So I just read all of the pro-warping wheel posts, but I have seen used warping wheels come up on the market often enough that I have been wondering why did people sell them? What about the wheel wasn't working for you?

Thanks,

Maria

Comments

Thu, 08/01/2013 - 14:26

mrdubyah (not verified)

I've met two people who said they didn't like their AVL warpers anymore.  In both cases the problem was mechanical.  The first was an instructor who said her AVL didn't work.  On close inspection, I found that her students had knocked it over and bent the axle.  The second said that his AVL wobbled too much to be useful.  That problem was solved by tightening the nuts and bolts in the base.  These do work loose over time and need periodic tightening. 

The AVL is really designed for sectional warping and has a clear advantage in that application.  However, in my experience, relatively few weavers do sectional warping.  The conventional wisdom is that sectional beams are only for very long warps [which is not true by the way].  While the AVL works well on standard warps with a cross maker, the advantage is not as clear. Weavers without sectional beams, or weavers who convert from sectional to conventional beams, may feel that the benefits of the AVL wheel just don't justify the cost. 

Finally, the AVL warping wheel is quite large.  It can't be hung on the wall like a warping frame (or at least I haven't seen one used that way).  This means that it takes up floor space in the studio when in use as well as when not in use.  Space behind the loom is also necessary for winding on.  People with very small studios may simply not have enough room to accomodate one. 

Thu, 08/01/2013 - 16:09

laurafry

I borrowed one to try and found that the down side for me was physical. I have had two whip lash injuries and all that turning, turning, turning set off a terrible set of muscle spasms. So for me that tool just isn't a good choice. I also had trouble keeping the threads from slipping in the clamp but that was probably just a matter of tweaking and fine tuning. Cheers Laura
Thu, 08/01/2013 - 18:58

sally orgren

I have two beams (one is a sectional) and a warping reel (not an AVL wheel). But I do not have enough space.

My warping reel comes apart and stores nearly flat, and I typically use it in the warmer months, when I can set it up outside and I have room to rotate it freely. I DO enjoy using it when I can.

I will typically pull my reel out for warps greater than 8 yards. But I have been questioning if I should sell it since I can't/don't use it very often. (I think I need to make the investment in a bigger studio first! ;-)

P.S. Daryl Lancaster does a great lecture/demo on the AVL WW. If you have read lots of posts, then you know AVL executed some type of modification after the first series that improved performance. If you are looking to purchase one, I would try and find out when it was made and if it has the modification.


Thu, 08/01/2013 - 19:56

ReedGuy

I have certainly done short warps on a sectional. I use it for fine threads, that was the premise for building the sections. With heavy wool I suppose I could as well. But I like the reel for wool. I'm sure the AVL wheel is a great tool for those that want one. But I'm content with a spool rack and tension box. I can't give any honest opinion on the wheel, as I've not used it. Things tend to get pricy in a limited market.