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A drill? Oh yeah, one of those electrical tools, commonly used as an aid to putting up shelves, and that causes the strangest vibrations of the hands and arm when used in hammer-action mode. A drill.
But not just any drill, as I’m about to explain. Being as I live with a drill connoisseur, I tend to forget some of the basic problems with cheaper ones. My singledom corded Black & Decker was reprieved from banishment to allow me to try it for this method, but it failed on 2 scores: a) the trigger/motor wasn’t sensitive enough and jolted rather a lot on slower speeds, and b) it only had two gears – normal and hammer action. So back into its dark cupboard it went.
But that doesn’t mean to say that you have to have a new, expensive drill. For some reason the modern cordless ones have far more sensitive triggers; probably because the manufacturers realised they have other uses (such as screwdrivers) and so put better switches and motors on them. And you don’t have to have loads of gears either; if the trigger/motor is sensitive and smooth enough, one gear is plenty. Another handy fact about drills is that they will have a reverse, as well as forwards operation. Perfect for S and Z. Yep, plying is easy done on these things, too.
So the key to getting this right is trying out and finding a suitable drill. Maybe all potential drill-spinners should pop into their local tool shop with a drop-spindle in hand and try them all for size. Or maybe not. Now, lately I’ve been using the top-of-the-range Makita that I bought Tom for his birthday. Yet somewhere (he tells me) he has another decent cordless drill that sadly has a bent chuck… this renders it useless for drilling but ideal for this job. Salvage then, is another option.
The next thing you’ll need is something to secure the drill. Rather essential, really. We’ve got a hefty table vice which is spot on or you could use a Black & Decker Workmate or similar. Your hands (or someone else’s) are no good; it’s gotta be really secure so that it doesn’t start drifting across the floor. You need to position the drill so the chuck is pointing directly up, and that the trigger (switch) is accessible for your feet (or hands) (and this then starts to feel more like operating a sewing machine). Please do remember though – most vices that will be large and strong enough to hold a drill in place will have nasty teeth along the edges of their jaws. To protect the drill (and not offend the person you may have borrowed it from) you’ll need some fabric, cardboard and/or gaffer tape placed between the edges of the jaws and the drill (which is visible in the above photos).
Obviously this method won’t suit everyone, and I’m not gonna suggest you start buying drills and vices. But if you have them, it’s worth giving it a shot. There’s no need for wheel ratios, as the speed will vary depending on your feet and on the drill. It won’t suddenly start spinning backwards as spindles and wheels do when you lose your flow. And it’s fast, really fast. It’s allowed me to concentrate on my draw, and so now I have producd the best yarns I’ve made in years. Nice one.
It’s that easy, even Tom gave it a go. He’s a bit of a genius, don’t you think? (OK, I would say that, but I gotta thank him for developing all this, just so I can spin more yarn!)
JUST REMEMBER HEALTH & SAFETY! I’m not gonna be held liable for anything just ‘cos I’ve shared it here, ok? Use your common sense; make sure the drill is firmly secured, tie loose hair back, don’t go too fast, etc. Any questions, fire away.
Support
As always, if you have a question about this technique or need some help with it, leave a comment below! I’m afraid I’m unable to offer help via email or private message, but you’re welcome to post in our forum.
What a fabulous idea,I love it! I too know the perks of life with a guy who can make anything from anything. Easier to fit in your van than a wheel too. Did your Mum enjoy Wingham Wools? Just started reading your blog, love the hats. Did I see W/Wools in the pics of Glastonbury? Didn’t strike me as festival goers from our phone calls, how wong can you be?!
Happy drilling!!
THAT is a fantastic Idea. I am only just starting out on the learn to spin journey but if i cannot make the course…
Hey Sal, thanks for popping by! Yep that was Winghams at Glastonbury – apparently it was Ruth’s daughter’s idea to go whilst hubby was at Woolfest – it was great to see them there. Mum thoroughly enjoyed the course and is well on the way to spinning more yarns.
Sylvia – probably is a good idea to learn hand-spinning the ‘proper’ way first, as it helped me understand what was needed from the drill and bobbin. Mind you, if you want it done quickly…;)
It is beatiful! You are both so clever! (And it could be such a nifty selling tactic – buy this hat, made with yarn spun by drill!)
Now that is ingenious! Well done you two for being such clever clogs. 🙂 I think I will stick to my spindle at the moment as I don’t own any power tools. Hmmmm my Mum’s partner does have a cordless drill I could nick…
Sue
Oh my goodness, pure genius! Well done you two :o)
It does make me miss being in the workshop at school getting to grips with bandsaws and stuff. I think I’ll have to stop making card models at uni and go downstairs to the wrokshop. As soon as I’ve finished my dissertation *sigh*
I kneel before you in honour of your drill expertise. I am also heartened to hear that others hang on to not two but three pieces of inferior equipment, in this case drills, in case they come in handy one day. Proof (contra my minimalist partner) that hoarding makes perfect sense and is not in itself a psychological issue.
PS. Hands off my needles mate!
That’s very clever and nifty! Before I start hijacking DH’s drill though, I suppose I’d better get to grips with a conventional wheel first. Must be really wonderful to be able to spin and dye your own yarn like you do! 🙂
Wow, I am in awe of your drill spindle. Sounds like the best use for a drill I have ever seen.
Oo OO! This is great!
I figured out how to ply with my drill and just a dowel with a shaped tip, like a support spindle sort of thing.
I made a YouTube video of myself plying with it. I could send you a link if you're interested.
THanks for having such an active, interesting, education blog. I love it!