Hi everyone! I'm excited to be able to share with you all Dave's latest creation the
Starling V3/V3FP ART FLYER! We want to thank Laura K for urging us to explore the idea of an Art Flyer for the Starling.
Why An Art Flyer for Starling?
Starling V3/V3FP was conceived to be our “all around” spinning wheel, capable of processing the widest range of yarns that would satisfy the vast majority of our clients. The ultra lightweight design lends itself very well towards the light end of that spectrum, with the standard flyer easily capable of lace finer than 100 wraps per inch (WPI). Since fine yarns is what Daedalus designs do best, we recently came up with a Lace Flyer for Starling V3/V3FP, extending its ability well into embroidery threads in the 200+ WPI range.
However, it was recently pointed out to us that most of our wheels lean towards these finer yarns, and the only true Art Flyer was built for the mighty Magpie. But this is our flagship production spinner, and thus leaves the vast majority of our customers without a good option for art yarns. So, in an effort to stay faithful to the original design goal of a wheel to please everyone, and with the broadest spinning range available in mind. Dave went back to the drawing board with a fresh vision and created the Starling V3/V3FP Art Flyer.
One of the goals of the design was to soften the radius of all the diversions in yarn path, as well as opening up the paths so that even larger yarn structures can be processed. The flyer shoulders and guides now use an open metal bars instead of enclosed loops, which help achieve both of these goals. This new feature has actually surpassed our expectations, with testers noting how easily and fluidically the yarn gets onto the bobbin. In addition, It uses the same bobbins as the Starling Standard Flyer, giving the spinner approximately 3-3.5 oz of capacity for bulky yarns. While this capacity may not be tailored to the extensive production of art yarn, it is just right for the hobbyist. Whether you are experimenting or testing out fresh ideas that you may wish to explore before embarking on a larger project, the Starling Art Flyer gives you options not previously available to this model. With all three flyers—the Lace, Standard, and Art—the Starling becomes the spinner's perfect class wheel. Offering a world of unlimited possibilities while learning and exploring the art of spinning.
Specifications
Starling V3FP Product Details with Art Flyer
Dimension: 10" L x 6.5 W x 9.5" H (25x16.5x24 cm)
Weight: 2.7 lbs (1.2 kg)
Tension: Scotch or Irish
Orifice: 20 mm
Bobbin: 12+ oz Capacity of 30 WPI singles (when using Standard Flyer). Art yarns are less dense so bobbin capacity is also less. Our testers were able to fit 3-3.5 oz of bulkier yarns onto the bobbin.
Speed: 120-1140 RPM (Rotations Per Minute)
RPM | Low Speed Scotch* | Low Speed Irish* |
|---|---|---|
100 | 1140 | 850 |
90 | 1000 | 750 |
80 | 900 | 660 |
70 | 780 | 570 |
60 | 660 | 480 |
50 | 540 | 390 |
40 | 420 | 300 |
30 | 300 | 210 |
20 | 160 | 120 |
*The Art Flyer only uses the Small (Slow) Pinion on the Motor.
Compatibility Starling V3?
The Starling Art flyer can be used with BOTH the Starling V3 and V3FP! Please note that the Kevlar tension belt can only be used on aluminum drums. If using tension on a plastic whorl bobbin or flyer of the earliest V3 models, you will need to use the nylon rat tail tension instead.
Cost and What comes with the Starling V3/V3FP Art Flyer?
Starling V3/V3FP Art Flyer - $380 USD
This flyer is an Extra Add-on purchase only. All Starling V3FPs come with the Standard Flyer and 3 Standard bobbins as the basic package.
The Starling V3/V3FP Art Flyer includes:
Art Flyer in black
Tension Kit
2 Rear Bearings
One pair of flyer guides in black
2 drive belts (1 Scotch and 1 Irish)
Starling Art Flyer uses the same bobbins as the Standard Flyer, the Art Flyer does not come with bobbins of its own (This is our way of reducing cost to our flock members). Please note that Kevlar Tension should only be used on aluminum drums.
Release Date
The Starling V3 Art Flyer will be released at the New York State Sheep & Wool Festival in Rhinebeck on October 19th. We will be having a Rhinebeck special this year for the Starling.
Rhinebeck Starling V3FP Bundle - $1,800 ($95 off)
Starling V3FP with Standard Flyer (Includes 3 Standard Bobbins)
Lace Flyer Kit (Includes 3 Lace Bobbins)
Art Flyer Kit (uses Standard Bobbins)
External Speed Controller
Starling Art Flyer Vs Magpie Art Flyer
If you are contemplating between selecting a Starling Art Flyer and the Magpie Art Flyer for art yarn and you’re stuck on your choice, there are several things to consider. First is the orifice size, second the capacity, and third the motor torque. These factors are important and will help you determine which flyer will accommodate the quantity of yarn you want to spin and the gauge at which you choose to spin it.
Do you intend to use the wheel for production scale spinning? The Magpie is likely your best bet. Or, maybe you aren’t a production spinner but you enjoy spinning an art yarn that volumetrically takes up a lot of space on a bobbin, like beehives or supercoils. Magpie adds the ability to spin larger yarn structures with its huge orifice size, and the ability to store more of it on a bobbin. Magpie’s powerful motor setup provides much more torque, which is useful for the professional spinner who needs large art yarn skeins finished in the shortest time. Magpie was designed with a “no holds barred” type of mentality, making it the best on the market for the heaviest and wildest art yarns. Again, if you need a large amount of space then the Magpie is a better option.
However, if you want to dip your toes into the world of art yarns, and want to learn the techniques involved, then Starling may be the wheel for you. The same design features that make Magpie’s Art Flyer so capable, were scaled down to be included in the new Starling Art Flyer, just in a slightly smaller, lighter, and less expensive package.
Starling V3/V3FP Art Flyer | Magpie Art Flyer | |
|---|---|---|
Orifice Size | 20mm | 32mm with a 20mm Reducer |
Capacity | 3-3.5 oz | 12-14 oz |
Motors | 1 | 2 |
Wheel Weight | 2.7 lbs (1.2 kg) | 5.7 lbs (2.6 kg) |
Wheel Dimensions | 10" L x 6.5 W x 9.5" H (25x16.5x24 cm) | 15"L x 8.5"W x 11"H (38x21x28cm) |
Where Do We Go From Here?
When we sent the Starling Art Flyer prototypes to our testers—who happen to be some of the most skilled art yarn spinners out there—they were absolutely delighted with the design and functionality. One of their first suggestions collectively was to upgrade the Magpie with these fabulous designs. With this invaluable feedback, Dave began to upgrade the Magpie Art Flyer, which is now in testing.
We are pleased to announce that a new version of the Magpie Art Flyer will be released in tandem with the Starling Art Flyer. Stay tuned for more information on the Magpie Art Flyer as well as what's in store for New York Sheep & Wool. - Team Daedalus
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