My Country Craftsman wheel... tension problem

Ok - I made this video for my friend in another state to try and help her diagnose what I'm doing wrong.

Until a couple of days ago, I was strictly a drop spindler. I found this and have been giving myself (and my husband - poor thing) a crash course in what to do with the thing.

My problem is we've rigged it the best we can with the materials we have and the tension is still wrong. The yarn does not draw into orifice and onto the bobbin. Research says the tension isn't ENOUGH when this happens. But I've got it as tight as I can get it and I don't know what else to do and I'm about frustrated to tears.

The town where I live is craft BARREN... I don't know anyone who spins.

Can you help me???

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• country
• craftsman
• spinning
• wheel
• double
• drive
• belt
• tension
• problem

[TheDivineM]

Did you get it worked out? I have a CC (J Rooney) wheel and have the same problem. I made a drive band from waxed linen cord, have pegged the bejeezits out of the wheel uprights to stop the wobbling, and still can't get the tension. If I tighten the band enough for it to stay on, it barely turns; a smidge looser, and the drive band falls right off the wheel. Can't find resources for this make of wheel anywhere, and it's driving me nuts.

[merlotsmom]

Wax your drive band with some beeswax to help make it a bit sticky. It doesn't matter if the drive band slips into the same groove on the drive wheel. The thing that goes into the whole is a wooden peg. Loosen the drive band so when you lightly push on the string it moves slightly. If when you spin the uptake isn't strong enough then tighten the band a tiny bit more. Start loose you an always increase tension if needed

[MinnesotaFlash]

I have the same exact problem. No "owners book" with my wheel. I think today I am going to try to tighten the "drive string" like Saturnstar said. I also have the screw thing as tight as possible. I think a tiny bit at a time just to see what happens. I have the special string stuff but it's already made into 2 different drive bands. Maybe they made them a little too long to start with thus we can't get proper tention. Best of luck to you.

[marseilletarot]

is the bobbin well lubricated where it fits onto the spindle (or flyer shaft)? It must rotate VERY freely in order to turn.

In addition to proper lubrication, you may have to ream out the holes in the ends of the bobbin, or possibly sand down the metal of the flyer shaft in order to achieve smooth operation.

[saturnstar5]

If your mother of all is tightened all the way, it could mean that your drive band is to long. try shortening it by a few cm.

[DebbieBspinner]

The hemp may be slipping. I use a cotton string, which seems to work well. I see you have some yarn on the bobbin - did the tension work at some point, but then stopped?

Try adjusting the maiden - the wooden piece standing up from the table that holds the leather piece in front which holds the orifice. When you turn it, it will move inward and outward. It has a 'sweet spot' - if it's out of adjustment it may be affecting your tension.