Schacht Sidekick Spinning Wheel
Schacht Sidekick Spinning Wheel
SKU: SKU: SK7770
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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 just 21½" x 8¼" x 15" with the flyer tucked away underneath the left treadle and 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 lbs it's light enough to carry one-handed, and the included adjustable carrying strap makes that even easier.
What's Included
- 3 Travel Bobbins
- Medium and Fast Speed Whorls
- Orifice Hook
- Poly Drive Band
- Adjustable Carrying Strap
- Some Assembly Required
Specifications
- Treadle: Double Treadle
- Tension Mode: Scotch Tension
- Weight: 13 lbs (5.9 kg)
- Orifice Height: 25" (63.5 cm)
- Drive Wheel: 13¾" (34.9 cm)
- Orifice Diameter: 3/8" (10 mm)
- Folded Dimensions: 21½" H x 8¼" W x 15" D
- Finish: Danish Oil
Whorl Ratios
Each whorl has two grooves, giving two ratio options. Simply move the drive band between grooves to switch.
| Whorl | Large / Small Groove |
|---|---|
| Slow (WS6704) | 4:1 / 4.8:1 |
| Medium - WS6706 (included) | 5.7:1 / 6.8:1 |
| Fast - WS6707 (included) | 8:1 / 9:1 |
| High Speed (WS6705) | 10:1 / 12:1 |
| Super High Speed (WS6709) | 11:1 / 13:1 |
The Extra Slow whorl is not compatible with the Sidekick. High Speed and Super High Speed whorls require the High Speed Bobbin when used in double drive mode.
Optional Add-Ons
Expand your Sidekick with Schacht's range of compatible accessories:
- WS6712 - Extra Travel Bobbins (lightweight plastic; great to have on hand for plying)
- WS6701 - Regular Maple Bobbins (4 oz. capacity; upgrade from the included travel bobbins)
- WS6703 - High Speed Bobbin (required for High Speed and Super High Speed whorls in double drive mode)
- SK7775 - Bulky Plyer Flyer Package (7/8" orifice and 8 oz. bobbin capacity; for bulky yarns, art yarns, and plying)
- WS6601 - Tensioned Lazy Kate (holds and tensions up to 3 bobbins; packs flat for storage and travel)
- WS6908 - Niddy Noddy (winds skeins of 1½ or 2 yards; folds flat for storage and travel)
- SG36103 - Sidekick Bag (23" x 21" x 3" zippered bag; fits the Sidekick plus spinning accessories and fiber)
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