Librarian Eric Cave recently shared his solution to finding a cost effective solution for a bobbin winder.
Eric said: "The winding of bobbins for use in boat shuttles or for plying can be a chore.
We considered buying a bobbin winder but found them quite expensive.
Instead, I adapted a hand drill holding it in a vice. Whilst effective in that it did the job, it was slow and cumbersome.
I experimented with my Electric drill, making a bobbin shaft out of a piece of steel and a cork to provide some traction on the bobbin."
Eric goes on to state he has also used metal drinking straws to make bobbins for boat shuttles. He uses the rubber washers from roofing nails as the bobbin ends.