A Complete Checklist to Care for Your Spinning Wheel
A spinning wheel is a beautiful thing. It's a piece of machinery that can turn raw wool into yarn, which every fiber artist should have in their arsenal.
The Hook and Needle Nook, LLC serving Mead and the surrounding areas offer a wide variety of spinning wheels for purchase, and we're always happy to help our customers find the perfect wheel for their needs. We offer spinning classes on how to use a spinning wheel, and one of the first things we tell our students is that regular maintenance is key to keeping your wheel in good working order.
In this article, we'll walk you through the steps you need to take to care for your wheel. We'll also provide tips on preventing problems before they start. So, let's get started!
1. Regular Check-up If Your Wheel in Good Working Order
A spinning machine is a delicate instrument. To run properly, all parts need to be in good working condition. That's why giving your spinning wheel a regular checkup is important.
Here are some things you should look for during a regular checkup:
- Check the drive band to ensure it's not frayed or broken.
- Make sure the flyer whorl is firmly attached to the spindle.
- Check that all of the screws and bolts are tight.
- Inspect the drive band pulleys for wear and tear.
- Make sure the bobbins are spinning freely on the spindles.
We offer a spinning wheel maintenance service at The Hook and Needle Nook, LLC, serving Mead and the surrounding areas. We'll inspect your wheel and make any necessary repairs so you can get back to spinning yarn in no time!
2. Make Sure You Oil Your Wheel Regularly Using a Commercial Oil Provided By the Manufacturer
Oiling helps to keep your wheel in good condition and running smoothly. You should oil all the moving parts on your wheel, including the drive band, flyer whorl, maiden, and other metal parts.
How often you need to oil your wheel will depend on how often you use it. If you use it frequently, you should oil it every few weeks. If you use it less often, you should oil it every month.
To oil, your wheel, apply a few drops to all the moving parts. You can use a toothpick or cotton swab to help get the oil into all the small crevices.
The Hook and Needle Nook, LLC serving Mead and the surrounding areas sells the best-quality spinning machines.
3. Inspect All Wheel Parts for Wear and Tear, and Replace them As Necessary
The components like the drive band, orifice, and oiling points can all be checked for wear and tear. If there are cracks in the wood, it's time to replace your wheel.
Inspecting your wheel regularly for loose screws and bolts is also important. Over time, these can become loose and cause problems with the machine's function. The Hook and Needle Nook, LLC serving Mead and the surrounding areas sell replacement parts for most makes and models of wheels.
4. Keep Your Wheel Clean and Free of Lint and Dust Build-up
It is crucial to keep your spinning wheel clean and free of lint and dust build-up. A build-up of dirt, dust, and lint can cause your wheel to operate less efficiently and can even lead to damage.
Hook and Needle Nook, LLC serving Mead and the surrounding areas carries a full line of supplies for your spinning wheel and offers classes to teach you how to spin on one. Give them a call or visit their website for more information.
