Author Topic: Douglas Andrew table loom tie-up... Help! (Read 5648 times)

Hadders · « **on:** April 29, 2013, 09:52:19 am »

Hi Folks.

First post ever so please excuse the Oopsies I know I'm bound to make somewhere along the line!

I'm in the process of getting an old Douglas Andrew table loom back into use. I don't know any details of age or model other than it's a 28 inch wide rising four shed table loom.

There are two levers each side that normally sit horizontally and then hinge up and in toward the middle to lift the shed. There are also four sets of four wooden pulleys (aligned front to back) spaced out across the top of the frame. Obviously they are for the lifting cords but I'm having problems working out how to thread it.

I have one idea but that makes each shed rise about 4 inches (too much I think) and the ties to the top bar would only be 3 inches or so either side of centre which is not very far apart for a 28 inch wide loom.

I need some help ! Anyone got any ideas?

Bionic · « **Reply #1 on:** April 29, 2013, 05:24:29 pm »

Hadders, I am just about to try some weaving on a table loom and don't have much of clue myself.
There are some eperienced weavers on this forum though so I expect one of them will be along to help at some stage.
Good luck with it

Hadders · « **Reply #2 on:** April 29, 2013, 10:47:54 pm »

Thanks Bionic - I can only hope someone knows because I can't find a thing about Douglas Andrew table looms on the web.

Its my other half (my social secretary, chief financial officer & she who must be obeyed!) who does the spinning/weaving etc. I just get the job of putting them together, mending them and making new bits as necessary! Unfortunately this one has got me stumped.

Incidentally we are not a million miles away - in Llanybydder!

Alan

Bionic · « **Reply #3 on:** April 30, 2013, 09:40:30 am »

Hadders does your OH go to a spinning and weaving guild? They should be able to help. I go to one each Tuesday in Llansadwrn. I will ask this afternoon if anyone is familar with the loom.

Fleecewife · « **Reply #4 on:** April 30, 2013, 11:12:33 am »

Failing that Hadders, you could join Ravelry. Just about everyone who knits, spins and weaves throughout the world is there, so someone is sure to know the answer.

Bionic · « **Reply #5 on:** April 30, 2013, 11:22:12 am »

My loom is a 32 inch. I think it was home made from a pattern. I have taken some pics in case it might help.
I have measured the shed and it rises 3.5 inches. I also have here a smaller loom that I borrowed and that raises 3.5 inches too.

Lesley Silvester · « **Reply #6 on:** April 30, 2013, 09:32:14 pm »

My original loom had a shed of about 4 inches. It really depends on the distance from the heddles to the front beam. My current loom, much as I love it, only manages about an inch and a half which makes weaving harder.

Yarnmaker Dot on Ravelry has a partner who enjoys doing up looms. He did mine and made a lovely job of it. I'm sure if you contacted Dot sheor her OH could give you some advice.

Hadders · « **Reply #7 on:** May 08, 2013, 09:31:08 pm »

Many thanks for the suggestions I'll try ravelry and see...

Hadders · « **Reply #8 on:** May 13, 2013, 10:44:33 pm »

Sussed it!!!

Silly b that I am was looking at lifting the levers to raise the shafts... Start with the levers UP and run the ties around two or three pulleys and IT WORKS!!

Other half is threading the warps for first trial weave tomorrow.

Once again many thanks for your help.