AVL Features and Helpful Extras

The front beam on most AVL feature a sandpaper type finish called the sticky beam. This enables the warp yarns to be placed on the beam and tying knots at the front is not necessary. The resulting uniform tension has impressed me from day one. The weaver simply places the warp yarns around the beam and begins to weave.

My new loom has an auto advance. You can set the picks per inch for 10 to 120. It was really easy to set up and just took a few adjustments until I got the picks per inch I wanted. Using this feature I can now weave and not loose my rhythm by having to stop and move the warp forward.

Another feature that is new to me is the pressure roller. You can cut off the warp at any time without loosing tension and it helps to keep the warp ends down when you are first starting the weaving. The one thing that I have learnt is that you have to be careful of pinning guide lengths along the side of the material as it gets wound in with the cloth and you have to wait for it to come off the other end. I usually use adding machine tape to create all my items the same size and run the tape up the side. At the end of the first one I move the tape to the beginning of the second item and weave along following border marks, etc. With this system I have to remember not to let it wind in.

The last feature I want to mention here is the take up beam. This for me is the greatest feature on a loom. As you weave your fabric is wound onto a beam at the back of the loom. No more build up at your knees. The amount you can put on the take up beam is determined by the length of the cord running to the beam - I have put more than 60 yards of woven goods and not come near to the end - I believe it is supposed to take about 100 yards.

Needless to say I am really happy with my new loom and have some 120/2 silk I want to do a painted warp with and try my first 24 shaft pattern (once I have finished my list for the Christmas sale).