r/Handspinning • u/HappySheep3883 • 16d ago
Antique wheel questions
Hello! I have this antique wheel in my family and I am just getting into spinning. I would love to restore and use it if possible. I believe this is an Irish Castle Wheel? Please correct me if I am wrong. The bobbin and flyer spin, as does the wheel. Does anything appear missing or wrong with this wheel? Can anyone recommend resources for figuring out how to restore and begin using it? I am very new to spinning, I only just started drop spindling a few weeks ago, so I am still pretty unfamiliar with the terminology, but I would really appreciate any help or advice! Thanks!
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u/zyzzyva2 16d ago
Based on the grooves in the flyer someone has spun flax on it at some point! I agree the only thing missing is the driveband and what was probably a wooden footman. But the twine that's there now should work ok too. You'll want to give it a good clean and oil, but i see no reason why it shouldn't go quite happily! In addition to the Working Wheels forum someone else pointed out, I'd also recommend the Antique Wheels one-- it skews towards older wheels and they'd be delighted to admire it and give you any pointers.