**This is an old revision of the document!**
Drop spindles come in (at least) 2 basic types:
- supported (pointed end above whorl, typically held in a bowl and spun as a bottom-whorl spindle)
- suspended (hooked end above whorl spun as a top-whorl spindle)
These come in many shapes and sizes but the basic important bits are:
- balance (weight should be evenly distributed around axle/shaft of spindle)
- weight (weight should be as far from axle as possible to encourage longer spin)
The weight of the spindle is typically a function of the type of yarn to be spun; lighter/lace weight calls for a light spindle (<1 ounce/28 grams) while heavier yarn calls for a heavier spindle (1-3 oz/28-85 g).
Colorful exotics (padauk, purpleheart, etc) tend to sell best tho figured maple and other domestics, both colored/stained and plain, work perfectly well but are less visually striking; this bit is definitely subjective and varies by user.
Shafts are simplest when made from 3/8“ dowels (birch, cherry, walnut; oak is very open-grain and thus a bit grabby). Also note that dowel diameters are not precisely 3/8” and seem to vary by wood.
TABLE of wood-diameter