Posted by Gloria on Tuesday, 3 November 2009, at 10:52 a.m.:
In Reply to: Nilart loom harness/shed problem posted by Mary Johnson on Tuesday, 3 November 2009, at 10:01 a.m.:
To really give you a good answer we need more information, but you can start with this.
Start with general maintenance. Thoroughly clean all loom parts with a good wood cleaner, then use some linseed oil or tung oil where needed. Check to see that all parts are straight with no warping and securely assembled. Make sure your harnesses and lamms are not rubbing against each other. You may need to tighten screws and bolts.
Make sure all your heddles are straight and clean. If they're metal, check for rust and remove. If they're texsolv you can wash them in good soapy water and dry throughly.
Next wax your shuttles with butchers wax - before each use. You'll be amazed at how much better they work.
OK - now that the loom is maintained check your Tie-ups. When you tie-up your loom you need to make sure that the tie-ups are absolutely VERTICAL when the treadle is pressed (the harness is up). That means they may NOT be vertical when the loom is at rest. On your loom the pin system is designed to permit the tie-ups to slide a little, but it may not be enough or they may be twisted or "stuck".
Next check your tension. Warps need to have enough tension to weave correctly. When your loom is tensioned properly your warp should be completely straight and should "twang" like a guitar when plucked.
Last - if you're using a "sticky" warp like wool, try spraying it with "Static Guard". That will cut the cling and allow the yarns to move against each other easier.
Good luck!