Friday, May 07, 2010

Kromski Fantasia

On the same day that I got the Aura into the shop tow wheels arrived from Kromski. The new Kromski Fantasia. The one in the photo is the walnut one. There is also a version which is all clear finish with a walnut accent and you can also get it unfinished and make it a DIY project.
This wheel is a great wheel for new spinners because of the price point. Unfinished for $363! and finished for $478. Really great prices for a great looking wheel.

This wheel treadles smoothly, is Scotch Tension and has the Kromski price point without all of the turned bits that some people find too fancy.
Nice handle on the back for easy carrying and it weighs just 12.5 pounds.
The flyer has sliding hooks and also attaches magnetically which makes changing bobbins quick and easy.

The wheel comes with 3 bobbins and 1 whorl with ratios of 5 and 8:1. Two additional whorls are available with ratios of 10 and 14:1, and 18 and 20:1. Those ratios will take any spinner very far in their spinning life so this is not a wheel that will be outgrown quickly.

I like this wheel because of the smooth treadling and ease of use. The bobbins are the standard Kromski bobbins and so can be used with any of their wheels. It's got a small footprint and will fit with many decors because of the finish options.

There are only two little picky points I have about this wheel. I wish there was a way for the back to be more attractive - I told you it was picky. Also, the leather that holds the sliding hooks is great now but will it wear and become loose and not work? Also, kind of picky because if they get loose they can be easily and inexpensively replaced.

Two thumbs up for this wheel.

1 comment:

Spunky said...

Black walnut....I kinda want it for my collection.