Below is a list of ratios available for the various size wheels
Those in Bold and Italicized typeface are standard for all wheels configurations unless customer requests differently
Other ratios outside of Bold are the minimum and maximum for wheel size listed if using Double Drive.
We do encourage experienced spinners to be specific to their needs and are happy to provide the ratios required. Beginning spinners will find suggested ratios to cover a wide range of fibers and Twists Per Inch.

    18" >    (6:1-8:1), (10:1-12:1), (15:1-18:1)

    20" >    (6:1-8:1), (10:1-12:1), (15:1-20:1)

    24" >    (6:1-7:1), (8:1-10:1), (12:1-15:1),(18:1-22:1)

    30" >    (8:1-10:1), (12:1-16:1),(22:1-26:1)

For more explanations of what all this means, you may enjoy visiting this site: www.joyofhandspinning.com/spin-drive-ratio.htm

A word about wheel axle bearings:
Ball Bearings available at additional cost:
Pros: Make spinning almost effortless. Typical continuous rotation without treadling is about 30 rotations
Ball bearings are also very quiet and never need lubrication as they are shielded with grease inside.
Cons:  Ball Bearings require the use of an Allen wrench to remove the wheel for transport.
Cast Bronze: Pros are no additional cost. Cons are higher friction than ball bearings meaning free rotation drops to about 20 rotations. Also they must be oiled at the same frequency as bobbin bearings.
No Bearings: While used for centuries, unless needed for authenticity in reenactments I do not recommend.

A word about bobbin bearings:
Cast Bronze: Pros are long lasting and metal. Cons are require more lubrication and can be a bit noisy.
*Please note that Cooper Spinning Wheels is an environmentally conscious enterprise and all materials used are chosen for low impact on Mother Nature. We no longer offer (or encourage) the use of polymer (plastic) bearings on bobbins, bronze is now our standard bobbin bearing material.