Where I Consider My Need for Wheel #2…
I mentioned a few weeks ago that I had purchased an Ashford Traveller as my first spinning wheel. I love it and I think I am doing pretty well for a beginner, but…
Here is my problem: I think in order to do the plying I want to do, I will need to buy the Jumbo flyer unit which will cost about $140.00. I also want to do some thinner lace-weight yarn so it appears I would need to purchase the high speed flyer ($80) or the lace flyer ($200) (I’m confused about the difference). And, of course, I’ll probably need to get extra bobbins as well ($10-$13 per).
Add that to the $450 the wheel cost and the $75 I spent on the new sliding hook flyer and it brings my investment to about $750-$850 plus whatever the bobbin amount ends up being. If I want the sliding hook flyer for the jumbo, that’s more still.
Additionally, I imagine that constantly changing the flyer unit (which includes reinserting a screw for the upright into the wood, will, at some point cause the a problem. How many times can you screw into wood before it just doesn’t hold anymore? That would mean replacement uprights…and on it goes.
So, my question is this: Is it more practical to purchase a second wheel and keep the Traveller for a specific purpose, say, plying. If so, what’s a wheel that is equipped to spin the kind of yarn I want without modifying the wheel? I have been looking at the Schacht Matchless. Will that spin the type of yarn I want? One of the reason I liked the Ashford was because, with the lace flyer, you can achieve a ratio of 40:1, which is very fast indeed. The Matchless has a maximum ratio of 22:1 or 27:1 (depending on which you believe). That’s a big difference. Does it translate to a big difference in the thickness/thinness of yarn?
I would hate to sink another $200-$300 in the Traveller now, and then find I need even more accessories.
What do you think? I really need the advice of experienced spinners.
