I have converted the tie ups on my Macomber loom to polyester ones. I had 2 marks on the cords and for my current project I used the higher mark for the tie up. After about 10 inches of weaving the warp threads start to break one by one, sometimes two at a time, mostly on the edges. I removed (trashed) the first warp after hours of replacing ends and not solving the problem. The new warp was very carefully wound, threaded, etc. and still the breaking occurs. Could it be the extra height the shafts are raised? They are about 1/2 inch higher than the Macomber hooks raise them. I hope this is all clear. Thanks.

Comments

Joanne Hall

Using a temple eliminates the breaking of selvage threads.  The height that your treadles raise your shafts is also determined by how hard you press on the treadles.  But, the bigger your shed, the more you are stressing all your threads.  But in that case they would break in the center just as much as the selvage.

Joanne

Michael White

Raising the heddles high will add stress to the warp. Three other factors to look at. How much draw in do you have on the edges, are you using flat steel heddles. is your tension too tight? Why do you need the extra 1/2"? The normal shed on a Mac is about 2 inches. What yarns are you using for the warp?

susiehoke

Thank you for the response, Michael. I have some draw in on the right side - I have solved that by using a dummy warp thread to be removed later. I am using the flat steel heddles which came with the loom. Yes, my tension is probably too tight and that along with beating too firmly is probably my biggest problem. I don't need the extra 1/2". I was just trying to make the harnesses even when raised and chose the mark which raised them the extra 1/2". I will correct that. I am using 8/2 Tencel for this project.

susiehoke

I would like to update my issue with broken threads. After more troubleshooting I removed the polyester tie up cords and reverted to the hooks. Problem is solved. I just completed a 70 inch scarf without one broken warp end or any other issues. I am reminded again of why I love weaving on my Mac.

Michael White

A lot of people try an improve on their looms, Sometimes it works out and other times you just have to go with the way the loom maker wanted the loom to work.

Glad you found a fix.  

sally orgren

A tip about Tence/lyocell:

Release the tension on a loom warped with Tencel/lyocell when not actively weaving, as recommended by the JOY (Just Our Yarn) ladies in their workshops.

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