Ashford TURBO KIT POLYCORD

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Summary

Ashford Turbo Kit Polycord Overview

Turbo Kit Advantages

Highlights the benefits of the polycord drive belt for Ashford spinning wheels, including ease of treadling and improved traction.

Turbo Kit Installation Instructions

Provides a step-by-step guide for fitting the new polycord drive belt onto Ashford spinning wheels.

Ashford Product Guarantee Information

The Ashford Turbo Kit Polycord is an accessory designed to enhance the performance of all Ashford single-drive spinning wheels. This kit replaces the traditional drive band with a polycord drive belt, offering several benefits to the spinner.

Function Description

The primary function of the Turbo Kit Polycord is to provide a more efficient and user-friendly drive system for Ashford single-drive spinning wheels. By replacing the standard drive band with a polycord belt, the kit aims to improve the overall spinning experience, particularly in terms of ease of treadling, friction reduction, traction, and drive belt adjustment. The polycord belt creates a continuous loop that connects the spinning wheel's main drive wheel to the flyer's pulley, transferring power from the treadles to rotate the flyer and bobbin, thereby twisting the fiber into yarn.

Usage Features

The Turbo Kit Polycord offers several key usage features that contribute to a smoother and more enjoyable spinning process:

Easier Treadling: The polycord drive belt is designed to allow for lower drive belt tension. This reduction in tension translates directly into less effort required for treadling, making long spinning sessions more comfortable and less fatiguing for the spinner.
Reduced Friction: The material and design of the polycord belt result in less friction on both the main drive wheel and the flyer bearings. Lower friction means that the wheel spins more freely and efficiently, requiring less energy input from the spinner.
Improved Traction: The polycord belt provides superior traction, especially when spinning on the smaller flyer whorls. This improved grip ensures consistent power transfer, reducing slippage and allowing for more precise control over the spinning process, which is particularly beneficial when working with fine yarns or requiring high speeds.
Easy Drive Belt Adjustment ("Set and Forget"): One of the most significant advantages of the polycord belt is its ease of adjustment. Once the belt is properly sized and joined, it maintains its tension effectively, requiring minimal readjustment. This "set and forget" feature frees the spinner from frequent tension checks and adjustments, allowing them to focus more on the fiber.
Plying Capability: The kit is specifically noted to make plying a breeze, especially when working with chunky yarns. The consistent tension and improved traction provided by the polycord belt are ideal for the demands of plying, where two or more single strands are twisted together to form a stronger, balanced yarn.

Installation and Adjustment

The installation process for the Turbo Kit Polycord is straightforward and can be performed by the user. It involves custom-sizing the polycord to the specific spinning wheel and then joining the ends to form a continuous loop.

Preparation: Ensure the maiden bar of the spinning wheel is set to its lowest point. This provides maximum slack for initial placement.
Initial Placement: Place the polycord drive belt around the main drive wheel and the largest pulley on the flyer. This initial placement helps determine the correct length.
Marking Length: Mark the polycord where it is just the right length without any stretching. It is crucial not to make the belt tight at this stage, as a slightly loose fit is desired for optimal performance.
Cutting Excess: Cut off the excess polycord using a razor blade, sharp knife, or scissors. The removed piece should be saved for potential future repairs or adjustments.
Re-placement: Before joining, place the cut polycord back around the wheel to ensure proper alignment for the joining process.
Melting Ends: Hold the two ends of the polycord close to the base of the flame of a candle or a gas lighter. The base of the flame is recommended as it provides a cleaner heat source, which helps in achieving a clear and strong joint. Heat the ends until they just begin to melt.
Fusing: Quickly press the melted ends tightly together in the groove of the provided wooden fusing block. Hold them firmly for approximately 30 seconds, or until the polycord has completely cooled and solidified. This step creates a strong, permanent bond.
Trimming Joint: Use a razor blade or nail clippers to carefully trim off any excess material or burrs around the newly formed joint. This ensures a smooth, snag-free belt.
Final Tension Adjustment: Adjust the tension knob on the spinning wheel so that the polycord tension is as loose as possible without actually slipping during operation. The goal is to find the sweet spot where the belt drives the flyer efficiently without unnecessary tightness, which would negate the benefits of reduced friction and easier treadling.

Maintenance Features

The polycord drive belt is designed for durability and minimal maintenance once installed. The "set and forget" nature of its tension adjustment means less frequent intervention compared to traditional drive bands that may stretch or require more regular tightening. The ability to save excess polycord from the initial sizing allows for future repairs or minor adjustments, extending the life of the kit. The robust nature of the polycord material itself contributes to its longevity, resisting wear and tear under normal spinning conditions.

Technical Specifications (Implied)

While specific numerical technical specifications like material composition or diameter are not explicitly stated in the provided text, the description implies certain characteristics:

Material: "Polycord" suggests a polymer-based cord, likely a type of polyurethane or similar durable plastic, chosen for its flexibility, strength, and low friction properties.
Compatibility: Designed for "all Ashford single-drive spinning wheels," indicating a universal fit across this specific range of Ashford products.
Joining Method: Heat-fused, requiring a flame source and a fusing block, which is a common and effective method for joining thermoplastic cords.
Dimensions: The cord is custom-cut to length by the user, ensuring a perfect fit for individual wheels.

In summary, the Ashford Turbo Kit Polycord is a practical upgrade for Ashford single-drive spinning wheels, offering a range of benefits that enhance the spinning experience through improved efficiency, reduced effort, and simplified maintenance.