I'm in the middle of a project weaving shawls on my 40" foldable AVL dobby, and I was weaving along just fine, and then shafts started dropping, or not picking up at all.  Out of a given 4 shafts that should rise, the dobby arm (I think the correct term) only picks up one or two.  And it had previously been fine for several yards.  I readjusted the dobby arm, and tried realigning the black computer box, but they're still dropping. Or not picking up.  Any ideas? 

Comments

Wed, 06/18/2014 - 21:36

Bonnie Inouye (not verified)

Since you mention a dobby arm, you have a compu-dobby I or II. Which one?

Alignment is generally the issue, but sometimes there is a mechanical problem- check your shafts and make sure nothing is caught on a neighboring shaft, checking underneath the shafts and on the sides. Also look at the placement of the little magnet or light sensor (depending on the model) that tells the computer that you are ready for the next pick. And always make sure you are depressing the left treadle fully. If something has strayed to the floor space under that treadle, it will cause problems.

Bonnie Inouye

Thu, 06/19/2014 - 13:23

MMs-and-OOs-Ha…

Another thing to check is that the computer that runs your Compudobby program isn't running software that interrupts the weaving program with "alerts" etc. Programs such as automatic zealous virus checking, email alerts, etc. can cause the program to just quit. While I am using my netbook I disable the Wifi, screen saver etc. This is probably not happening in your case. I would be looking for twists behind the heddles, mating string heddles, imbalance of heddles on the sides of the heddle frames. I like Laura Fry's use of small rubber bands to keep the heddle frame wires from jumping up. All of these problems can cause the dobby to screw up.
Fri, 06/20/2014 - 14:12

JPMorabito

Which compu-dobby? CD-I? CD-II?

Usually dropping or skipped shafts are from there being too much distance with the magnets in the dobby arm (that may even prevent advancing to the next pick) or, more likely from the solenoid box being out of alignment (pretty routine if used regularly). Simplest to adjust the position of the solenoid box and weave tabby to check (having someone with you makes a world of difference). 

Check and tighten all the bolts on the loom frame. Sometimes tightening the treadle cord will help too. Unfortunately, those solenoid boxes do eventually run out of steam. Probably not something you typically run into with home use, but we see it all the time in schools and design studios. If absolutely none of the adjustments work then you may need to replace the solenoid box or dobby system. Contact AVL, they have a good technical advice team and will be able to help you trouble shoot any problems before you come to the last resort. 

Good Luck.