I just picked up the cutest little dobby loom that is an Ahrens and Violette, before becoming AVL.  It is a 36" folding loom, 12 shaft, mechanical dobby. the dobby bars are only about 6" long. Everything is in working order but this older model has no adjustable parts for the dobby that I can see.  Every once in a while it misses a shaft but I think I can correct that with some lubrication.  It is a pretty cool little loom, I have only woven about 12" of a scarf on it so far, just picked it up this afternoon.  I have 3 larger AVL dobby looms and took this one in trade.  Will weave on it for a few projects and make sure everything is working properly and then I'll decide whether to keep it or rehome it.  Fun finding these weaving treasures.

Cathy in Michigan

Comments

Threshkin (not verified)

I also have a pre-"AVL" loom, but I suspect it is much closer to when they became ALV.

It is essentially a PDL but the name on the loom is Ahrens and Violette and it does not have a serial number.  I also have the original documentation.

Endives

I just brought my new loom home.

I hope I can figure this out.

Before I do, what are you using on the frame itself for cleaning and maintenance?  

Thanks!

Endives

I just brought my new loom home.

I hope I can figure this out.

Before I do, what are you using on the frame itself for cleaning and maintenance?  

Thanks!

MMs-and-OOs-Ha…

Not sure if your pre-AVL is the folding dobby, 12 H., because of the subject heading which is 2 years old. This was my first loom and if one comes up again I'd buy it. Perfect workshop loom. It belonged to my mentor Lillian Whipple and I learned how to weaver finer sets of cloth on it. For loom maintenance, I find the packets of furniture cleaning cloth, perfect for looms. At any point where wood meets metal, use graphite powder for door locks. Do not fool with the dobby bars and box until you are more comfortable with the loom. If this is truly the "Dobby Witch" the AVL website library has an online manual. 

loomroomcat (not verified)

I sold this loom to a friend downstate.  It is the folding loom, in that the beam tilts up to a folded position.  The dobby bars are only 4" long.  Very nice loom but I bought a schacht mighty wolf with combby.  

 

loomroomcat (not verified)

I sold this loom to a friend downstate.  It is the folding loom, in that the beam tilts up to a folded position.  The dobby bars are only 4" long.  Very nice loom but I bought a schacht mighty wolf with combby.  

 

Endives

I do have a manual with a few hand drawn images. I am trying to figure out what is missing and what some things are. 

it looks like I am missing metal pieces that slot into the front of the arms. Would anyone have a photo It?

Did I just waste my money on my first loom?

 

Bonnie Inouye (not verified)

It would help if you could post a photo of what you have. I do have some photos of the AVL dobby head and bars and pegs. I have seen some other dobby systems, too. Because of the age of your loom, it might have a different arrangement. Possibly some parts are wooden on your loom and not on mine.

Dobby bars and pegs are fairly easy to understand. The peg, when in place, pushes against the outside of a "finger" that hangs from a bar. The inside of the finger is made to engage with a cable and ball system. On my 1987 AVL, there are metal plates attached to the wooden fingers but I expect that these plates are not essential in operating the loom. But maybe you are looking at some other metal pieces?

Bonnie Inouye

Endives

hi Bonnie,

sorry, I just figured out how to use the upload feature.

thank you.

 

loomroomcat (not verified)

I had one of these.  There is just a small rectangular piece that screws into that hole.  It is a stop to keep the beam from moving once you have it pushed back.  I would think you could cut a small wooden block and have it serve the same purpose.  I know a gal that has one of these, and I might be able to get you her email address if you have more questions.  It is a wonderful loom.  I had mine for about 4 years and loved it dearly.

loomroomcat (not verified)

an interesting thing about that particular dobby is the shafts that you peg on the dobby bars DO NOT lift.  Opposite of the newer dobbys, so you need to remember to peg the blank spaces on the draft and not the X's.  Any shafts that you are not using, mine was 12 shaft and I wove a lot of 8 shaft patterns, must be pegged in order to keep them out of work.  

 

Endives

I would appreciate that.  I can pm my email address.

 

Endives

I would appreciate that.  I can pm my email address.

 

Endives

I would appreciate that.  I can pm my email address.

Maybe she can send me a photo. In the manual, it sounds like It also keeps the arm from collapsing. 

Endives

I would appreciate that.  I can pm my email address.

Maybe she can send me a photo. In the manual, it sounds like It also keeps the arm from collapsing. 

loomroomcat (not verified)

I sent her your email address.  Her name is Cindy.  HOpefully she will write you.

Zumbasenior

I just purchased a Witch Loom too.  I am hoping to meet someone who knows how it works.  I have not delivered it home yet, but within the next week.  I purchased it based upon some of the reviews on this site.  My one question is about the auxilliary back beam.  I have nothing.  I would like to add a sectional beam, but it seems it is no longer available.  Does anyone have one?  Does it make a difference?

 

Zumbasenior

I just purchased a Witch Loom too.  I am hoping to meet someone who knows how it works.  I have not delivered it home yet, but within the next week.  I purchased it based upon some of the reviews on this site.  My one question is about the auxilliary back beam.  I have nothing.  I would like to add a sectional beam, but it seems it is no longer available.  Does anyone have one?  Does it make a difference?

 

Zumbasenior

I just purchased a Witch Loom too.  I am hoping to meet someone who knows how it works.  I have not delivered it home yet, but within the next week.  I purchased it based upon some of the reviews on this site.  My one question is about the auxilliary back beam.  I have nothing.  I would like to add a sectional beam, but it seems it is no longer available.  Does anyone have one?  Does it make a difference?

 

Char

AVL estimates my loom c.1980-82. It is a folding, 12-harness, negative dobby. It does not reverse and cannot be upgraded with a Compu-dobby.

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