Here she is straight from the box....unassembled and unfinished. The person who bought it made sure she got everything for the wheel. There are a dozen bobbins, all four whorls, a free-standing lazy kate, and a distaff. The wheel can be used as a double drive or scotch tension.
There were no assembly instructions so I took some time to assemble her before even thinking about finishing her. A very nice spinner in England helped immensely with the assembly. She was very knowledgeable about the Haldane wheels.
It was great fun looking at all the stains and deciding on how I wanted to finish her. She wanted a rustic look. I agreed. :) I spent a few days staining and getting to know each part of my new-to-me wheel. The wood was dry from all those years in a box and really soaked up the stain. I love how the stain really highlighted the grain of the wood and gave it a nice rustic feel.
Here she is....my Haldane Orkney....all finished. She just needs a few slight adjustments and she will be ready for her maiden spin. She is set up for double drive. Both the front and rear maiden posts adjust allowing for some really fine tuning on the tension. She's a dream to treadle. I'm sure she will be a dream to spin on as well.
**A little note of interest: the Haldane Shetland was the precursor to the Haldane Orkney. Both wheels are similar in looks. The Shetland has a slightly smaller drive wheel and the turnings are more simplistic. The maiden posts are taller and more finely turned. She is a double drive only wheel with the back maiden post used for adjustment. I don't believe she has the sealed bearings that the Orkney does. There were 3 slightly different versions of the Shetland made....and only one of the Orkney. Both are beautiful wheels. **
Considering Ive never had luck finding any spinning wheel, you must be very very happy to get your hands on this. It is a beauty. And your finish shows it off so well! Have fun spinning!
ReplyDeleteUsually I'm the one reading or hearing about all these great finds. This has been a truly incredible experience for me. I'm sure your great find is just around the corner. :)
DeleteWhat a birthday present! Congrats!!!
ReplyDeleteI know! Thanks. :)
DeleteI have owned a Haldane Shetland for about 40 years and am finally getting back to spinning. I need more bobbins! Any suggestions where I can find them?
ReplyDeleteSusan
There is a group on Ravelry specifically for Haldane owners. I'm sure someone there could point you in the right direction.
DeletePlease let me know how to set up I have this exact one I just bought and have no idea how to set up.
ReplyDelete