I recently purchased a second warp beam for my loom so I could use it for supplemental warps.  My question is if I am not using a supplemental warp which beam ( the friction break or the ratchet brake ) should I use for a single warp pattern or does it mater?

 

Milepost

Comments

Tue, 08/20/2013 - 21:44

mrdubyah (not verified)

It doesn't really matter as long as both work properly.  Technically the friction brake has an infinite range of adjustability while the ratchet brake can only move in set increments.  In practice this makes so little difference as to be negligible.  

Thu, 08/22/2013 - 10:40

Michael White

As was stated above it doesn't matter. That said, if you are weaving something that requires a high tension go with the ratchet beam. It will give you greather tension then the friction brake.

Michael

Fri, 08/23/2013 - 00:18

Milepost

How can you tell if the friction brake is adjusted correctly?  And the ratchet brake also.

Tue, 09/10/2013 - 21:17

mneligh

How much drag you put on the friction brake is largely a matter of taste.  When I'm using it in double weave or supplemental weft, I increase the drag so that it solidly holds the warp on that beam.  When I'm doing lightweight singles off that beam, I lessen the tension so that all I have to do is tap with the beater and the warp advances a tiny amount.  I wind the cloth beam but never touch the brake in those circumstances.

Tue, 09/17/2013 - 11:15

Michael White

When you tigthen the cloth beam and the warp beam doesn't move the friction brake is ajusted correctly. It you have to adjust the brake lossen the screws holding the cable clamps and using a pair of pliers pull on the cable and then relock the clamp. The ratchet brake has a paw being held into the gear by a spring. When you tighten the cloth beam and the paw jumps you may need to lossen the adjusting screws untill the paw sits into the gear deeper. When you press the brake release the paw should move up to release the gear. If the warp beam jumps forward when the brake is released you may need a drag cord, picture attached. This is located on the warp on the side across from the brake.