Hello! 

I recently learned of floating lamms in a countermarche loom and I seem to be confused. I understand how it works and I wonder why aren't all countermarches done this way if it give a consistently even shed and consistent treadling? I guess I am asking the pros and cons of each tie-up method: Floating lamms vs. Lamms with the fulcrum on one side.

Comments

Thu, 07/09/2015 - 17:44

Joanne Hall

Floating lamms are used in the extreme cases, with narrow looms where you want a lot of treadle and with looms with lots of shafts.

Floating lamms create more friction and they usually are hard to control.  Sometimes you find them held by a cage to keep them in line.

You also mention parallel countermarch.  You do not find this on looms with 16 or 20 shafts.  You do not find this on wide looms. It requires about twice as much tie-up cord and therefore creates more cost, which may not be a factor.  But it also creates more friction and drag, making the treadling harder.  You would not want that if there are a lot of treadles and shafts.

There is one other factor.  If you want a couple shafts to go down further, but you don't want the other shafts to move differently, you can do that on a normal countermarch.  On a parallel countermarch, it will affect the way the other shafts move.  So, you have less flexibility.  I certainly would not want this on a drawloom for instance.

Joanne

Thu, 07/09/2015 - 18:04

rohdeg

Joanne,

Thanks so very much for the info. You are incredibily knowledgeable. I hope to be there one day, too! You have made the pros and cons very clear for me.