I found and fixed the problem and the loom is working well. Thank you all for the suggestions. This is what I'm weaving for my first project. An 8 block pattern in turned twill, it uses all 24 shafts  dragonflies

 

I recently acquired a 1990 AVL 24 shaft production mechanical dobby.  I had to take it apart to transport it. Fortunately, it came with detailed instructions so I was able to put it all back together. I have just finished putting on my first warp and tried to start weaving. The shafts lift they way they are supposed to, but when I close the shed it is not advancing to the next bar. Does anyone have any ideas about what to check?  Is it a cable issue? A spring?  I'm not sure where to start.

Comments

Mon, 06/10/2013 - 02:12

Bonnie Inouye (not verified)

The first thing to watch is the left treadle. It should be pressed down all the way and this is what advances the dobby bars, and also what makes the compu-dobby advance to the next pick. Make sure your left treadle is adjusted properly.

Otherwise, does it feel like something is catching, keeping the bars from advancing? Make sure nothing is in the way of the mechanism that advances them. Pull the cord that changes the direction of the chain- it is extremely useful because you can often peg a tie-up and pull the cord whenever reversing the sequence. If the cord mechanism is not correct, the bars might not "know" which way to move.

Bonnie

Mon, 06/10/2013 - 13:28

Honeyfinn

I too just set up a new-to-me AVL production loom. I also had to dismantle and put it back together. With fingers crossed, I finally put a warp on it and found, as Bonnie mentioned that the left treadle "should be pressed down all all the way" this really made a difference. It also helped with the rythm of the weaving process. I also checked that the wires in the dobby box where in the right order as some of the sheds were not rising when the should. I just love all of the AVL magic. I am inspired to plan projects that before would have been overwhelming. I am sure that you will find the same enjoyment with your AVL.

Mon, 06/10/2013 - 13:29

Honeyfinn

I too just set up a new-to-me AVL production loom. I also had to dismantle and put it back together. With fingers crossed, I finally put a warp on it and found, as Bonnie mentioned that the left treadle "should be pressed down all all the way" this really made a difference. It also helped with the rythm of the weaving process. I also checked that the wires in the dobby box where in the right order as some of the sheds were not rising when the should. I just love all of the AVL magic. I am inspired to plan projects that before would have been overwhelming. I am sure that you will find the same enjoyment with your AVL.

Mon, 06/10/2013 - 13:29

Honeyfinn

I too just set up a new-to-me AVL production loom. I also had to dismantle and put it back together. With fingers crossed, I finally put a warp on it and found, as Bonnie mentioned that the left treadle "should be pressed down all all the way" this really made a difference. It also helped with the rythm of the weaving process. I also checked that the wires in the dobby box where in the right order as some of the sheds were not rising when the should. I just love all of the AVL magic. I am inspired to plan projects that before would have been overwhelming. I am sure that you will find the same enjoyment with your AVL.

Mon, 06/10/2013 - 23:37

Missouri weaver

I will start with the left treadle cable. There isn't anything in the way of the bars. I can advance them manually with no problem. 

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AVL