks for trying to figure it out. sorry, i haven't gotten around to getting any more pics. i don't think it was foot pwrd? thanks again.

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