Warping Machine
The required spools for the number of threads in the warp are put in a creel, each thread passing under an electrically connected wire, which is held out of contact by the running thread while the warp is making. If the thread should break, the wire would drop and make an electrical connection which would automatically stop the machine. Fig. 2 shows a view of a warping machine such as is used for this work. They are generally constructed so as to allow for two or four beams, all of which may be run together or started, stopped or run individually, as required.
Fig. 1.—Six-Cord Web
Fig. 1A.—Harness and Chain Draft for Fig. 1
Each beam is friction driven so that a uniform speed is obtained in the delivery of the yarn from the spools. Beams are also so arranged that they will stop automatically on reaching a given size. Each warp thread is passed through a pair of reeds, fitted with dead stops in the center of alternating dent spaces, so that leases may be put in the warps at fixed intervals to assist in keeping them straight in the looms.
In taping the warps on the beams, it is customary in some mills to run the threads over a small steel flanged pulley about one and one-half inches wide, which will keep each thread in its proper position and make the tape absolutely straight and flat as it leads to the beam. A perfect fabric is largely dependent upon how well the warps have been made, but it must not be forgotten that a good warp may be spoiled by a poor beam.
Beam flanges should not lie flat against the warp creel standards, but should be kept clear by the formation of the head near the barrel, which should have enough prominence at this point to keep the flanges clear, and thus reduce the friction to a minimum. The edges of the flanges should be perfectly smooth so as to allow for uniform delivery by the contact lever. Much of the beam abuse which occurs in many mills might be avoided by provision being made for beam racks at convenient points.
Fig. 2.—Warping Machine