Restoring a vintage Ashford Traditional Spinning Wheel

[@elviramcintosh9878]

I just watched it again and I love the instruction about re-inserting the screws by entering it anti-clockwise first. Brilliant. Thanks again.

[@elviramcintosh9878]

Excellent instructions. And it makes so much sense to add that drawing pin!!! Greetings from Australia.

[@emmekresek8048]

I made my own kit, 1981, not long after had the great fortune to be gifted a first generation wheel in Bexhill, pristine condition. I love your details and methods, thank you so much.

[@thatbearlife]

Thank you so much for this! I was gifted a lovely 1975 Ashford Traditional, a week ago. I've got it all oiled up, and finally found a video on how to make this particular Scotch tension work. I got the Ashford maintenance kit for all of that. I rasped part of my footman, which I now regret, as your video shows that there is a nut missing on mine, that would have allowed some space.

[@catzkeet4860]

I love old wheels. Im from NZ and i too weirdly enough have never owned an ashford wheel tho i DID do my first bits and pieces of spinning on my mothers which she never used. MY first wheel was a Rappard Wee Peggy. Rappard was the company tgat eventually became Ashford. These antique wheels are still fairly common in NZ and are a castle type thats designed to be easily transported. Sadly i ended up having to move from somewhere in a hurry and in the chaos she was stolen along with a lot of my things. I miss that little wheel. Anyway a couple of years later i ended up buying another NZ made castle style wheel that we think was made around the 30s or 40s. Shes a lovely old lady and i use her regularly....or at least i did until i started having issues with the conrod joint which i ended up having to replace, and now im having issues with the axle where it goes thru the wheel because its slipping. Im trying glue but we shall see. So ive purchased another castle wheel lol. This one is a Romney wheel, made in NZ by a dutch maker. These were produced up till the 70s i think. Im not sure how old this girl is, but shes a baby compared to my other old girl. She spins nicely too. I love my old wheels. They have a character that modern wheels lack and as the gentleman i bought my last girl off said" its nice to know its going to be used" and i couldnt agree more.

[@tashawiehe2875]

This was brilliant! Thank you. I’ve only been spinning for not even a year actually I think. But I already have several wheels and just got another one given to me! It looks astonishingly like an ashford traditional but there’s no logo on it. Anyway, it’s a beautiful old wheel and it desperately needs attentions. This video has given me ideas on where to start and what to do so thanks! I need to re build or remake the leg where the wheel sits in. But it seems to be well kept and the lady who gave it to me did spin wool on it from her own sheep.

[@Momcat6]

Thanks so much for this! My daughter and I found an old Ashford Traditional today at a thrift shop. We'll need a new flyer (it appears to have been used as a chew toy) but the rest of it is intact and in reasonably good condition.

[@cory.doras69]

LOL I love the images of it on the train. I just picked up my own 1975 Ashford Traddy for repair! It's my first wheel

[@analogrhymes]

I recently purchased a wheel that has no markings but has to be a traditional of about this same era. And the little things you said about reusing part give so much more context to my wheel. I still need to get mine some rust remover but this was such a wonderful video!

[@liamthoralexanderspencer4684]

Interesting video! I’m 17 and my mom spins, I’ve been interested in it as well and decided on a … weird approach, to make a wheel out of old second hand antique parts! Given I’ve got experience in engineering and spinning wheels we thought it would be an interesting project and this video was an interesting insight on common problems!

[@SuzanneASutton]

You are a gift. Thank you for this. I got my Ashford wheel in 1976 or so, and in the decades of life knocking us around, it has sat unused for so many years. I have wanted to return to spinning again, but had no idea if I could ever use that wheel. Thanks to you, I now know it may be quite salvageable. Your generosity in sharing your knowledge in such a high quality video is considerable and I can't thank you enough. If I could, I would bake you your very favorite bread or cake or biscuit.

[@CBRBikerChick]

Thanks for this information! Super helpful! I just picked up a traddy 1975 with 4 bobbins, niddy noddy, carders & lazy Kate for £75. It is functional and came from a spinner but will be following your advice on cleaning etc to bring it back.

[@breannekoszewski3930]

This may be my sign to get the mid 80s tradi I just passed on....... but this one is in wonderful condition

[@TinyFibreStudio]

😂 I’ll let you do what you wish with that sign but I take no responsibility for any purchasing decisions you may make! 😉

[@AdelardRen]

This video is helpful. I'm moving across the country, and need to take my traditional apart to fit it into a box (she's something I absolutely refuse to part with). Mine is actually also a 1975-1981, but I hadn't realized until your video that the maiden uprights are shaped like the 1965-1975 model. They have the the graphite hardware, though. I would definitely have remained oblivious (if a little confused) if you hadn't mentioned they made good use of the leftover pieces from previous years. My traditional was in very reasonable shape when I got it, it was missing the scotch tension knob, and the treadle had a squeak. The squeak persisted for some time, even after oil, but after a few months of regular use and care, it disappeared.

[@bybeccalewis]

I love my 1980's Trad and I'm so inspired by the transformation I think I'm going to give my old girl a sand and oil . I say old girl she is younger than me . Great video 👍

[@DeliciaNZ]

Great video, we have just found my husband's grandmothers international 1975 and it was in same poor state, so we have oiled all the wood and ordered new parts to re-assemble. Fun little project.

[@Makeitwhimsy]

Thank you for this video! A few months ago I got an Ashford traditional similar in condition to yours and needed to do a hub repair and replace missing parts. Your video was one of just a few I found to be very helpful.

[@TinyFibreStudio]

I’m so glad it was helpful! Congratulations on your repair work, too!

[@tricosui6451]

I've gotten the slightly newer version of this version of the wheel (still had the old 1970s spokes + maidens, but with the tension knob in front and the sides had ridges, like the 1981 version), and I only realize now watching this video how well it was maintained! Mine previously belonged to a handicrafts teacher, and her husband was a woodworking teacher so they knew what they were doing - Only needed to oil it to get it running, and remove some rust from the flyer. I updated the flyer and got some extra bobbins, the old one was also completely made out of wood and while it spun nicely on the flyer, it was a bit crooked - enough to mess with the tension when spinning. There are still some screws that are a bit rusty, but it seems to only affect the head - not sure whether I feel confident enoguh in my abilities yet to fit it all back together again, so for now they will stay as they are :)

[@TinyFibreStudio]

Sounds like yours came from a good home! It’s so interesting seeing the different changes in between the models I love having a flick through eBay occasionally with no intention to buy another one but just to see if I can find a variant I haven’t seen before. And I certainly know the feeling when it comes to judging your ability to fix things before you take them apart - that’s exactly how I felt about the potential of taking the drive wheel apart. I have neither the tools nor the space for that right now!

[@grahamhall2662]

Having repaired a few spinning wheels myself this is and excellent how to video. Well done.

[@TinyFibreStudio]

Thank you so much Graham 😊

[@Kristelle396]

This particular episode got me to take action on the secondhand Ashford Traditional I've had sitting in my home for around 3 months. I bought it through eBay marketplace here in Melbourne, Australia. They are relatively easy to find in Australia. Mine is a 1984 model, so has the slightly less attractive spokes (I agree with you about the simpler style being more attractive, but I'm okay with fussier look if the wheel works well). My wheel is in great condition. I just need to practise using her and force myself to break away from my Kiwi 3. Becks, I've watched a lot of spinning on KZbin and your videos are the most technically interesting and the best prepared and presented. You engage with your audience in a way that shows your passion for this craft whilst never being condescending or moving too far off topic. It is so refreshing. I've got back into my spinning a number of times after watching some of your videos and wanting to try a new technique. Thanks so much for your dedication and sharing your expertise. Kris

[@kathrynway7218]

Love my 70s Traddy!

[@trericeseamstress261]

Same age as mine, love it! Thanks very much for this video, very helpful.

[@TinyFibreStudio]

You’re very welcome - I’m glad it was useful. I’m intrigued by your username - is it anything you do with Trerice house in Cornwall?

[@jackiedickinson9468]

Still have my 1978 Traditional, bought as a kit that my father assembled and varnished at that time and still performs beautifully, however, I did have ball bearings fitted later so doesn’t require oiling. It’s like an old friend and although I have a Traveller for taking to groups, I do love the rhythm and simplicity of the ‘Traddy’. Thanks for the video and all the info should I ever need to give it an overhaull! Well done on restoring yours. ❤

[@TinyFibreStudio]

You’re very welcome! These things were built really solidly so it’s lovely that you’ve been able to keep using the one your father built. Even better that you were able to add the ball bearings as a later upgrade.

[@RoxanneRichardson]

It's gorgeous! You've done a wonderful job. 🙂

[@TinyFibreStudio]

Thank you! Roxanne - I’m really happy with it.

[@Julia-zj2ch]

Oh my goodness, Beks! Your newly lovely Traddy looks fantastic. That is such a beautiful wheel. If I had room or the need for a second spinning wheel it would be an Ashford Traditional. I like the simple styling of your also.

[@TinyFibreStudio]

Thanks so much! 😊 I’m really pleased with how it turned out.

[@lindapankhurst4513]

Love this……so inspiring!

[@TinyFibreStudio]

Thank you! 😁

[@ViajerodelTiempo3.0]

hermoso trabajo felicitaciones🤩🤩🤩

[@j1mmusj4mmus]

Interesting video, thanks for posting.

[@TinyFibreStudio]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Janet-ov7zx]

Well done! I love seeing a once loved and useful piece of equipment brought back to life. You made it not only functional, but also beautiful again. From the grooves, it looks like this wheel has helped create a lot of yarn. I think it is wonderful that it will be able to fulfill its purpose once again. harpingJanet

[@TinyFibreStudio]

Thank you Janet, I’m really pleased with how it turned out and you’re right - those grooves show it was a well-used tool!

[@oonarhu4681]

Wonderful job... and very helpful overview of teardown and rebuild for those of us who hang onto our first love Traddy wheels and may need to do repairs. I, too, have a slightly warped drive wheel, and am glad to see it's not a deal breaker for an advanced spinner like yourself. I've wondered if it would affect the quality of yarn spun, but apparently not? Again, thank you for this fine video.

[@TinyFibreStudio]

You’re very welcome! These things are pretty solidly built so with a little tweak here and there we should be able to keep them running for many decades to come. I’m sure many spinners in the past have dealt with slightly wibbly-wobbly drive wheels with no ill-effects! 🙂

[@MrBerryK]

That drawing pin you put in the maiden adjustment board? Our ‘79 traddie came with one when I first assembled it in 1979. We still have and use it!

[@TinyFibreStudio]

I've wanted to restore an old Ashford Traddy for a few years now and I finally found a suitable wheel... and it's quite the transformation! **I love helping people learn about fibre arts... I also have to pay the bills! A lot of work goes into these videos so if you found it helpful, please consider supporting the channel by: Joining my Patreon: www.patreon.com/TinyFibreStudio (members get ad-free access to all new videos) Buying me a ‘virtual coffee’ via my Ko-Fi account : www.ko-fi.com/tinyfibrestudio or using the affiliate links below. Thank you!** Ashford Traditional Timeline: www.ashford.co.nz/images/download_pdfs/info_sheet/traditional_timeline.pdf 00:00 Intro 02:10 Tracking down a Traddy 02:57 Assessing the wheel 06:03 Disassembling the wheel 06:48 Restoring the Ashford Traditional 09:59 Reassembling the Traddy 10:41. Ashford Traditional Pre-1981 Crank Assembly 12:06 The restoration revealed

[@leslieambailey]

That’s my wheel! But I was lucky to receive mine in pretty good condition. I did get the Ashford maintenance kit to replace the wee rubber band/fishing line tension (which was working, but …) and have acquired a new flyer and bobbins, but it is a beautiful wheel. Is your drive wheel weighted? I’m more of a spindle spinner and have found the wheel to be a learning curve.

[@TinyFibreStudio]

Very nice! The fact that most of the replacement parts still fit is definitively a huge bonus. I don’t believe the drive wheel is weighted. I can leave the wheel in any position and it doesn’t get dragged down (or if it does it’s the treadle causing it) so that would indicate no weighting. The rim definitely builds some momentum though so that makes it a bit more difficult to stop. But the advantage is once you get it going it’s easier to keep it turning.

[@leslieambailey]

@@TinyFibreStudio yes I’m concerned that there might be some thing not quite right with the footman because it is a Traditional and I don’t know why my wheel would be waited if yours isn’t, for example. I certainly can’t discern what might be the problem, but it does cause me frustration when spinning. Thanks for your response!

[@amandag5072]

Given the state of that traddy, I would not have paid even £80 for it. I recently purchased a 1983 model, that needed minimal TLC, for £120. A lot of people selling old wheels really jack up the price. There was one lady selling one, but she never answered any of my messages, and it just kept getting relisted. After 4 months she started lowering the price. Last I saw it was still for sale, but at nearly half her original asking price - and she still can't sell it.

[@TinyFibreStudio]

Yeah, fair point - I was in need of a project though, and the location was easy for me to get to which isn’t always the case around here. A friend bought a similar vintage Traddy for £50 recently and I know someone locally who bought theirs for £20 albeit missing the flyer. The bargains are out there but whether they come up in the right place and at the right time is a different matter! I think part of the problem is that the people selling them often base their pricing on current models without realising some of these are 50+ years old.

[@debbieretzlaff2912]

Nice video! But if you ask me, ahem, I would buy a Lendrum Double treadle spinning wheel! I speak from experience~once I tried the Lendrum at a fiber festival in Vermont that treadled like butter, I sold my Ashford. It still treadles like butter 30 years later!

[@TinyFibreStudio]

I always hear great things about Lendrums. They’re not very common in this part of the UK and we don’t have a lot of places people can go to try different wheels so a lot of people start with Traddies and go from there. I’m sure the majority end up buying another wheel once they’ve figured out their preferences.

[@Ambimom]

I'll stick with my Lendrum DT. I've always wondered about an Ashford traditional but alas, I don't have the space. My problem is finding enough time to spin as much as I'd like.

[@TinyFibreStudio]

🧶❤️ The Traddy definitely doesn’t have the smallest footprint! I don’t think there are enough hours in the day to spin as much as we’d like - someone should really get around to solving that problem!

[@Skyspiders]

Every video about restoring a 1970’s vintage wheel “ look at what a good job I did fixing this! I’m going to show you every step” Every person trying to fix their 1970’s vintage wheel at home with their wheel taken apart in front of them following every step; “ wait what!? What about THIS part? And this one? And THIS ONE? “ *5 seconds later the video cuts to the finished wheel * Videographer; “ so you can see what a transformation “ * they pat themselves on the back “ see you next time” Person following along… WHAT!? * looks down at all the pieces in their hand- looks at the image of the finished wheel for half an hour… * screams and throws all the parts of the wheel the videographer never even bothered to show being put back on to the wheel - at the screen*

[@TinyFibreStudio]

I can appreciate your frustration. I think part of the difficulty is that we don’t all need to do the same things to renovate a wheel. Some just don’t need certain things doing to them. Is there any particular part I can try to help with?