Another repair, on that same Harris loom :
The fabric beam crank has been repaired - the shaft had split and has been repaired with a metal sleeve and some pipe clips. It's a bit messy, though it worlks well enough.
If I repair it, I'd consider making nicer cranks. The original ones are a bit crude : the beam projects from the side of the loom as a 1" wooden bar, and has a long metal pin (3/8" diameter) through it as a handle. No suprise it broke really - all the torque applied to the pin is acting to spilt the wood.
So what's a nice way to finish this off ? I've seem pictures of looms with huge spoked wooden wheels - is that a good solution ? Or would a cranked handle be better ? Are there designs around for automatic tensioners ?