I am sure the general response will be "try different ones" just as with looms, but which is a good starter wheel for a beginner with a budget of $600 or less?  and why?

Dawn

Comments

Mon, 03/04/2013 - 00:59

ryashani (not verified)

I just started spinning this summer with an Ashford Traditional and am absolutely loving it. Have worked up over 2000 yards of yarn so far and have absolutely no complaints.

Mon, 03/04/2013 - 03:01

loomyladi (not verified)

I was introduced to spinning on a S10 Louet and while it was ok, when I tried the Ashford Traditional I fell in love with it.   I purchased mine for $150 used, so it was a great deal.  I've sinced added the larger head.  It's still a great wheel, but I've moved on to a Lendrum.  Traditional does not travel well and I found that has become very important as I do alot of demos at schools.

Mon, 03/04/2013 - 06:01

Weavingholiday

I started out on a Louet S17, and it did the job until I had a better idea of what I wanted from a wheel, and what was out there. It was still going strong when I sold it about 20 years later.

There are some good bargains in used wheels out there, too, if you can get some advice from a seasoned spinner when purchasing.

It may be too soon to pick your "forever" wheel (or at least for the next few years wheel?), since you probably don't know yet what kinds of yarn you will end up wanting to spin, whether you will take it out often, etc.

So perhaps think in terms of a wheel that is easy to get spare parts for, will be a good "back-up" wheel (even when I had moved on to another wheel, the S17 was great for plying) and/or will retain its value if you decide to sell it. A knowledgeable, near-by dealer could be a bonus, too.

Is there any chance someone you know has a wheel you could borrow or rent just for a little while, then you will have something to compare others with?

The S17 is a very basic, entry-level wheel, but it was easy to maintain, fit easily in the car, nice big bobbins, could spin a fairly thick yarn if you wanted to, and I used it for workshops for years where it took some significant abuse with grace and equanimity. It was not hard to sell when I did decide to, too.

Mon, 03/04/2013 - 06:33

Nassajah (not verified)

I learned how to wpin using a Schacht wheel and found it so easy to use.  It was smooth, with great tension and easily treadled.  I really would have like to have purchased one.  However, since they are the top of the line, I bought the second best--the Lendrum.  I tried one before buying and found it very similar to the Schacht in the above mentioned catagories.  Mine also folds which is an added advantage when travelling or going to meetings.  It also can spin thick and thin yarns easily because of the multiple ratios and has scotch tension.  I would have preferred a double treadle, but as far as performance, it's great.  (I only prefer a double treadle because of the symmetry).  

Also, the maker, Gordon Lendrum stands behind his wheels.

HTH

Alaa 

Mon, 03/04/2013 - 11:11

jlread (not verified)

Sometimes you can rent a wheel from a guild....just to get the hang of spinning. This is ideal.

If you must buy...get something you can sell and not loose money...An inexpensive  entry level wheel might be a Louet or something used.

I've had a Schacht, a Timbertops Beaver..[a great fast wheel], a Jenson traditional and my most loved Majacraft Suzy. My personal preference is a castle wheel.  My spinning is for speed and consistency...so I'm not much for 'that old timey look'....more like hi-tech....get the job done!

I've had my Maja for 16 years and still love it....it has so many speed options and can be fine tuned to suit any fiber or yarn type.

Tue, 03/05/2013 - 00:27

Claudia Segal (not verified)

I started on a borrowed Ashford Traditional.  It was a great way to start but I'm glad I didn't buy one.  My first wheel was a Schacht which I still own and love.  It's worth the little extra to have the best.  I borrowed a Lendrum and didn't like it.  I have since borrowed another Lendrum from a friend and still don't like it.  It's just personal preference.

Claudia

Tue, 03/05/2013 - 01:35

ryashani (not verified)

The Traditional I bought was used, but barely.  I got it from a friend who bought, tried it one time and let it sit for five or six years.  I got a great deal and it is the only wheel I used, but at this point I can't yet see reason for me to go looking for another (I use drop spindles while traveling).

Tue, 03/05/2013 - 02:34

design2weave (not verified)

I was a newby at spinning several years ago and was fortunate to try most of the differnet styles and brands of wheels through my guild. I ended up purchasing a Lendrum and LOVE it! I am taller (5'10") and the lendrum had the height I needed so I wasn't bending over so much. Some of the wheels were just too short for me.
Tue, 03/05/2013 - 23:32

joanb (not verified)

I bought an Asford Joy for  my first wheel and have been spinning on it for 10 years now.  It is great because it folds up and is easy to transport if you will be doing demos or hauling it in the car.  I lot of the women in my guild use the Asford Joy.

 

Wed, 03/06/2013 - 00:40

mneligh

I stand by my Louet S10.  I got it after attending a Paula Simmons workshop 30+ years ago.  That was her favorite recommendation.  It met with greater approval from my then guild member friends than did my Country Craftsman.  I still have and use both wheels -- the CC for reenacting and the Louet for all else.  I have the speed/fine flyer & bobbin set as well as the basic one, and I use that far more than the basic.  I occasionally try friends' wheels -- haven't gotten my hands on a Schacht Reeves, though -- and have to say I like my Louet.  I do like the Kromski's though, and some look like people expect a wheel to look like. 

There are a lot of used Louets out there, and you can buy parts over the internet . . .

Thu, 03/07/2013 - 21:55

mrdubyah (not verified)

I own more than a dozen different wheels and the Ashford Traditional is still my favorite wheel for teaching.  Tradis are stable, simple, easy to spin on, and usually available at great prices used.  Although they can be set up for double drive, most are Scotch tension which is a very intuitive system for beginners.  Loomy is right that they're not very portable, so if that's important to you then you might try a joy, traveller or Kiwi.  Kiwis are a little less stable, but very versatile, easily portable and super affordable, even when new.  Check out the folding Kiwis at Merlin Tree: http://www.themerlintree.com/merlintree005.htm

Sun, 03/10/2013 - 17:02

Dawn McCarthy

Any one use a Fricke spinning wheel?

Dawn