with the hole in the bench as the wheel makes its rotation. If the footman touches the bench, adjust the thumb screws equal amounts to
move the wheel and footman towards the front or back, as needed, so the footman does not touch the table.
Step 6
Now there are a number of small jobs to complete before you spin. You can now attach the fancy ends to the top of the two wheel
posts. We do not recommend gluing.
The Polonaise uses three thumb pegs to implement the scotch tension setup. (If you do not intend to use Scotch tension you may skip
this step.) Two thumb pegs have metal eye bolts on them, one has a hole in its shaft. This last thumb peg goes in the hole closest to the
spinner. Insert the other thumb pegs into their holes on the base of the mother-of-all. You will attach the brake band in a moment.
The Polonaise comes with two whorls. Assemble the flyer with a bobbin and the largest whorl. WARNING: AS WITH MOST
DOUBLE DRIVE WHEELS, THE WHORLS AND SPINDLE SHAFT ARE REVERSE
THREADED. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO ATTACH THE WHORL IN THE WRONG
DIRECTION. GOING ON, TURN IN A COUNTERCLOCKWISE DIRECTION.
CLOCKWISE TO REMOVE. DON’T LET CHILDREN PLAY WITH THIS.
For anyone new to double drive spinning, note that there are two different size pulleys
on the bobbin. Depending on the size of the whorl you are using, always make sure that
the bobbin pulley being used is smaller than the whorl groove you are using. We suggest
you use the largest bobbin pulley with the larger whorl; but you MUST use the smaller
bobbin pulley with the smaller whorl
On the metal spindle you will find a small brass spacer at the base of the spindle. It is
important that this remain on the shaft all the time. If it is not on the shaft, check the
parts bag.
Now you will tie the drive band for double drive operation. Move the mother-of-all all the way to the right (closest to the wheel), then
back up a twist or two. Pull the drive band around the wheel, over the bobbin pulley, back around the wheel a second time, ending up
with both ends of the string coming together over the largest diameter grove of the whorl. Tie a snug overhand knot then complete a
square knot. Pull tight all 4 legs of the knot then trim the short ends to about 1/8th of an inch.
Adjusting the front maiden to get a proper fit. Tighten the front maiden into position. There is some play here and you can adjust to
your liking. The flyer should float a bit, front to back, between the leathers. Using the tension adjusting screw, move the mother-of-all
to the left until you have proper tension on the drive band. Snug the locking nut to stabilize the mother-of-all.
Find the remaining short wooden pin in the parts bag and insert it into the pre drilled hole on the top back of the bench. You will use
this to store your extra whorls. The threading hook goes into the hole on the bench. The first time you put the hook in this hole, push
and twist to establish a good mating. Bend the wire on the hook to suit your needs.
Scotch Tension
- The brake band parts for scotch tension are in the parts bag - 3 thumb pegs (2 with eye screws attached), band with
spring attached. Connect the spring to the eye bolt on one peg and place peg into the hole on the left rear of the mother-of-all base (eye
points up). Loop the string over the rear bobbin pulley, down to the other peg place in right rear
hole, thread through the eye then forward to the adjusting knob. Secure by tying the string through
the hole in the peg with enough slack to allow you to wind the string around the peg as you apply
brake to the bobbin. If using this brake band be sure the 2 rear pegs are adjusted so the band is a
straight line when over the bobbin pulley. If you are not using the brake (when in double drive
operation), drape the band under the flyer. See peg picture above right.
Tensioned lazy kate
- Screw two eyescrews into the pre-drilled holes on base. Insert the ends of
the short piece (handle) into the pre-drilled holes at the top of the two long posts. Do not glue this
piece. Now press the bottom of the two longer posts into the base ensuring that the small hole in the
handle is at the same end as the two eye screws. Glue base (but not handle) if you want to make a
secure, permanent unit. Attach the Lazy Kate brake band by hooking the spring to the eyebolt clos-
est to the corner of the lazy kate base. Thread the band through the other eyebolt and tie off the end
of the band through the hole on the horizontal handle. You exert tension on bobbins by rotating the
handle, winding the band around the handle. When using the tension option, make a “S” curve with
the band around the pulleys on the bobbins; increase the braking action by turning the handle.
Wheel adjustment
The Kromski Polonaise is very true to the style of wheel that originated in the Baltic and Scandinavian area of Europe. It is the only
wheel we know of that holds to this design style. Today this style is typically called Norwegian. In this design, the crank and the foot-
man are located inside the two wheel posts and the wheel rotates using “pin and cup” bearings. Because the wheel “floats” on these
Scotch
Tension
Pegs
