Hi everyone
I have been using an Ashford table top warping mill for the past 2 years but I was trained on a wall mounted warping frame, and every time I use the mill I think that a warping board is better . The pegs on the mill are glued in, so getting to warp off the mill isn't as simple as with a board – I have to unscrew the bar holding the pegs whilst supporting the warp. I also find that the tension isn't completely even across the width of the warp. I generally make 6-8 yard warps in two halves and they are fine but what's your view? Warping mill that rotates, or wall mounted static warping frame? Perhaps I'll just have to buy one and see??? 🤨🤗
Hi Mary - you know Jane’s motto about a lot of personal preferences! One way of doing something isn’t necessarily right or wrong - it’s what works for you. I used a warping board for years until I “loaned” it to someone, never to see it again. I now use a warping mill that was loaned to me by a friend who has been weaving much longer than I have, and she finds the warping board more comfortable to use. So, it’s a very personal choice. BTW, I’ve never removed the pegs from my mill - they are glued as well - I just carefully pull the bottom end off so I can chain.
Hi Mary - it sounds to me you have the same issue as I had with my pre-loved Ashford warping mill. That is you don't have the start and / or end pegs. I have just fitted an start peg to my warping mill. Hopefully this links to a photo. https://ibb.co/ZWq1280. I can't see a need for the peg at the end where I put the cross as Jane suggests the cross goes right at the end (and that works for me).
I was able to get these pegs from our Ashford dealer as a spare part - they aren't shown on their website. I only got mine today so I haven't had a chance to use it but the idea is you should be able to get your warp off the mill by undoing the single peg. The other thing I do when taking the warp off the mill is to secure the warp at the first corner (I use rubber bands ) so it doesn't loose tension and slide down the mill while I fiddle getting the chain started.
I use the mill mainly because I haven't been able to negotiate the use of sufficient wall space with my wife.
Have fun.
Jim (from Hobart, Tasmania)
Hi Sandra
Thank you for replying. It have the same problem with lack of wall space, although I was considering using a bedroom wall!
That tip for using rubber bands to stop the warp sliding down is helpful. Thats one of the other things I find annoying. Once I have released the warp from the top pegs, I use a foot or elbow to stop the mill turning faster than I can chain it. It's a bit ungainly. I will try your tip on my next warp.
Mary x
Hi Jim
Sorry, the tip about the rubber bands was your's, so thank you for that.
I have the extra pegs and after some trials I found I didn't need the bottom one either. But I still find it hard to remove the warp, even when I remove the extra peg. I have to unscrew the peg bar. I think I'm missing something with the technique.
Mary x