:pout:
I have the large wooden swift that attaches to my kitchen table, and the Royal ball winder. I’ve had them for probably 10 years. I am happy with me set-up.
However, the wooden “screw” that goes through the swift ‘collar’ that tightens the “collar” holding up the umbrella (and keeps it in the “UP” position for winding) [B]broke[/B] from my tightening it over the years. The “screw” that I’m talking about is about as big around as my pinky finger, and there is a bulbous ‘head’ at the other end that you use to turn the screw.
My husband tried to glue it (Gorilla Glue) back together, but that was unsuccessful.
But he found a metal screw of the same size, and it worked fine.
And he also gave me a small metal “c-clamp” to tighten onto the swift’s “neck collar” just under where the umbrella sits when it’s in the UP position, and that works, too.
I only use the c-clamp now because I can tighten it more easily. The big fat metal “screw” needed a little wrench for tightening the screw’s 6-sided head. So it’s just quicker to use the little c-clamp.
I’ve had no problems whatsoever with my ball winder, and let me tell you…on my yarn winding days, I’ve been known to wind 5 sweater’s worth of yarn at one sitting. I just get 3-6 months worth out of the way in one fell swoop.
I bought my set-up from Knit Picks. I caution you to be careful when you use the wooden components of any swift. Once they crack and break…you have to McGyver a fix.
FYI: my LYS uses the Royal ball winder, and you can imagine the workout it gets! The only caution is: don’t keep winding if you get a tangle on the yarn on the swift. If your ball winder starts to make a ‘cracking’ sound, you’re stressing it. Either slow down, or fix the yarn’s tangle or undo the yarn twist on your swift.
And do not rush yourself when you’re placing the hank onto the swift and preparing it for winding. Taking a little more time to get all those strands laying correctly on the swift will save you TONS OF TIME in fixing a mess.
Thanks for the great info Art Lady!
I also saw the email from KP about the swift on sale… too bad hubby had already gone ahead and ordered it all (swift and winder) from there earlier in the week!! :noway: I thought it best not to let him know that, lol!
Well I’m sure yours will be wonderful! But just take care when you’re tightening any of those wooden screws. Don’t turn them too hard. I must have done so, or maybe my wood was faulty, with weak grain.
He ordered from KP? Then it went on sale? Maybe he could get a price adjustment if he contacts them. It would be in the form of a gift certificate for use there I think, but you could probably manage to cope with that.