I have finally got a warp on my Noble loom (Aussie brand no longer made) and find my warp quickly losing tension. Investigation leeds me to think it is the friction brake that is the problem.

There are two things I can think of, the first being that I didn't reassemble this part of the loom correctly and the other is that the wooden shaft is worn and slippery. Attached are two photos, one being the bit I may have put on incorrectly, the other the cord on wood mechanism that functions as brake. There is a noticeable dip in the wood where the wood has been worn away.

Any suggestions? Remedies?

 

Comments

Mon, 04/01/2013 - 14:37

sally orgren

"Live weight" tension. Kati's book describes it, based on old photos she saw in historic texts, and I have seen her demonstrate it.

Basically, you use ropes wound around your back beam with weights as countbalance to the pull of the warp forward. 

Mon, 04/01/2013 - 14:42

BoyLearner

So that means attaching a weight to the end of the rope that wraps around the warp beam? That would make a difference for sure.

Thank you

Mon, 04/01/2013 - 14:55

TheLoominary (not verified)

Hi BoyLearner. Two things come to mind. First is direction, wrap one way the rope will slip, wrap the opposite and it will tighten. Next is the rope.Traditionally, the choice would be Hemp. Cotton line is soft, and tends to slip.
Mon, 04/01/2013 - 15:08

Cat Brysch

1) That more wraps will always create more tension. 2) a tighter grip by weights or a spring system exerted on the rope. 3) Is that rope tied behind that metal attachment, so I can't come out? I have successfully used the kind of rope in the photo but it needs more resistance!

Let us know how you get it working! Best of Luck!

Mon, 04/01/2013 - 15:07

BoyLearner

will try reversing first and then hemp if I can get some.

Many thanks.

Mon, 04/01/2013 - 15:16

BoyLearner

I have plenty of options now, good suggestions all.

I am so pleased you guys are here at a quarter before 2am South Aussie time.