Is there any reason to order a cloth apron for my new CP loom? What is the purpose of the cloth?

Also, what do people like to use on the warp beam? My only weaving experience is with my Glimakra and I use beaming sticks. I have heard of weavers using paper, cardboard, etc.

Thanks!

-Morganne

Comments

Thu, 03/01/2012 - 20:35

calebsb

An apron is more reliable for getting a straight starting line.  A little bow at the beginning can turn into a major problem once the rod has gone around the cloth beam a couple of times and tension is increased .  Make sure there are two rods when you tie up (one inserted into the end of the cloth apron and the other one attached with string that you tie onto), as the second will prevent the first from bending much.  My current Macomber came with only one apron rod and everything looked normal until it went around the beam, and then it began to bend under the extra pressure and the edge sections started getting tighter and tighter.  If you're not able to get a cloth apron right now, two rods will suffice as long as you pay attention to the evenness of the strings.  I have toyed with the idea of using bars instead of rods, but I don't like the extra weight there.  Since you are asking about sticks and paper, I assume you have the plain warp beam and not the sectional one.  It depends what you like, and how much warp and what kind, but for most warps a fairly stiff paper like packing paper should suffice.  You will also want to add a piece of paper to the cloth beam when the woven work reaches it, to prevent contamination as rods may be rusty and cloth aprons will collect lint. 

Fri, 03/02/2012 - 14:47

sequel (not verified)

I don't paint my round steel bars, just wax (and buff) them.  Unless you live in a very humid environment or are weaving dampened linen it should work fine.

Fri, 03/02/2012 - 18:43

Morganne

Thanks for the informaton and tips!

I found Kraft packing paper at Office Max.  Good to know about the apron.