Posted by robin on Wednesday, 24 May 2006, at 2:51 p.m.:
In Reply to: help in buying a wheel for wives birthday? posted by charles kopenhafer on Monday, 22 May 2006, at 9:30 a.m.:
I agree with Kim Desko. Of the wheels you have mentioned, the Tina II is by a very large margin the best quality spinning wheel. Ashfords are nice functional wheels and are good for beginning with, but don't have nearly the quality of workmanship or the integrity of design (looks-wise) that the Jensen wheels have. The Jensen wheels are also known for very smooth, quiet operation and exceptionally easy treadling. The Tina II is a little more money than the Ashford Traditional or the Traveller, but the difference in quality is much more than the price difference would indicate. The Tina II can serve a beginner's needs just as well as any Ashford, and can easily keep pace with developing skills with the addition of the faster whorls and bobbins that are available.