My PVC Spinning Wheel
By Sorcha Fhionn inghean ui/Ruairc


This is based on the Great Wheel. Meaning that you will be spinning the wheel by hand, as there is no treadle on this model (I am working on a treadle that can be added). The ratio will be 12:1.
Hope these step by step instructions are helpful.

MATERIALS
3…..8' lengths of 1" PCV pipe
4…..1" end caps
12….1" T joints
4…..1" elbow joints
Size 11 knitting needle (only one needed)
26" bicycle front rim (new or used)
2" pulley
90" of cotton cording
Glue (optional)
Power drill (for holes)

You will need to cut the PVC pipe into the following sections
4….. 16" lengths
4….. 21" lengths
2….. 20" lengths
2….. 11" lengths
4….. 6" lengths
4….. 5" lengths
4….. 3" lengths

To build from the bottom up:
I will try to simplify the connections.
Elbow joint, 6" PVC, T joint (T points upwards), 3" PVC, T joint (T points towards center), 11" PVC. T joint (T points center), 3" PVC, T joint (T points upwards), 6" PVC, elbow joint. Connect the 5" PVC to the end elbows and to the 2 T's that point towards the center. Lay out base parts.



Start to assemble the base parts.


Then connect the remaining pieces to complete the base. On the end, connect an elbow, 6" PVC, T joint (T upwards), 3" PVC, connect T joint to 3" PVC & 5" PVC cross pipe, 11" PVC, T joint to this and 5" cross pipe), 3" PVC, T joint (point upwards), 6" PVC, connect last elbow to 6" and end 5" PVC. The ends should protrude far enough past the legs for a good balance. The base is now complete.


Insert the four 21" PVC into the T joints on the base. Snap on a T joint to each lower leg (the single hole on the left leg will face the hole of the T on the right legs).



Connect each set of legs with the 20" PVC (running these parallel to the base).


Now comes the drilling part. If you do not use a drill, you might get your hubby to do this part. Before connecting the remaining four 16" PVC, we will need to drill some holes. Figure out if you will be spinning the wheel with your right or left hand to determine which holes goes where. Since I spin with my right hand, I am using my placements.

On two (2) pipes, drill a ½" hole 2" from the top of the pipe… but ONLY through ONE side of the pipe. These holes may need to be enlarged slightly for rim to spin smoothly, but that is a minor adjustment and up to your discretion. For the remaining 2 PVC pipes, you will need to drill the holes all the way through BOTH sides, as these are the pipes you will be inserting the needle through.



When all the holes are finished, snap on the end caps and connect these pipes to the T joints on your spinning wheel. Remember, the PVC with one hole, the holes will all be on the "inside".
The threads protruding from the hub of the rim should fit into the holes on the upper leg section. Spin the wheel to make sure that it spins freely.



From the backside of the front legs, insert the #11 knitting needle through both holes. Slide on the pulley and slide the needle through holes in front pipe. On the inside of the back leg, this is where I wrapped some tape around the needle (to prevent it from sliding back out the hole when spinning). But not so close to the hole as to prevent the needle from spinning.


Center the pulley on the needle between the legs. My pulley was not a tight fit, so I used some glue and glued it in place. When the glue is dry, take the cotton cording (or a form of cording of your choice) and run it around the rim and the pulley and tie tightly. Spin the wheel to make sure it and the needle will spin freely. This is where you might need to make some fine adjustments. Your spinning wheel is now complete. Happy spinning! It took me a while, but I can now spin nice fingerling weight yarns on my PVC spinning wheel.



NOTES:
Lady Seraphina Netka (Kingdom of Atlantia) was the one who originally made this Spinning Wheel. I saw her picture, liked it, and then sat down, drew up plans and made one for myself. So I cannot take full credit.

I added a 2" cardboard disk, slide over the needle to rest against the PVC, to prevent yarns from snagging on the hole. Or you can use a plastic yogurt lid. Cut a hole in the center.

1. Attaching the leader