Posted by Verna on Monday, 28 March 2005, at 10:44 a.m.:
In Reply to: Re: looking for high-quality handbuilt spinning wheel recommendations posted by Diana on Saturday, 26 March 2005, at 4:17 p.m.:
I highly recommend Alden Amos wheels! I have 2 - a Scottish Castle and a Banjo charka, and a 3rd on order.
They are well built, very sturdy, wonderful workhorses. He will build it to suit you and your style of spinning, and won't build something he doesn't think you'll be happy with. (My 3rd has been 2.5 years in the making, because he knew what I thought I wanted wasn't going to make me happy. I finally saw the light, so he's working on it now.)
I can't say enough good things about them. I can start and stop my castle wheel with just a toe on the treadle, it spins like a dream, and efficient just doesn't convey how awesome this wheel is.
While normally I agree with the "try it before you buy it" crowd, I'm in Texas, and AA is in California. I took a deep breath before sending in my check - but I haven't regretted it.
Good luck on your search!