Drive Bands or Drive Belts

defarge007 wrote

on Jul 21, 2010 11:41 AM

Hi:  I'm not sure this fits in with spinning tools, but it looks like the closest forum.

Judith McCuin McKenzie mentioned some good drive bands in her DVD Popular Wheel Mechanics, and displayed a pink plastic spool of Seine twine.  Most of the Seine I found on line is nylon, and I have no idea what width she generally uses.

I am still looking for the perfect drive band, and not having much luck.  Most of the polycords seem to be either too heavy or too stretchy, and I don't used those on a restored saxony wheel (looks like 12-ply kitchen twine).

Any help on good drive bands for the small whorl on my Ashford Traveler, and the saxony would be much appreciated (the Ashford drive band  you can buy from spinning outlets doesn't work).

Janet

cleenorsk wrote

on Jul 22, 2010 8:00 PM

Hi Janet:  I have been spinning, restoring, remodeling, building and buying wheels since 1971 and hands down the best material for a drive band or belt on a spinning wheel is Candlewicking.  There are many kinds, but I prefer the flat woven Candlewicking.  It has multiple surfaces and grabs and turns wheel and whorls with ease, without the overtightening tension that can happen.  I cut to length and leave an overlap of about 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch.  Then I sew the overlap, occasionally winding the thread around the Candlewicking.  Then I take Elmer's Glue and glue the join.  Never had one come apart, and some have never been replaces.  I use them on all my Walking Wheels, and all my Antique Wheels.....as well as some of the wheels that came with the poly cord bands.

CeceliaJ wrote

on Jul 22, 2010 9:18 PM

cleenorsk:

  Hi Janet:  I have been spinning, restoring, remodeling, building and buying wheels since 1971 and hands down the best material for a drive band or belt on a spinning wheel is Candlewicking.  There are many kinds, but I prefer the flat woven Candlewicking.  It has multiple surfaces and grabs and turns wheel and whorls with ease, without the overtightening tension that can happen.  I cut to length and leave an overlap of about 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch.  Then I sew the overlap, occasionally winding the thread around the Candlewicking.  Then I take Elmer's Glue and glue the join.  Never had one come apart, and some have never been replaces.  I use them on all my Walking Wheels, and all my Antique Wheels.....as well as some of the wheels that came with the poly cord bands.

do you have a preferred source for the candlewicking?

i have been looking for a flat, braided cotton material for my flax wheel and always am trying to improve the drivebands on my five wheels.

thanks

L Tyler wrote

on Jul 23, 2010 8:22 AM

A wise old spinner once told me "You're a spinner - you can spin & make your own drive band!"  One of these days I will, just wondering if 100% cotton, or a blend of linen/cotton, or what would be best? Maybe make a 3 or 4 strand flat braid of handspun cotton? Or go the totally authentic route & weave it on a tape or inkle loom? Hmmm ... another project!

nykohchyn wrote

on Jul 29, 2010 7:53 PM

Isn't candlewicking just flat braided waxed cotton? Or is it flax?

defarge007 wrote

on Jul 30, 2010 11:06 AM

Thanks for this great supply.  I went on line to a supplier "Candlewic" and they have a ton of different types of candlewicking.  I'm guessing that the square braid is a no-go.  What do you recommend?

http://www.candlewic.com/candle-wicks/default.asp?src=gg&gclid=CIaJwsDMk6MCFQ4EiQodrQ3FsQ

Best wishes, Janet

chloekaufman wrote

on Aug 4, 2010 9:18 AM

Ditto.  I had no idea there were so many options for candle wicking.  Found the flat braid, but there are number of different "ply's available.  Is there is recommendation on that?  The price is cheap, but buying multiple plys would be excessive.  It's not like I could ever use this huge supply!  I will become the pied-pipper of drive bands.  Ha.

Thanks for your input.

Chloe

defarge007 wrote

on Oct 26, 2010 6:38 AM

Hi:  I am not having much success finding the right candlewicking.  Would you mind replying and letting me know where you buy yours and whether it is flat, round, square, woven, and what the fiber is?

Thanks, Janet

chloekaufman wrote

on Oct 26, 2010 8:36 AM

What I bought was round candle wicking and it is wrapped around a card and has probably 10 yards +.  I bought it at the local Ace Hardware store.  Now, I do have to say that this particular Ace is like the hardware stores from the good ole days.  It has a little bit of everything and lots of "kitchen" kind of stuff.  Like canning material, oil lamps, lamp oil etc.  That is where I found it.  If you need it, this place has it. 

If you still can't find it, send me an email with a snail mail address and I will go buy it for you.  This card is probably more than you would ever need.

Chloe, Olympia, WA

chloekaufman wrote

on Oct 26, 2010 8:40 AM

Janet:

I'm sorry.  I didn't answer all your questions.  It is round, as I recall it does not appear woven but it is definitely a muli-ply.  It is cotton.  It will stretch and then after some use, you will have to retie and tighten.  I have a Jonathan Bosworth spinning wheel that I use when I travel and it is the only one that has a cotton  drive belt and I used it on that.  Mine just broke from age.

Chloe

punkinlu wrote

on Jul 4, 2012 12:18 PM

Hi cleenorsk,

I am completely new to spinning and bought 3 antique wheels. Yes, I went a bit overboard but I love antiques too. I have one ready except for the drive belt. Is this flat woven candlewicking for making candles and how wide? I thought I was buying candlewicking but it looks like thread for embroidery!

Thank you

Punkinlu