Well,
maybe not completely different, just way bigger than standard.
It was interesting that requests for larger versions of two different
spindles arrived via e-mail within days of one another.Well,
maybe not completely different, just way bigger than standard.
It was interesting that requests for larger versions of two different
spindles arrived via e-mail within days of one another.
The first request was for a high whorl intended for spinning heavy "novelty" yarn == I think of it as a being a "Navajo Drop Spindle". The customer and I had an extended e-mail "discussion" about her size/weight requirements. She knew what she wanted and I couldn't talk her out of any of it! <BG>
The result is leftmost in the 1st photo == 16" (41cm)
shaft, 3.5" (8.9cm.) diameter whorl and weighing about
3.6 oz. (78g.). I turned the shaft from a Maple blank
rather than starting with a dowel (couldn't find a straight enough/long
enough dowel!). That's a regular 12" High Whorl spindle
next to the biggie in the picture. Believe me, "in person"
the slightly longer shaft and slightly wider whorl make for a
MUCH BIGGER spindle!! Initial report from the customer is that
the spindle is performing the desired tasks with aplomb! (Note:
there will be an additional charge for aplomb!)
And
then a guy-spinner in Texas with a dangerous sense of humour
<G> let me know that he "wouldn't mind" if the
Long Lady he was ordering in Cherry was a "little longer
than usual". I happened to be cutting blanks for Lady Anns
and Long Ladys at the time so I chopped 2 with a leetle extree
length.
Longer than Long Ladys -- That's a regular Maple Lady Ann leftmost in the 2nd photo. The two spindles next to it are the extree long ones -- 13" (33cm.) from tail to hook-top and roundabout 2 oz. (57g.) in Cherry. They're the same diameter as a usual Lady Ann or Long Lady ...just longer. A Long Lady is usually about 10.5" (27cm.) long.
It was nice to be able to meet the special needs of two people almost at once. It always seems like I'm telling people, "Nope, there's no time for me to be fooling around with anything new." But, some things work out because they are "variations" of exisiting, usual products -- it's difficult to anticipate what will, and what won't, be a problem.
I'd be very happy to hear thoughts on these variations from
anyone who cares to share. I haven't realled added to them to
the official Hatchtown arsenal (yet?), but if you feel
the need for something custom == get in touch! <G>
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