Schacht Sidekick Folding Spinning Wheel

The Schacht Sidekick is the best answer to a question every spinner eventually asks: how do I take my wheel with me without it being a hassle? Most castle wheels are technically portable but still awkward to move and vulnerable in transit. The Sidekick solves that. The treadles fold up against the wheel, the maidens fold down, and the whole thing collapses to 21.5 In H x 8.25 In W x 15 In D, with the flyer tucked under the left treadle and the included whorls and a bobbin stored on-board. It protects itself. Throw it in a car, check it on a flight, bring it to a guild meeting or a week-long retreat. It opens back up just as fast with quick-release levers, and you're spinning.

What makes the Sidekick stand out beyond the folding is that it doesn't feel like a compromise. The treadles are full size and genuinely comfortable, the flyer uses the same self-aligning bearings as the rest of the Schacht lineup, and the bobbins, whorls, and flyer are fully interchangeable with the Matchless, Ladybug, and Flatiron. A single drive band tension adjuster works across all whorls, so you don't have to fiddle with setup every time you switch. At 13 lb it's light enough to carry one-handed, and the included adjustable carrying strap makes that even easier.

Made in Boulder, Colorado from maple plywood and solid maple with a hand-rubbed Danish oil finish. Schacht has been building spinning and weaving tools in Boulder since 1969.

What's Included

• Sidekick spinning wheel
• 3 travel bobbins
• Medium and Fast Speed whorls (each with two ratio grooves)
• Orifice hook
• Poly drive band
• Adjustable carrying strap
• Owner's manual
• Some assembly required

Specifications

• Drive system: Scotch tension
• Treadles: double
• Weight: 13 lb (5.9 kg)
• Orifice height: 25 In (63.5 cm)
• Orifice diameter: 3/8 In (10 mm)
• Drive wheel diameter: 13.75 In (34.9 cm)
• Folded dimensions: 21.5 In H x 8.25 In W x 15 In D
• Materials: maple plywood and solid maple
• Finish: hand-rubbed Danish oil
• Made in Boulder, Colorado, USA

Whorl Ratios

Each whorl has two grooves giving two ratio options. Move the drive band between grooves to switch.

The Extra Slow whorl is not compatible with the Sidekick. The compact 13.75 In drive wheel does not generate enough rotation for the Extra Slow ratio range to function correctly.

The Medium and Fast Speed whorls included with the Sidekick cover most everyday handspinning, from worsted-weight singles to standard 2-ply yarns. Most spinners never need additional whorls. The optional whorls extend the wheel's range to specific projects: the Slow Speed whorl gives more control for chunky and bulky art yarn singles, and the High Speed and Super High Speed whorls add the twist range needed for laceweight singles, fine 3-ply yarns, and tightly-plied sock yarns.

The High Speed Bobbin (WS6703) is only needed when the bobbin itself is actively being driven, which happens in double drive mode. The Sidekick is Scotch tension only, so any Schacht bobbin works with every compatible whorl, including the High Speed and Super High Speed.

Compatible Accessories

Expand your Sidekick with Schacht's range of compatible accessories.

• SK7775 Bulky Plyer Flyer Package with 7/8 In orifice and 8 oz bobbin capacity, for bulky yarns, art yarns, and plying
• Additional whorls: Slow (WS6704), High Speed (WS6705), and Super High Speed (WS6709)
• WS6712 Travel Bobbins, lightweight plastic, nice to have on hand for plying
• WS6701 Standard Maple Bobbins, 4 oz capacity, an upgrade from the included travel bobbins
• WS6601 Tensioned Lazy Kate, holds and tensions up to three bobbins, packs flat for storage and travel
• WS6908 Niddy Noddy, winds skeins of 1.5 or 2 yards, folds flat for storage and travel
• SG36103 Sidekick Bag, padded zippered bag, fits the Sidekick plus spinning accessories and fiber

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the Sidekick as my only wheel?

Yes for most spinning. The Scotch tension drive system is the most forgiving and handles the broad middle of handspinning fine. The Sidekick's two limits compared to studio wheels are no double drive mode and no Extra Slow whorl, which means very-low-twist art yarn techniques and the longest staples spun in double drive aren't options. For most production spinning, plying, and project yarn, the Sidekick is fully capable as a primary wheel.

What MOA does my Sidekick take?

R-16-900256, shared with the Schacht Flatiron. The Sidekick has only ever shipped with this single Mother of All generation, so there's no current-versus-legacy distinction to identify when ordering parts.