Modern Spinning Wheel

Product Description

After six years of building the Traditional Wheel, Henry found himself frequently asked for an economy version. His response – the Modern Wheel – is in its fourth decade of production and serves as a workhorse for professional artists, schools, and hobbyists around the world.

Like its predecessor, the Modern is an upright castle with a 16” drive wheel, heel-toe single treadle, and is set up with double drive. Unlike its predecessor, the Modern utilizes ball bearings for the drive wheel and features three high capacity bobbins.  The unique shape of the Modern’s frame allows for the majority of the wheel’s components to be cut from a single piece of European furniture grade hardwood plywood with no waste other than sawdust. This wheel was “green” before it was even a thing!

The ball bearings on the drive wheel make treadling this wheel very smooth. Once in motion, the solid hardwood plywood wheel continues to spin with little effort whether you are spinning laceweight, bulky, or any size in between. Set up for double drive, the 5.5 flyer whorl ratio will spin similarly to an 11 using Scotch or Irish tension. If you are unfamiliar with double drive, tension types, and ratios, please read our FAQ for further explanation.

The wooden components are hand shaped, sanded, and fitted before receiving two coats of durable lacquer finish. After final assembly, each wheel is put through its paces to ensure it meets our lofty standards of craftsmanship and quality.

Each wheel is supplied with three bobbins, a threading hook, and a bottle of spinning wheel oil. Additional bobbins, as well as our JMac lazy kates, are available finished to match. A bulky adaptor and quill are also available.