I am remiss in my blog posts this summer. I have either been on the road every weekend (usually picking up another wheel) or have been cleaning both the wheels and the house. We are looking to get some renovations done, but in order to do so, need to make some space. In order to make space, things have to be reorganized or, in some cases, disposed of.
One of the biggest space hogs in my garage was the front end of a 1951 Chevrolet pick up truck. I am happy to say that on Sunday morning, after 20 years in my garage, the parts went to their new home in Connecticut where they once again will get a chance to be a truck.
Several wheels are also on their way to new homes, although the CPW destined for Salt Lake City is posing a problem. If anyone is driving out that way and wants to take a wheel along, please make sure to PM me!
The other big push this summer has been to get ready for the antique spinning wheel showcase on July 30. I’ve been cleaning wheels every night after work, but still had several to do. So on Sunday, I set up my cleaning table outside, along with the popup tent, and spent a day washing and oiling wheels.
Here are today’s slate of wheels for cleaning:
One of the major pieces I wanted to get cleaned was the Irish Castle Wheel. I love this wheel, but rarely use it for spinning. This was more of an antique display wheel. Here it is dismantled for cleaning:
Here is her MOA assembly:
The pegs on the left and in the center fit into a crossbar; the piece on the right fits against the end of the crossbar and is held in with a wooden screw. I’m always nervous about stripping or breaking the screw when tensioning. If it goes, I would need to find a woodworker to turn another one before I could get this spinning again.
Amazing what a little Murphy’s Oil Soap and boiled linseed oil will do!
Here is a closeup of the MOA in place, showing the two wooden screws that hold it steady:
Other wheels that got the spa treatment, were Margarete, the German lateral treadle:
Phoebe, the American Saxony, likewise got a cleaning:
The as-yet unnamed Norwegian Bench Wheel after her oiling:
“Every Revolution of the Wheel” will be presented at the Holmes-Hendrickson House, 62 Longstreet Road, Holmdel, New Jersey on Saturday, July 30 from 11 AM to 4 PM. In addition to the wheels, non-spinners can learn to spin on drop spindles or on a modern wheel. There will be ongoing demostrations of spinning and fleece preparation. Stop by and say hello if you are in the area!
The Wool Merchant's Daughter 
In case no one has mentioned it yet, your unnamed norwegian wheel is an Alfred Andreson. American company that imported these from Norway. I have one too. The dog leg in the treadle and the finials are a characteristic. Once you google him, you’ll see it looks the same. Lovely ratio to spin on!