The Complete Handbook of Spinning Wheels
A practical reference for professionals, businesses, and serious enthusiasts
by Alumigogo Books
non-fiction
A practical, no-fluff reference covering evaluation, setup, maintenance, repair, and business opportunities for spinning wheels.
About this book
Whether you are a production spinner who needs consistent yarn output, a studio owner outfitting a teaching space, or a retailer evaluating inventory, you need more than a manufacturer's brochure. This handbook gives you the technical grounding to understand what a spinning wheel actually does, how each component affects the yarn you produce, and what specifications genuinely matter when comparing one machine to another. It covers Saxon, Castle, Norwegian, and electric spinner configurations, with focused guidance on drive systems, flyer assemblies, orifice sizes, and bobbin capacities. The book also includes practical decision frameworks for choosing a wheel based on the fiber you spin, the yarn you want, and the volume you need to produce.
The second half of the book is dedicated to long-term ownership. You will find step-by-step procedures for initial setup, tensioning, and daily use, followed by detailed maintenance schedules and a troubleshooting guide for the most common mechanical and production problems. For readers looking to build a business around spinning wheels, there is a dedicated chapter on the supplier landscape, market positioning, and concrete revenue models including reselling, servicing, rental, and consulting.
The book closes with a forward-looking chapter on materials, manufacturing trends, and market shifts, plus an annotated overview of associations, publications, and certification programs that serious professionals should know about. A practical FAQ and a glossary of essential terms round out the volume, making it a reference you will return to again and again.
Reader Reviews
Steven Garcia
★★★★★I've been spinning for 12 years and just opened a small fiber studio. The chapter on drive ratios alone was worth the price, and the maintenance schedule is the most practical thing I've read in this hobby. It's a real reference, not a fluff piece. I've already used the troubleshooting section to fix a wobble on a customer's wheel that I would have sent back to the manufacturer.
Susan Thomas
★★★★★It's a solid book, and I'll keep it on my shelf, but I wish the brand chapter had more direct comparisons and actual model numbers. The business chapter is good for someone starting from zero, but I've been in retail for a while and it felt a bit basic. The technical chapters are strong, though, and the FAQ is genuinely useful. Three stars because I expected a bit more depth in the commercial sections.
Ronald Hill
★★★★★I'm a production spinner doing mostly merino and BFL for a small yarn line, and this book is now my go-to reference. The explanation of flyer lead and take-up tension finally clicked for me after years of just fiddling with it. I also appreciated the blunt talk about what specs matter and what's just marketing. This is the book I wish I had when I started.
Jason Rodriguez
★★★★★As a high school arts teacher who inherited three beat-up wheels of different brands, chapter 4 and 5 saved me. The setup checklist and the troubleshooting matrix are exactly what I needed. I fixed two of my wheels in a weekend and the third is now just missing a part I can actually order. The writing is clear and direct, no fluff. Highly recommend for anyone who works with a range of older equipment.
Paul Martin
★★★★★Really comprehensive and well organized. I appreciated the chapter on choosing a wheel because it forced me to think about what I actually spin day to day instead of what looks nice. The only minor gripe is that I would have liked more photographs or line drawings of the different wheel types. The text descriptions are good, but visual reference would help. Still, a very strong reference.
Andrew Perez
★★★★★It's fine, and very thorough on the technical side. But the tone is a bit dry for me and I felt it was more geared toward someone who is already serious or even professional. I'm a keen hobbyist and I thought the chapter on types was good but I would have liked more practical tips for someone spinning on a budget. The glossary is helpful, and I'll keep it around, but it's not the most exciting read.