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Profiled Spindles: Kundert Spindles |
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Spindles Reviewed Carved walnut-maple whorl
with cherry shaft Maple whorl with walnut
shaft Cherry, maple, walnut whorl with walnut
shaft Company Country of Origin Woods Used Maple Walnut Cherry Size of Whorl 3 3/8” $25 - $50 Weight Ranges from 1.0-1.5 oz Care Woodbeams Roving Used in Review 100% merino wool Where to Purchase Date Reviewed 8/2/06 by Gail Dennis
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First Impression When I received Steve
Kundert’s spindles for review my first impression was, what craftsmanship!
They are absolutely beautiful! While Steve’s pictures on his website give a
clear idea of what they look like, having them in person is totally a
pleasantly different experience. Not only are they beautiful to look at, as a
fiber artist, touch is a big thing and his spindles certainly satisfied my
desire to run my fingers over a wonderfully smooth surface! My son is also a
woodcrafter so I know from experience what a good quality piece should look
like and Kundert spindles go beyond fine quality. To say that I am impressed
is putting it mildly! The different wood inlays are absolutely gorgeous and
practically seamless that they almost blend together. I know this is not an
easy task to accomplish having observed my son doing it many times. A lot of
work and fine tuning goes into making spindles that make them worth far more
than he asks for them. While they are tools for spinning, I consider them
works of art and when I’m not using mine, they proudly hang from my fireplace
mantle (no I don’t use my fireplace so my spindles are safe) for all to see.
What do I think of their
spin? I can say it in one word! WOW! Those little buggers can really move;
every one of them. I was amazed at how long they held a spin even the
handcarved one. It is such a pleasure spinning with them. Right now I’m
spinning up some yarn to make socks and I can’t believe how much fiber I was
able to spin in such a short time. And all of them made it so easy to spin
evenly spun yarn no matter how thick or thin the strand. The handcarved spindle
is a real beauty with an amazingly delicate design that is so pleasing to the
touch. No rough spots anywhere!!!!!
Care of the Spindles While these spindles are
work horses, you need to remember that they will get damaged if not cared for
properly. I highly caution you not to drop your spindle on the hook as they
are made of metal and will bend or break. Treat these spindles as you would a
fine piece of furniture. I highly recommend treating them with Woodbeams
from time to time to preserve the beauty and luster of the wood. Focus
especially on the shaft since the constant friction of the yarn tends to dry
out the wood. Store them in a safe place when you’re not using them and use
care when you carry them with you.
How Kundert Spindles Are Made All top whorl drop spindles are turned as a complete
unit (whorl glued to shaft prior to turning) – thereby insuring the best
balance possible. The whorl diameter starts out at 3-1/2” and ends up
at about 3-3/8” after turning. The shafts are tapered with fancy
turning at the bottom so these spindles could also be used as a low
whorl. The shaft length on all spindles is 8-1/2” (below the whorl) about
10-1/2” overall (not including the hook). The hooks are fashioned from
.43 gauge stainless steel wire. Once they are adjusted they hold the
adjustment very well. Each spindle has a notch cut at about the three
o’clock position for the fiber to pass through. All drop spindles have
several coats of a polymerized oil finish and a final buff with carnuba
wax. Only one coat of finish is placed on the shaft to ensure the shaft
is not too slippery but still remains protected. All spindles range
from 1.0 to 1.5 ounces.
Conclusion Kundert’s spindles are real gems in my eyes.
They say diamonds are a girl’s best friend, well not for this girl. Give me
spindles especially Kundert spindles I mean after all, you can’t spin with a
diamond. They sparkle in my eyes; in fact I am tempted to wear them as
jewelry! I will definitely want to add more of his fine spindles to my
collection! |
