Hello, I have an 8 harness Macomber loom that I absolutely LOVE - in part because it has 18 treddles making it possible to treddle a lot of patterns very easily. But I have one problem with it - the ratchet brake on the warp beam. When I step on the pedal to release the brake and advance the warp, the back beam unwinds way too much. I've tried releasing tension on the cloth beam first, and that helps a little, but not enough. I've been getting up and holding on to the handle on the warp beam to keep this from happening, but that is a pain because it means getting up off the bench every time I want to advance the warp. I know there must be some solution to this, but I haven't been able to come up with it. Thanks in advance for your help! Sally

Comments

Sat, 07/30/2011 - 17:30

sequel (not verified)

This is old news!  Most everybody knows to release the tension on the cloth beam before releasing the warp brake when you have a ratchet brake.  Sometimes it even works!  But not always... so Macomber offers a drag device to correct the over enthusiastic launch of excess warp.  Contact Sarah Haskell at macomberloomsandme.com

Or you could ask if a friction brake is available for your loom...

 

Sat, 07/30/2011 - 18:09

marlenedg (not verified)

Just in case you haven't seen it on her blog page as of Monday the 1st Sarah is no longer going to be the Macomber rep and sales person. Read her page for her reasons. If you need anything I guess you have today or you have to deal with the guys at the shop. I do not know if anyone is taking her place. Too bad but life goes on. Marlene
Sat, 07/30/2011 - 21:27

SallyE (not verified)

I guess I'll have to call the shop.   I'd rather keep the ratchet brake.  I think you can get more tension (when that's needed) with a ratchet brake.

How does the "drag device" work?   I've been thining of just putting a wege of wood in there somewhere, sort of like brake pads.

Sally

Sat, 07/30/2011 - 23:08

Michael White

This is an easy fix. Let me go take you a picture. I am back. Sally you do not need the chain. This is on the other side of the beam from the ratch. 

Michael

Sun, 07/31/2011 - 15:43

SallyE (not verified)

Wow!   That looks easy and I can really see how it would work.   Plus, I can add that onto my currently warped beam.   I think I might even have a spring laying around somewhere, and I know I have an eye hook and a little bit of rope.  Thanks Michael!

Sally

 

Sun, 07/31/2011 - 19:18

Michael White

is there to allow some adjustment. You could also use a small turn buckle.

 

Michael 

Mon, 08/01/2011 - 13:54

SallyE (not verified)

I will get a little turn buckle.   Thanks again!

Sally

 

Tue, 08/09/2011 - 00:20

SallyE (not verified)

Well, I made a little robe brake and installed it, using a turn buckle.  It took me a little time to get it adjusted properly, but it works great.  No more warp whiplash!


Thanks again,

Sally