I purchased an auto-reed hook (after hearing people rave on this site), but its now in two pieces!

I have not really used it yet, and I think if I understood how it worked, I would know if I can put it together again or not.  Any advice would be welcome.

Comments

Mon, 11/18/2013 - 15:21

SallyE (not verified)

To put it together again, you need to slip the piece with the single blade between the two pieces attached to the handle.   That little rhomboid piece fits into the rhomboid hole.

See that little tip that is bent?   That is the side away from your direction of travel on the reed.

 

Mon, 11/18/2013 - 17:01

Queezle

I will try this when I get home.  Thanks so much!  I've been suspecting a teenager might have played around with it... 

Mon, 11/18/2013 - 21:02

sequel (not verified)

I did the same thing to ours, just trying to figure out how to use it...

Mon, 11/18/2013 - 23:04

Claudia Segal (not verified)

I love my auto-reed hook but it works for about 10-15 dents and then falls apart.  Schacht has replaced it twice so I don't want to ask again. I just keep putting it back together.  When it gets too annoying, I revert to the old fashioned way.

Tue, 11/19/2013 - 01:52

danteen (not verified)

 Queezle,

I have used an auto reed hook for many years. I lay the reed down flat across a couple of yard sticks that are laying to the right side and the left side of the loom with one end on the back beam and one end on the front beam.  I secure them, temporarily with masking tape.   Then the denter hangs down from its hook in the reed.  I push it STRAIGHT up and pull it STRAIGHT down in the middle of the reed, that is, centered between the top and bottom, so it is working where the reed wires are the most flexible.  I also, listen carefully for the clicking as it passes a reed wire.  I can hear a wrong sound if it has not advanced properly to the next dent.   Mine falls apart occasionally, but not often.  Probably if I did not put  it in and out holding it straight (perpendicular to the reed).

   I've read in some of Sara Von Tresckow's info that there are different sizes applicable to different reeds.   I have one auto threader and am threading 10-15 dent reeds.  Maybe the hook you are using is not the right size for your reed.

  There is a demo titled "Patent Denter Demonstration" on youtube by AVL.  You could watch that. they are using the reed already in the beater. They also adjust the little hook on the bottom section of the denter with a pliers, if it gets flattened over time with use. Maybe that is what is wrong with yours.

Hope this helps.  I really think the device saves time and mistakes.

Tue, 11/19/2013 - 01:56

SallyE (not verified)

Yes, that is my complaint also.   It falls apart sometimes.   It also takes a little bit of practice to use it.  It can skip dents if you aren't careful.

 

Tue, 11/19/2013 - 15:17

Queezle

... yes, possibly not the children's fault!

Your instructions were spot on, its happily back together.  As my eyes age, I am grateful for gadgets that will minimize my errors.  I will try your trick with laying the reed flat, and I will turn the music off next time -- all the better for listening.  Thanks so much.