I have a Dorothy table loom that predates them coming with a friction brake.  I don't intend to keep the loom, so don't want to modify it to add the friction brake.  What I need some help with is what is the best/proper way to advance the warp on this loom.  The loom has a crank at both the cloth and warp beam.  This turns a "ratchet" which has 2 "pawls" (I'm putting those terms in quotes as I'm not sure that's technically correct).  The pawls lock the ratchet to keep it from moving.  In order to advance the warp, I can't just crank the cloth beam, I have to do something to release the back beam - basically get those pawls out of the ratchet so I release tension and then crank it forward and then put the pawls back in.  When I move the pawls to release tension, the warp goes very limp and then I have to tighten in back up on the back beam, tighten on the cloth and so on - every time!  Very cumbersome to do and that's why I'm wondering if I have the pawls placed in the correct positions and if I have the process right.  Thanks for any help.

Comments

Wed, 03/16/2016 - 12:16

Sue in VT

I think I have the very same "oldie" and this is how I advance my warp when I weave on Dorothy....I release the back pawl with great care first, with my hand holding the handle to maintain stability of the warp, and then I just advance the warp forward with my other hand and then return the back pawl to its new place.  Does this make sense?  The front brake doesn't have to be released, just wound forward once the back brake is disengaged. Make sure your woven cloth goes over the front Breast beam and then down and BEHIND the cloth beam as it winds on.  This is critical.  I have several looms, new and old, but LOVE this old Dorothy!

Wed, 03/16/2016 - 14:07

NRVweaver

Hi Sue,  Yes, this makes sense and, I guess, is about the only way to do this on this loom, but it sure is a bit of a pain considering you need to advance the warp pretty frequently.  This is a case where I understand why the upgraded it with a friction brake in later models.  Of course, I haven't woven on it much so the fact that you love yours is encouraging to me.  Thanks for your help.

Wed, 03/16/2016 - 14:37

sequel (not verified)

All looms with front and back ratchet and pawl brakes benefit from first, releasing the tension on the cloth beam before disengaging the pawl on the warp beam brake.  Then you can advance the warp from the front before re-engaging the warp beam brake.  Naturally, you will need to develop a eye for how far to advance before re-engaging either brake so you don't have the fell of the cloth too far from the beater.

 

The friction brakes on the Dorothy looms can be challenging when folding and unfolding these looms.  Without careful handling, the brake band can jump off the drum and make you say words your grandmother would not like to hear.