The picture on the left shows the 4 types of end feed shuttles I own. From left to right the manufacturers of the shuttles are: 1. AVL, 2. Leclerc, 3. Bluster Bay, and 4. Schacht. The first end feed shuttle I acquired on e-bay. It is a really old Leclerc and I found that by using this shuttle my edges improved instantly. I also liked the fact that you can wind on a lot more yarn than you can on the small bobbins. Years before I had a flying shuttle on my Colonial and so I just needed to review the process for winding pirns. The only drawback that this shuttle has is that there is no tensioning device.
The next end feed shuttle I acquired is the Schacht. I love the weight of the shuttle and find the shape of the ends great for when I use floating selvedges. The shape enables me to flick the first floating selvedge up and then I push the last one down with my catching hand. Before this I hated floating selvedges but I have found that this has worked well and I get to stay in rhythm while weaving.
Last Christmas I received the Bluster Bay as a gift. It is truly a beautifully crafted tool. At the top of the shuttle there are several hooks that enables lots of tensioning options.
My most recent acquisition was the shuttle I received with my new AVL. I have not used this one enough to accurately find out the pros and cons.
Each shuttle works well in different circumstances. The Bluster Bay and AVL are heavier and will work better on wider fabrics while the Schacht will always be the best for me to use when I need to use floating selvedges.
All end feed shuttles hold more yarn and save time winding bobbins. They also produced better selvedges because the yarn does not continue to spin off as the shuttle is thrown.
6 comments:
Well, I came to comment on your CD fabric, but got side tracked by the end feed shuttles. Thanks for the report! My land guild has a Schacht one listed on an upcoming silent auction. I've really been wanting an end feed shuttle, so perhaps I'll get this one without too much bidding.
I have two AVL shuttles, one large and one small for many years. As a matter of fact at the time I purchased them they were only $40 a piece. I love them but have never used any other end delivery.
I just took a closer look at your AVL. Mine has pointer ends than yours. Is this the way they are now being made?
Hi Barbara,
My AVL end feed is fairly new - January and yes both ends are flattened and not pointy.
Linda
I've just recently started using end-feed shuttles and am so impressed with the difference in handling compared to boat shuttles.
I have two Schact that I dearly love and have two made by the Southern reed company that I've had for a few years -- inherited them, but never had any pirns that fit them -- until I got my Schacts. The Schact pirns with a bit of a nudge, fit them really well. Although, I have'nt tried weaving with them yet. They are very beautiful to look at, but the proof will be in the weaving. :)
I'm completely sold on end-feeds now.
Weave on!
Jane
I'm thinking about adding a Leclerc end-feed shuttle to my "flock" (Schacht and Bluster Bay). The Schacht is nice and light, but its light oil finish is not as smooth as the BB, so I tend to prefer that one as it glides better for me.
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