Spinning Wheel Restoration

Bob has taken over the business of restoring antique spinning wheels from his late father, Bill Ralph of Orwell Pennsylvania. The repair shop that was located in Orwell, PA, was relocated to Montrose Colorado so that the tradition of excellence and craftsmanship could continue.

Bill, while he was alive restored over 1000 spinning wheels and documented 686 of the wheels. Bob, through the fine teachings of his father and his apprenticeship with him, is now able to offer fine spinning wheel restorations himself. All restorations are performed in the original workshop of Bill using the same tools and traditional methods he discovered or created. Many of the repairs are done using the original techniques used to build the wheels two centuries ago. Only the finest hard woods and parts are used.

The finished product is an antique that is not only beautiful, but fully functional. All wheels are restored to their original working condition and in some cases function better then they did when new. Care is taken to preserve as much of the original wheels as possible while only repairing or replacing critical parts. Restored wheels are a fine investment for any spinner or collector. 

Every finished wheel comes with a hand printed accessioning number and description card attached. The wheel is fully photographed and is added to the database of wheels that Bill started. The database is currently being used to research early American spinning and weaving activities.

For a compete list of typical repairs and costs please contact me via email or phone. Typically wheels cannot be taken too far in advance of restoration, as I do not want customers to have long waiting periods for their return. I will always give time frames for shipping, restoration and return of wheels. Though not usual, other restorations outside the scope of my abilities may be referred to other CRAFTSMEN in the business.

Happy Spinning!

These are three wheels I have restored and are part of my collection.

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Web Page Design and Publishing by Bob Ralph Revised 04-08-03