A New Generation of Electric Eel Wheel Unfolds

Editor's Note: At Spin Off, we love all kinds of fiber tools, and we're excited to see more accessible tools become available to spinners. The EEW Fold recently launched its early sales campaign on Kickstarter, and we asked Maurice Ribble how he developed this new e-spinner.

How did you get started designing e-spinners?

Back in 2009, I built my first e-spinner for my girlfriend (now wife). What began as a personal project has grown into a thriving business, with tens of thousands of e-spinners sold worldwide and an active online community of fiber enthusiasts. While I now partner with factories to manufacture my designs, I still handcraft prototypes in my home workshop in Lancaster, Massachusetts. And, yes, my wife remains the first person to test them.

The journey to the EEW Fold started with a request from my community for a high-end version of the EEW Nano. Unlike the Nano, which was designed to be ultra-affordable, the Fold would use premium components like a custom brushless motor, sealed bearings, stainless steel spindles, and durable glass-reinforced nylon plastic.

Left to right: The EEW Nano 2, EEW Fold, and EEW 6.1. The EEW Fold blends the portability of the EEW Nano 2 while using more premium components.

Can you tell us three things that make the Fold different from your other e-spinners?

One key decision was choosing a bobbin size. The Nano uses two-ounce bobbins, and the EEW 6 handles eight ounces. I landed on a four-ounce bobbin as the sweet spot—it’s small enough to allow for faster spinning (ideal for fine, high-twist yarns), yet large enough to hold a significant amount of fiber. This also enabled a smaller flyer design, boosting the Fold’s maximum speed to an impressive 3,000 RPM, which is much faster than the EEW 6.

The Fold’s standout feature is its collapsible design. Initially, I imagined a design with detachable front and back maidens secured by magnets. But after experimenting with swivel bearings, I created a hinged back maiden that made changing bobbins quicker and easier. Dozens of prototypes later, I finalized a simple yet effective system combining bolts for the hinge and strong magnets to securely lock the moving parts into place.

The versatility of magnets didn’t stop there. For the bottom cover, I replaced the EEW 6’s screw-and-slot system with magnets that made attaching and removing the cover effortless. This design also allowed for optional battery storage. Incorporating community feedback, I even designed the bottom section to store the flyer, protecting it during transport and reducing loose parts.

The bottom of the EEW Fold with the battery cover removed and the maiden arms folded out.

There have been many versions of EEW e-spinners throughout the years. What is your design process like?

Designing the EEW Fold was an iterative process. With all of my designs, I start with a concept, refine it through countless prototypes, and adjust based on feedback from beta testers and my online community. This approach allows me to fine-tune the product’s fit, feel, and functionality. Once the design is polished, I work with manufacturers to optimize for production and cost before scaling up to full production.

Creating the EEW Fold has been an exciting journey of innovation and collaboration with my community. From its premium components to its clever folding design, this e-spinner represents the best of what I’ve learned over the years.

The EEW Fold spinning at 3,000 RPM.

How can spinners find out more about the EEW Fold?

To see the EEW Fold in action and explore its standout features, check out the short Kickstarter video. It highlights the folding design, 3,000 RPM flyer, and digital display that make this e-spinner truly special.

Who knows? Maybe the EEW Fold will inspire the next generation of fiber enthusiasts to start their own creative journey.

Ready to Dive into the World of e-Spinners?

• Watch Sarah Anderson’s video that explores the ins and outs (and ons and offs) of e-spinners.
  
• Read some of Deborah Held’s tips for spinning better yarn on an e-spinner.
• Read Kate Larson’s interviews with two expert spinners to find out what they love about their two very different e-spinners.
• To learn more about Maurice or see his latest innovations, visit dreamingrobots.com.