I've heard there's a way to weave on a table loom without having to set the shuttle down between picks. I'm assuming that you would just throw the shuttle (let's say with your right hand), then catch it with your left. Then use your right hand to use the beater and switch levers. Then do it again but everything is in reverse. If anyone has a video of this process I'd like to see it. Obviously this technique would take some practice but overall would speed up the weaving. I think the instinct when weaving on a table loom is to set the shuttle down and use one hand for beating and the other to change levers.

Comments

Mon, 10/30/2017 - 08:23

ReedGuy

I think if your flipping a lot of levers each pick, it is more efficient to set the shuttle down. You would be reaching way over to one side or the other each time you changed shed. That may not be good for the shoulders for long. :)
Mon, 10/30/2017 - 20:49

Sara von Tresckow

A table loom is a table loom is a table loom is a table loom. It is designed to weave without a tieup freeing the weaver to change treadling without issue. It is designed to provide a portable loom, one that doesn't take up much room in the home. It can even have treadles mounted. BUT , in the end, it will always be slower and more awkward than a floor loom of the same size.

Some table looms have front levers that are fairly convenient - the Ashford table loom, the Glimakra Victoria, the Louet Jane. There is isn't too much of a stretch to move the levers while holding the shuttle. On side lever models like the Leclerc Dorothy, it is too awkward to reach for the correct levers - the shuttle needs to be put down.

That sais, putting the shuttle "down" in "start position on the loom is going to be more efficient than putting the shuttle down next to the loom.

Mon, 10/30/2017 - 23:43

aerobello

maybe a homebuilt john kay flying shuttle sort of device. I bought a few of the metal tipped shuttles for next to nothing on the net. not too big or heavy. maybe one day ill try and construct something to see if it works..itll probably end up being more trouble than its worth.
Tue, 10/31/2017 - 00:01

aerobello

Fast weaving on a Flying8 contemporary loom. here is a youtube link to a video of a homemade cardboard one https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dyGhBp7arRM
Sun, 11/05/2017 - 16:13

Gone

It depends on the loom. If you have side levers, you have no choice, once you thrown from the left to the right, because you have to use the right hand for the levers. The most efficient (and ergonomic) are the front levers.

On a 4S you may be able to manipulate the 1, 2 or 3 levers with just your fingers on one hand - the depends on the size of your hand. I was able to on my Dorset. Not all looms will be the same lever spacing.

On an 8S table loom however, your pretty much left with no options but to drop the shuttle, as you will likely have to use both hands to manipulate the levers. Many 8S tieups have at least 4S raised at once, sometimes 5 and an occasional 6 or 7 depending on the structure. Just the nature of the beast.

All in all, table loom weaving is slower than a floor loom because you're missing the "extra 2 appendages on the floor". Setting the shuttle on the web momentarily (if you need to) is probably as efficient as you can get.

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