Slippage
So, this is the problem I keep having with my otherwise-loved Little Gem.
As I spin, the lower band slips, just a little, coming out of the groove. Sometimes the "slip" is worse than others. Sometimes, I barely notice; other times it slows everything down. And if I let it go too long, it makes a really obnoxious noise (grin).
I’ve tried replacing the drive band, on the chance that it had stretched and was a fraction too large. That worked for about two weeks.
Liz was watching the wheel spin over the weekend and pointed out that the driveband is a little bit off-center, which certainly could make a difference.
Now, it’s not that big a deal. When the driveband slips, all I have to do is stop spinning, lean forward and reach around to nudge the band back where it belongs. Easy enough, it takes all of about 20 seconds, even if it is a bit of a pain, but still . . . a little annoying. Especially for a wheel that’s only five months old.
Any ideas?
Oh, and before I forget–Laura’s giving away a cute little yellow baby sweater . . . go sign up for a chance to win!
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Tannenbaum.
House Calls
Suggestion: Talk to the company about the problem!
Actually, what I noticed more than anything is that the Drive wheel itself is warped which is causing the wobble that is making the band slip. At least that’s what it seemed like when I was watching it. I’m not sure what the solution would be actually.
I was going to ask if the drive wheel was out of alignment, but if it’s actually warped, I’d call the company. They could certainly replace it for you. Does it have a warranty?
Bummer about the slipping do-hickey. That would be irritating…
Thanks for the call-out, gf! Hoping for a bunch of folks to sign up for the baby sweater give-away.
Oh the noise! I have no idea how to help you but wanted to commiserate with the strange noises our spinning wheel friends sometimes make. My neighbors came over the other day, spotted the wheel and said “Thank God! We had no idea what that awful noise was.”
I would get in touch with the company. And show them this picture and pass Liz’s comments along. She’s been able to watch the wheel from another angle than you would see it as you work on it, so she’s gotten a different view (pun not intended :)) of the problem. Actually, it sounds pretty logical to me that if it keeps happening, even when you changed the band, the problem is not the band but something else/structural
Cheers Eva
I sent a copy of your blog post and the picture along to Glynis at Majacraft. I also gave her your email address so you may be hearing from her within the next day or so.
Just thought I’d tell you.
Very annoying. I’d call the company too. Good luck!
Well I was going to suggest what everyone else is suggesting, calling the company, especially if Liz is correct that the drive wheel itself is warped.
I don’t have any advice, but I’m just stopping by to say hello!
I’m with everyone else - give the company a call and see what they think. They have probably had this one come up before.
Yeah… call the company. If that doesn’t work, is the part that holds the drive band wood? You might be able to sand it to make the groove deeper, but it certainly would be much better to get Majacraft to fix it for you!