WE BUILT A SPINNING WHEEL FOR $2.50
(Page 2 of 2)
We made one simple modification to the old bike wheel:
namely, what we did was [1] strip the tire and inner tube
from our much appreciated find, [2] cut a long strip from
the tube, and [3] glue this strip of rubber back onto the
rim. We figured this'd-make a nice smooth runway to guide
the loop of twine that runs between spindle and wheel and
keeps everything in motion.
RELATED CONTENT
A simple ,Spinning Scarecrow July/August 1980...
QUALITY WOOL ... IN THE BLACK
March/April 1983
Baa, baa, black sheep, have you any wool?
...
You can make an heirloom braided rag rug from recycled wool blankets, skirts and suits....
From that point, the actual construction of our spinning
wheel was a cinch. All we did was mount the components in
their proper positions (see photos), copying what we'd seen
in pictures of other folks' wheels, and
violà! We had a device that really, honestly worked
(much to my amazement). This was the first time I'd ever
put anything with moving parts together.
Someday, I suppose I'll try to attach a foot pedal to our
masterpiece . . . but for now, we're just happy to have
something that works, and which is quicker and easier to
use than a drop spindle.
You might be able to buy a spinning wheel, new,
for around $50. The one Barbara and I put together cost
$2.50—mostly for the epoxy and Weldwood that holds it
together—and it couldn't do a better job at any
price!
Page:
<< Previous 1 | 2 |
