Sleuthing out the best vintage wheels can be challenging. Learn what one handspinner looks for in used and antique spinning wheels.
Heavenly Bresser Apr 8, 2022 - 5 min read
Here is a “Frankenwheel.” Notice the mismatched legs. It’s missing a treadle, footman, and the entire flyer assembly. This is not a working wheel. Photos by Heavenly Bresser
Buying an older spinning wheel can be an exciting experience. Nevertheless, spinners, and soon-to-be spinners, are often faced with tons of unanswered questions before making the official leap. Is this wheel the right price? Are all of the parts present? Is this wheel fully functional or merely decoration? The bottom line is that before making such a purchase, potential buyers want reassurance that the wheel meets their needs.
So how does one develop an eye for spotting potential issues with older spinning wheels out in the wild? Here are some tips for becoming a spinning-wheel detective.
Educate Yourself
Become familiar with the parts of a spinning wheel and the different styles made over the years. Find diagrams of wheels using a quick Internet search or a handspinning reference book. With this information, you can spot elements that aren’t original and recognize when a wheel is missing components. Plus, you’ll have an occasional laugh at a poorly assembled wheel.
Take Your Time
Thoroughly look over the wheel to check for functional parts and proper alignment of the drive wheel and whorls. Spinning wheels will have either a spindle or flyer and bobbin for spinning. When you inspect a flyer assembly, make sure both the bobbin and flyer move freely and independently from one another. They should not be fused together unless the wheel is used for decoration only.
Note What Repairs Are Needed
Something is much better than nothing. If the flyer assembly, or spindle, is completely missing on an older wheel, the wheel is not considered in working order. Fiber cannot be spun on the wheel. As a rule of thumb, it is better to have a broken flyer than no flyer at all. A broken flyer arm can be repaired by a specialist. A missing footman can be remade with leather cording or other materials.
A spinning wheel missing its flyer assembly.
Check the Wood
Check the condition of the wood by searching for visible signs of woodworm infestations. A contaminated spinning wheel will have clusters of tiny holes where the beetles have gnawed through the wood from the inside out. Different types of beetles cause this type of damage to furniture, and spinning wheels are no exception.
Wheels to Avoid
Check for damage to the spinning wheel. Severe damage to the hub of the drive wheel can be a deal-breaker. Also, the tension screw, or knob, on a traditional-style spinning wheel is worth testing before purchasing. Take along spinning fiber, oil, and a spare drive band to test that the wheel works.
The flyers on vintage spinning wheels are not interchangeable. Make sure the wheel you are considering has the original parts.
Buying From a Distance
If inspecting the wheel in person is not an option, be prepared to ask a lot of questions. Here are some additional tips to make the experience easier.
Not so fast . . . Before you get excited about that pretty wheel based on its description, be aware that spinning-wheel listings can contain inaccurate information. Some sellers are not familiar with spinning wheels. Some will often use phrases such as “working condition” or “spinning wheel in great condition” for wheels that are missing essential parts. A true “working wheel” is ready for use (and most likely has a fresh drive band).
Don’t be afraid to ask for additional photos: clear, closeup pictures of all of the moving parts and, especially, the flyer assembly or spindle.
Ask questions about the overall condition of the spinning wheel and whether the seller has any background information.
Check for wear on the flyer in the photo. Handspun yarn on the flyer is an indication that the wheel was used in the past to spin yarn, not just as a decorative spinning wheel–shaped object.
I hope these tips help you with your next spinning wheel hunt.
For more information on sleuthing vintage spinning wheels, check out Heavenly Bresser’s article, “A Spinner’s Path: Maker’s Marks and Antique Accelerator Wheels,” in the Summer 2020 issue of Spin Off.
Heavenly Bresser is the owner of Heavenly Knitchet. She is an award-winning handspinner and teacher at major fiber events all over the United States. Aside from spinning and teaching, she can be found dyeing fibers and making jewelry. Her goal is to inspire, encourage, and uplift other fiber artists. Visit her online at www.heavenlyknitchet.com.
Originally published May 11, 2020; updated April 8, 2022.
FAQs
Thoroughly look over the wheel to check for functional parts and proper alignment of the drive wheel and whorls. Spinning wheels will have either a spindle or flyer and bobbin for spinning. When you inspect a flyer assembly, make sure both the bobbin and flyer move freely and independently from one another.
How do you identify antique spinning wheels? ›
Examine the hardware, such as screws and bolts. Antique spinning wheels will typically have hardware that is less uniform and shows signs of blacksmithing or hand forging, with potential rust or patination that align with the wheel's overall aging.
What is the best string for spinning wheels? ›
Crochet-cotton thread and thinner hemp string are commonly used for double-drive wheels. They fit easily into antique wheels with narrow groves. I personally prefer cotton over hemp because it does not slip as easily. Hemp bands should be loosened on the wheel or disengaged when not in use.
Why are spinning wheels so expensive? ›
This is no different. Spinning wheels cost more than people think they should, but that shouldn't deter you from saving up and buying a really good one. They cost a lot because they are all handmade by small mom and pop companies.
What are the two types of spinning wheels? ›
Spinning wheels come in a variety of types, such as single-drive, double-drive, or double-treadle wheels. Factors like the type of fibre, desired yarn weight, and personal preference for treadling style can guide the choice.
What should I look for in a spinning wheel? ›
Features and options vary from one wheel to the next, but some things to consider include single or double treadle, wheel diameter, type of wood, size of orifice, size of bobbin, extra bobbins, additional speed control whorls, and distaffs.
Which is better single or double treadle spinning wheels? ›
Single treadle wheels are simple to spin on but some people don't like them if the treadle is positioned on one side of the wheel. Double treadle wheels are usually more ergonomic to spin on as both of your feet are working instead of one foot and making it easier to spin.
What is the difference between Scotch and Irish tension spinning wheel? ›
Single drive bobbin lead, aka Irish tension, is similar Scotch tension, just flipped; in this case the drive band goes around a pulley on the bobbin. The flyer has an adjustable brake that allows it to spin faster or slower depending upon the tension applied to the fiber being spun.
What line should I use for spinning? ›
Line choice for spinning gear
These days, the vast improvements in fluorocarbon lines and braided lines have made line management on spinning reels much easier. Of the two, braided line is superior on a spinning reel.
Why are spinner wheels illegal? ›
Legislative bills were proposed in several US states to ban spinner-type wheels and hubcaps that simulate movement even when a vehicle is stopped because they could be disconcerting to other motorists and present a safety hazard.
The serial number is stamped on the end of the mother-of-all. This number indicates date of assembly (mmddyy) and the sequence number for wheels built that day. Single treadle wheels only have a number; on double treadle wheels, the number begins DT.
What is the easiest spinning wheel to use? ›
Lendrum Double Treadle – this is one of the most recommended wheels for beginner's in spinning circles. Similar to the Kiwi above but higher end. Ashford Country Spinner – large orifice and the bobbin holds about two pounds of fiber all based on how you spin your fiber and ply. Super for art yarns.
How to buy a used spinning wheel? ›
Educate Yourself
Become familiar with the parts of a spinning wheel and the different styles made over the years. Find diagrams of wheels using a quick Internet search or a handspinning reference book. With this information, you can spot elements that aren't original and recognize when a wheel is missing components.
How do you balance a spinning wheel? ›
Place putty on the rim in 1 gram pieces opposite (180 degrees) from the heavy spot. Re-spin the wheel and see if the wheel settles with a heavy spot. Repeat steps 3 and 4 until the wheel spins for a long time without settling in any specific location when it stops. Remove the putty and weigh it on a scale.
How do you date your spinning wheel? ›
The serial number is stamped on the end of the mother-of-all. This number indicates date of assembly (mmddyy) and the sequence number for wheels built that day. Single treadle wheels only have a number; on double treadle wheels, the number begins DT.
How can I identify my wheels? ›
The serial number for your wheels can be found inside the rim (under your rim tape). The serial is the seven digit number that typically starts with a “1” or “2”. Fun fact, usually the first 2 digits are the year in which it was manufactured.
Are spinning wheels worth anything? ›
Fully cleaned, restored, and in top spinning condition, the average price for a CPW is around $300 to $350.
What is the name of the old spinning wheel? ›
During the 16th century a treadle wheel with flyer was in common use, and gained such names as the Saxony wheel and the flax wheel. It sped up production, as one needn't stop spinning to wind up the yarn.
