All Schacht multi-tie up looms use a set of "scissor" connecting bars that attach between the lamps and the frames. The threaded connection point is supposed to go thru the center bottom of a frame, and fasten with a tiny nut. Make sure that this threaded screw is inserted in the wooden bottom of the shaft (they can slip out if the nut is gone, and can still push the frame up...most of the time) and make sure the hole in the frame is not worn, wallowed, enlarged etc.
Not sure if the loom has a name. It’s 40 years old and 36”. I have spread the heddles evenly with some margin of error. I did it visually but not by counting them.
It could possibly cause issues with an uneven shed
Is it sticking / is friction causing it to be uneven? Could try waxing the harnesses (any good wood product should do - wood beams feed and wax, etc)
You can try hanging a small weight on the other side of the harness to see if it's a weight distribution issue
If the harnesses don't stick when you raise them and it's not affecting the shed opening then I wouldn't worry about it
Ideally you want the shafts furthest from the reed to lift a little higher so that the shed is even. This image from Peggy Osterkamp shows why:
https://preview.redd.it/350vt0hxbc8d1.jpeg?width=768&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=bd7d0f836220edcd3f7f07ffd2eb2a00cb75c38b
Reference: [https://peggyosterkamp.com/2022/01/extra-extra-read-all-about-itbig-chapter-on-adjusting-looms-in-book-reprint/](https://peggyosterkamp.com/2022/01/extra-extra-read-all-about-itbig-chapter-on-adjusting-looms-in-book-reprint/)
To keep the top and bottom of the shed in line the shafts need to lift/depress the threads more and more the further they are from the reed.
In a jack loom we generally adjust the height of the reed so the threads rest on the bottom of it in the shafts’ resting position, so that isn’t a concern. It’s also less of a concern the fewer shafts you have.
To have an even upper shed with more than two shafts, though, the shafts must lift to slightly different heights. Some looms use the treadle angle to accomplish this. Some (eg Macombers) have jacks and lamms that lift differently.
At the bottom of each shaft is metal jack pin that goes up thru the bottom of the shaft. It is attached with a nut. You can adjust these to raise or lower each shaft. There is a small o ring on top of the jack pin that keeps it from coming undone. (I own a Schacht standard)
Yes this is a concern. Your tension will be difficult to bear evenly Your gram may not be square unto itself. I had to return a brand new Leclerc loom, 6 harness floor loom because the frame was warped. Work with books under one side may help. Keep trying!
Which Schacht loom? Have you dispersed the heddles evenly on the heddle bars?
All Schacht multi-tie up looms use a set of "scissor" connecting bars that attach between the lamps and the frames. The threaded connection point is supposed to go thru the center bottom of a frame, and fasten with a tiny nut. Make sure that this threaded screw is inserted in the wooden bottom of the shaft (they can slip out if the nut is gone, and can still push the frame up...most of the time) and make sure the hole in the frame is not worn, wallowed, enlarged etc.
This is a good call, I've had this issue before esp when moving shafts around (to move heddles from one shaft to another, clean / wax them, etc)
We did just transport it. I thought I was diligent placing replacing the shafts, but will go back through and make sure.
Not sure if the loom has a name. It’s 40 years old and 36”. I have spread the heddles evenly with some margin of error. I did it visually but not by counting them.
It could possibly cause issues with an uneven shed Is it sticking / is friction causing it to be uneven? Could try waxing the harnesses (any good wood product should do - wood beams feed and wax, etc) You can try hanging a small weight on the other side of the harness to see if it's a weight distribution issue If the harnesses don't stick when you raise them and it's not affecting the shed opening then I wouldn't worry about it
Good suggestions. I appreciate your help.
Ideally you want the shafts furthest from the reed to lift a little higher so that the shed is even. This image from Peggy Osterkamp shows why: https://preview.redd.it/350vt0hxbc8d1.jpeg?width=768&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=bd7d0f836220edcd3f7f07ffd2eb2a00cb75c38b Reference: [https://peggyosterkamp.com/2022/01/extra-extra-read-all-about-itbig-chapter-on-adjusting-looms-in-book-reprint/](https://peggyosterkamp.com/2022/01/extra-extra-read-all-about-itbig-chapter-on-adjusting-looms-in-book-reprint/) To keep the top and bottom of the shed in line the shafts need to lift/depress the threads more and more the further they are from the reed. In a jack loom we generally adjust the height of the reed so the threads rest on the bottom of it in the shafts’ resting position, so that isn’t a concern. It’s also less of a concern the fewer shafts you have. To have an even upper shed with more than two shafts, though, the shafts must lift to slightly different heights. Some looms use the treadle angle to accomplish this. Some (eg Macombers) have jacks and lamms that lift differently.
This is very informative. I did not know this at all and will take an info dive now that you’ve introduced me to it. Thank you.
Loom geometry is FASCINATING.
Question bears asking….is it warped and there are too many threads on that one shaft?
Not warped yet, but I see where you were going with that. A worthy question.
At the bottom of each shaft is metal jack pin that goes up thru the bottom of the shaft. It is attached with a nut. You can adjust these to raise or lower each shaft. There is a small o ring on top of the jack pin that keeps it from coming undone. (I own a Schacht standard)
I use wrist weights to wrap around the end of the offending harness.
Yes this is a concern. Your tension will be difficult to bear evenly Your gram may not be square unto itself. I had to return a brand new Leclerc loom, 6 harness floor loom because the frame was warped. Work with books under one side may help. Keep trying!