Mini Turkish Drop Spindle - Sitka Spruce Whorl with Curly Maple Shaft - 5.16g

GENERAL PRODUCT SAFETY REGULATION (GPSR) INFORMATION

Intended Use:
Handcrafted Mini Turkish Drop Spindle designed for handspinning fiber into yarn and for winding spun yarn onto the spindle arms.

The spindle is assembled from a wooden shaft and interlocking wooden arms.

Depending on the individual spindle, the shaft and/or whorl may be made from softwood or hardwood.

Because these are handcrafted from natural wood, variations in species, grain, color, figure, weight, and appearance are expected.


CAUTION — ROTATING HANDSPINNING TOOL

The spindle rotates during normal use.

• Keep fingers, hands, face, hair, loose clothing, jewelry, and other objects clear of the rotating spindle

• Allow sufficient clearance around and below the spindle before releasing it to spin

• Maintain control of the spindle while spinning

• Do not intentionally swing or throw the spindle toward another person

• Stop the spindle completely before adjusting fiber, yarn, the shaft, or the arms

• Keep away from children and pets

• This is a fiber-spinning tool, not a toy


BEFORE EACH USE

Inspect the Mini Turkish Drop Spindle before spinning.

Do not use the spindle if:

• The shaft is cracked, split, severely bent, or damaged

• An arm is cracked, split, severely warped, or damaged

• The shaft does not seat securely through the assembled arms

• The arms do not interlock securely

• The notched shaft tip is broken or damaged

• Hazardous splinters or sharp damaged wood edges are present

• The spindle develops severe wobble because of damage or improper assembly

• Any other condition could interfere with safe or controlled spinning


ASSEMBLY

Assemble the wooden arms in their intended interlocking configuration.

Insert the Mini shaft through the assembled arms.

Before spinning, confirm that:

• Both arms are fully and correctly interlocked

• The shaft is fully seated

• The arms remain securely positioned on the shaft

• The spindle is assembled evenly

• No component is being forced into place

Do not hammer, clamp, pry, or use tools to force the spindle components together.

Do not modify the shaft or arm openings in an attempt to change the fit.


SHAFT SAFETY

The Mini shaft is a tapered wooden component.

Handle it carefully to avoid accidental poking or impact.

Before use, confirm that:

• The shaft is straight and structurally sound

• The shaft seats securely in the arms

• The notched tip is intact

• No hazardous splinters are present

Do not use a cracked, split, severely bent, or damaged shaft.


SAFE SPINNING

Use the Mini Turkish Drop Spindle in an area with adequate clearance.

Before releasing the spindle:

• Confirm the shaft and arms are securely assembled

• Make sure people, pets, furniture, flooring, and other objects are clear of the spinning path

• Secure the yarn appropriately

• Maintain control of the fiber supply

• Begin at a controlled spinning speed

Avoid allowing the spindle to strike hard surfaces.

Repeated drops or impacts may damage the shaft or arms.


NOTCHED SHAFT TIP

The notched tip assists with yarn management during spinning.

Before use, confirm that:

• The notch is intact

• The notch does not contain a hazardous splinter

• Yarn can be positioned normally

Do not continue using the shaft if the tip or notch becomes structurally damaged.


WINDING YARN

Wind spun yarn onto the spindle arms in a controlled and reasonably balanced manner.

Uneven or excessive yarn buildup may:

• Increase spindle wobble

• Affect balance

• Make the spindle more difficult to control

• Interfere with normal spinning

Do not wind yarn so heavily or unevenly that the spindle becomes unstable during rotation.


DISASSEMBLY & CENTER-PULL BALL

Stop the spindle completely before disassembly.

Remove the shaft and arms carefully after spinning.

The Turkish spindle design allows the wound yarn to remain as a center-pull ball after the spindle components are removed.

When disassembling:

• Support the wound yarn

• Remove components using controlled hand pressure

• Do not force the shaft or arms apart

• Keep the shaft and arm edges away from the face and eyes

If components do not separate normally, inspect the assembly before applying additional force.


NATURAL WOOD

The shaft and/or whorl may be made from softwood or hardwood, depending on the individual spindle.

Wood is a natural material and may respond to changes in temperature and humidity.

Natural variations may include:

• Wood species

• Grain

• Color

• Figure

• Weight

• Texture

• Surface appearance

These natural variations are expected.

Discontinue use if structural cracking, splitting, severe warping, or hazardous splintering develops.


CARE

• Remove loose fiber and yarn after use

• Keep the shaft and arms clean and dry

• Do not soak or submerge the spindle components in water

• Do not use harsh cleaners, solvents, or chemicals that could damage the wood

• Wipe with a soft dry or slightly damp cloth when necessary

• Allow all components to dry completely before storage if they become damp

• Periodically inspect the shaft, arm joints, and notched tip for wear or damage


STORAGE

Store the Mini Turkish Drop Spindle:

• In a clean, dry location

• Disassembled where practical

• With the shaft protected from bending or crushing

• With the arm pieces protected from heavy impact

• Away from excessive heat and moisture

• Away from children and pets

Do not place heavy objects on the shaft or arms.


DISCONTINUE USE

Stop using the spindle if:

• The shaft cracks, splits, or becomes severely bent

• An arm cracks, splits, or becomes structurally damaged

• The arms no longer interlock securely

• The shaft no longer seats securely

• The notched tip becomes badly damaged

• Hazardous splinters develop

• Severe wobble develops because of damage

• Any condition develops that could interfere with safe or controlled spinning