Well I decided to take the plunge and get a weaving jig. No more tape for me! I do have a couple of questions on using the jig. Hope I can get a little insight.

1. Which side of the jig do the threads go on? The inside of the V or the outside?

2. Any suggestions on tightening the weave after it is complete? I imagine that too much pressure and the thread will pull through as there is no tape to hold it in place.

Any other suggestions or hints would be appreciated.

Thanks

Jim

Jim, you tape your thread on one end then start your overwrap. I weave left to right so on the right side past the pattern area I also put tape and roll it back on itself to creat a sticky side. I line up my threads going to the right very straight on the sticky area first and then though the inside of the loom and out through the coresponding numered slits. Someone with more experience might have a better way but when I got my jig my method worked fine the first time.

Jim,
Glad to see you are taking the "plunge" as you state! As far as the "V" you are talking about.... are you referring to the uprights that hold the rod in palce? My jig and weaving method uses 1/8 0z Rubber core sinkers made by Water Gremlin. I stopped using the tape method years ago and went to the hanging weight method, although great results can be had with tape, that system was not for me.
After the weave is complete I take each individual weaving thread and pull slightly to the right to tighten, I wrap from right to left. Then I use the following method to further tighten and close all gaps. I use very thin monofilament thread, the kind used for sewing hems on polyester cloth. I purchased mine at the local supermarket for about $1.00 a spool. Apply this mono thread BEFORE the finish is applied. Wrap this at a slight angle from the beginning of the completed weave to the end, the slight angle prevents the thin mono from digging into the background thread. When applying this mono, try and lay each wind tight against the other as this will help eliminate the cross lines left from the mono when the finish dries. Use only enough tension on the mono to compress the threads. After the mono is tied off, you can then move errant weaving threads into place with a pointed thread tool, and close all gaps. Use only enough pressure to move the threads into place. When you are satisfied that the weave is tight and free of gaps, I apply finish to the WEAVE only. Use the finish sparingly, only enough to cover the threads, I try and prevent finish from getting onto the background thread. If you observe any threads you have missed during the initial tightening, tighten them now while the finish is wet.
I then wait till the finish is dry and slowly remove the mono thread. Your weave will then be tight and clean, hopefully void of any gaps. I then frame the weave in and apply the final finish. This method has been shared with me over the years by individuals who use CP instead of finish. I tried the CP route and when removing the mono after the CP has dried this had a tendency of pulling dried patches of CP from the weave, left a blotchy appearance. Hopefully this helps, if you need additional info just drop me a line.


PS: Use can use this method on Crosswraps as well.

Hope all your weaves are tight....


Pat Barnard

Pat Barnards Custom Rods

email me your address and I'll send you my weave tips sheet for using a loom such as you describe which I also use,
I wrap about a half inch of the weave threads with the turning threads with very tight thread tension(I hold them down with double stick golf tape). Then as I'm doing the weave, I constantly pull the weave threads tight but not so tight as to pull the threads loose-practice makes perfect. When the weave is completed, I pull each individual thread tight again.
When completed, I put Flexcoat color preserver on the weave only and allow it to almost dry. This makes the threads easier to move(and they usually stay put) to give a final tightening to the threads(I use almost 100% gudebrod A metallic for my weaves)
I then put trim bands on each side of the weave and apply finish to the whole weave. Usually takes several coats to achieve a smooth finish over the entire weave.
I think the weaves look much finer using A thread verses Cor D thread - jmo