SUPPORT
ANSWERS TO COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Thanks so much for purchasing an Akerworks product!
Information on this page will help you get the best use out of your new goodies, whatever they may be. If we haven't covered your question here please reach out to us via email (hello@Akerworks.com), or seek support via our communities on Ravelry or Facebook.
Information on this page will help you get the best use out of your new goodies, whatever they may be. If we haven't covered your question here please reach out to us via email (hello@Akerworks.com), or seek support via our communities on Ravelry or Facebook.
Akerworks products are not for resale without a signed wholesale agreement.
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WARRANTY
We want you to enjoy using your Akerworks products for a long long time. To be sure you can, we'll do what it takes to provide you exceptional customer service. We offer a lifetime warranty against defects. If something happens outside of normal recommended care and handling we'll always work with you to remedy the situation.
We want you to enjoy using your Akerworks products for a long long time. To be sure you can, we'll do what it takes to provide you exceptional customer service. We offer a lifetime warranty against defects. If something happens outside of normal recommended care and handling we'll always work with you to remedy the situation.
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SHIPPING TIME
We begin custom fabricating your products at the time of your order in our shop in Knoxville, TN. It takes a little time for your unique piece to be ready to ship. Most items will ship within a few days, though some can take one-to-three weeks of your order date. We will communicate by email, and feel free to be in touch with any special shipping needs.
We begin custom fabricating your products at the time of your order in our shop in Knoxville, TN. It takes a little time for your unique piece to be ready to ship. Most items will ship within a few days, though some can take one-to-three weeks of your order date. We will communicate by email, and feel free to be in touch with any special shipping needs.
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UNITED KINGDOM ORDERS AFTER 12/31/2020
As the end of the Brexit transition period approaches (12/31/2020), we have become aware of several new business requirements that Akerworks will have to meet before continuing to sell in the UK. This is not a quick process, and we are doing everything we can to ensure that we have everything in order. Unfortunately, we cannot meet the January 1st deadline, and will need to turn off orders to the UK while we sort out what is needed. Please feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions, and we appreciate your patience as we navigate these new regulations.
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VERSASWIFT WRITTEN INSTRUCTIONS
Available for download here.
VERSASWIFT INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEO
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DROP SPINDLE STARTER KIT INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEOS
Video 1: This video contains information on: Introduction & kit contents; Fiber basics & terminology; Drop spindle assembly; and Beginning to spin (with and without a leader). The different sections can be seen when viewing on YouTube's platform.
Video 2: This video contains information on: Spinning your second single; Connecting pre-drafted fiber together; Setting up your Spindle Kate; Learning to ply; Winding your yarn; and Tying your skein. The different sections can be seen when viewing on YouTube's platform.
Video 3: This video contains information on: Washing your yarn; and a Yarn & drop spindle overview. The different sections can be seen when viewing on YouTube's platform.
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SPINDLES
Set-Up and Operation: The following video should help with assembling and reconfiguring spindle components.
Weights: There's lots of information to be found here.
Maintenance: Your Akerworks spindles should be able to serve you for a long time with little maintenance. Avoid storing them for long periods of time in direct sunlight (as with many plastics, they will eventually become brittle). Periodically wipe the shaft clean of any grease that might accumulate. This will ensure the rubber friction element in the hub will continue to be able to grip the shaft. Use care when installing or adjusting whorls to press near the hub of the whorl and always use a twist-push-twist motion rather than a straight push to minimize stress on the spindle (and exertion in your hands!).
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SUPER SKEINER
Set-Up and Operation: The following video should help with setting up, adjusting, using, and re-packing your Super Skeiner. Written instructions are also available, and can be found here.
Set-Up and Operation: The following video should help with setting up, adjusting, using, and re-packing your Super Skeiner. Written instructions are also available, and can be found here.
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LAZY KATES
Set-Up and Operation: The following videos should help with setting up your AkerKate, using the TensiTamers to tension the bobbins, and flattening it back down for storage or transport.
LAZY KATES
Set-Up and Operation: The following videos should help with setting up your AkerKate, using the TensiTamers to tension the bobbins, and flattening it back down for storage or transport.
Bobbin Capacity: This is described in detail on the Lazy Kate page.
Maintenance: Your AkerKate should be able to serve you for a long time with little maintenance. Keep it clean and dry. The wood is protected with a clear matte finish. Do not wax or apply additional wood conditioners.
Maintenance: Your AkerKate should be able to serve you for a long time with little maintenance. Keep it clean and dry. The wood is protected with a clear matte finish. Do not wax or apply additional wood conditioners.
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BUTTERFLY KATE
Set-Up and Operation: The following video shows the basic unfolding and operation of a Butterfly Kate. It's shown both with a bobbin (as used for spinning) and with a Yarn Caddy (as used for knitting):
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SIMPLEKATE
Set-Up and Operation: The following video shows a SimpleKate being attached to a smooth granite countertop. Note the initial direction of the shaft: you'll want always to begin with the shaft pointing away from the direction in which you'll be pulling your yarn (or ribbon or fishing line, etc.):
BUTTERFLY KATE
Set-Up and Operation: The following video shows the basic unfolding and operation of a Butterfly Kate. It's shown both with a bobbin (as used for spinning) and with a Yarn Caddy (as used for knitting):
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SIMPLEKATE
Set-Up and Operation: The following video shows a SimpleKate being attached to a smooth granite countertop. Note the initial direction of the shaft: you'll want always to begin with the shaft pointing away from the direction in which you'll be pulling your yarn (or ribbon or fishing line, etc.):
How Best to Operate the Akerworks SimpleKate
- Place the suction cup flat against a smooth surface, then raise the shaft.
- This will cause the SimpleKate to hold very, very strongly to any smooth surface, staying stuck for days or weeks.
- If you’re getting anything less, let us know and we can work with you on it.
- If you are having difficulty getting your SimpleKate off of a surface, just use a credit card (or something similar) and push it from the side. This will collapse the suction cup and force it to release.
- On a vertical surface - such as a mirror or a window - you want to start
with the shaft vertical and pull down, so that any load (such as a bobbin) only goes to tighten the suction, rather than collapse the shaft. - To engage the suction cup one handed, just push on the cup, and while you’re holding it, pull down on the shaft - or out or up, whichever direction is appropriate.
YARN CADDY
Set-Up and Operation: The following video should help with assembling a yarn caddy and engaging the "SpinnyLock" mechanism that holds it all together.
Set-Up and Operation: The following video should help with assembling a yarn caddy and engaging the "SpinnyLock" mechanism that holds it all together.
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BOBBINS
Set-Up and Operation: The following video should help with assembling a bobbin and engaging the "SpinnyLock" mechanism that holds it all together.
Maintenance: Your Akerworks bobbins should be able to serve you for a long time with little maintenance. Avoid storing them for long periods of time in direct sunlight (as with many plastics, they will eventually become brittle) and avoid prolonged contact with petroleum-based lubricants. For lubricating your spinning wheel's flyer shaft we recommend SuperLube, a safe, affordable, and highly versatile synthetic grease.
Flyer Setup Tips: HansenCrafts miniSpinner with WooLee-Winder Flyer