| Project by Lisa Chan | posted 38 days ago | 376 views | 0 times favorited | 6 comments |  |
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I’m getting closer.
The traditional Russian spindle has a pointier whorl (the bottom bit) shaped like an arrow. And the whole spindle should probably be even more slender. Also, the traditional Russian woods are lighter… like birch.
This particular spindle spins like a dream… fast, true, and for a long time. I think this is the most beautiful and well balanced spindle I have made to date.
Wood is Mexican Bocote. Length is about 10 inches. Weight is 1.75 oz. Finish is light mineral oil.
Target weight for next spindle is 1.25-1 oz and the wood will be Birch.
I am very happy with this project and will continue to experiment with Russian spindles.
To see high resolution images go to
http://www.flickr.com/photos/12634428@N04/sets/72157622621057888/
-- Lisa Chan, custom cafts and yarn accessories, http://www.grippingyarn.com
6 comments so far
hairy
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295 posts in 429 days
posted 38 days ago
Nice work! It looks like it could be useful in a lot of ways.
-- I'm a lumberjock and I'm ok, I sleep all night and I work all day!
Thuan
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203 posts in 715 days
posted 38 days ago
Nothing feels as good as making your own tools to make more things. Did you get the measurements of the spindle from somewhere or did you just went with the flow? Both ways, it looks great. I’m thinking the Russians must have came up with a proportion that would optimize the way it spins.
-- Thuan
Jerry
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60 posts in 50 days
posted 38 days ago
Love that wood grain, there is nothing prettier than natures splendor or more satisfying than when we are able and blessed enough to unleash a small portion of it…
-- Jerry, "Some people are like Slinkies, They aren't good for much of anything, but they put a grin on your face when you push them down a flight of stairs"
scrappy
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1641 posts in 328 days
posted 38 days ago
Beautifull piece. Love the grain on that wood. Allways nice to make your own tools.
Great job. Keep it up.
Scrappy
-- Scrap Wood's the best...the projects are smaller, and so is the mess!
Berg
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45 posts in 87 days
posted 38 days ago
Beautiful Lisa. How is it used? Do you have a picture of it in action?
-- Berg, Central NH & Gulfport, FL - "It's raining...what a beautiful day to puddle jump" 3y/o Devlyn
mtkate
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664 posts in 222 days
posted 37 days ago
It’s very beautiful.