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BRAND NEW: FOUR SHAFT TAPESTRY LOOM

A four shaft countermarche system has been developed for our Cantilever tapestry looms. For those of you wanting to add structure or double weave to your tapestries, now it is simple.  When the treadle is depressed, every shaft is either pulled forward or pulled back with a cord and pulley system. The tension on top and bottom warps is the same and the action is easy. Six treadles are included. Can be retrofitted to older Cantilever looms.

Introducing FIRESIDE'S AIR ASSIST

 

Air assist does the heavy lifting, so you can enjoy your weaving more. Air assist lifts multiple shafts easily through the use of air pressure. Installation is simple and the design is friendly to your loom. Pre-assembled parts are ready to go with easy-to-follow instructions. Only 2 screws are required to fasten a cylinder mounting bar to the loom frame. Most parts are secured to your loom with removable adhesive backing. No prior experience or knowledge of compressed air technology is necessary.

The Air Assist has a versatile design that can retrofit to most looms with front-mounted treadles. The result is a partnership of traditional elements (you can still treadle conventionally if you like) and low-key mechanization (cylinders and switches). The dual action system allows you to choose when assistance is needed - step on the switch, or depress the treadle normally. For projects with light lifts, simply leave the air off. Air Assist shines when it comes to 8-plus harness weaves where multiple shafts are raised effortlessly, or in production hand weaving, where fatigue is a factor.

Each treadle is equipped with an air cylinder and air

switch that is mounted on the treadle closest to your

tie-ups. When the foot switch is pressed, it activates the

cylinder which extends, pushing the treadle down

and shafts up. Shafts remain aloft until the switch is

released. The return is dampened by captured air that must flow through a filter to escape. This produces a muffled "psst" sound that is hardly noticeable above shaft noise. Filters protect cylinders from picking up dust or yarn duff to ensure long life.


Each foot switch is mounted on a plastic shoe that adheres to your treadle with removable adhesive tape. Air lines are installed with routing clips that keep parts organized and out of sight.

How do you control the amount of pressure required? Air pressure is controlled with a turn of the regulator which is mounted to  your loom frame below the front beam. It's within reach and easily changed. The normal range is between 40- 60 pounds depending on the weight involved. You can also turn off the system here if it's not needed.

 
Air is supplied by a compressor. Compressors are generally noisy, but we offer a doghouse sound enclosure that reduces noise to 57 DB at 10 feet - normal conversation levels. This is especially useful if the unit must stay in your studio. It can also serve as a handy table. Place the compressor under the doghouse in a closet and you'll scarcely know it's running.

 
Speaking of running, expect about 10 minutes of weaving before the compressor must make more air. The recharge cycle is about 12 seconds every 10 minutes. Requirements for a compressor are 1 1/2 HP 4 gallon capacity, 110 volt with a maximum pressure of 125-150 PSI. We offer a lightweight (63#) unit with solid construction and 3 year warranty (same as the Air Assist system) or you can buy one locally.  The doghouse enclosure is 20" x 22" x 22".

 
Pricing:
Air Assist basic package includes 10 cylinders, 10 foot switches, air lines, manifold, cylinder mounting rail, pressure regulator and dust/water filter.                            $1450

Additional cylinder/switch pair & air line             $145 

1.5 HP Compressor with remote starter                $450

Doghouse enclosure for compressor                     $150

Shipping and crating charges extra

 

 

Now handweavers can achieve smooth selvedges while weaving using the new Rotary Temple.

 

The innovative Tech Style Split Harness Traditional Tapestry loom provides greater versatility with quiet operation and easy action. Seen at Convergence.



 

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