Megado - shafts are sticking

The Megado harnesses are positioned very close together. During weaving, the shafts return to their rest position by gravity. Because many weave structures use shafts 1–2 more frequently than others, these shafts are additionally weighted.

If your shafts are sticking and not returning fully to their rest position, in 99% of cases this is caused by friction between the shafts.

Possible causes and solutions:

1. Heddles causing friction
Too much friction will prevent shafts from returning properly. This is most often caused by excess heddles grouped at the ends of the shafts. Spread the heddles evenly across the width or remove any excess. Staggering unused heddles (for example, alternating left and right between shafts) can also help.

2. Shaft cords not positioned correctly
Check that all shaft cords run correctly through the slots on the sides of the shafts.

3. Slightly bent shaft
A shaft may be slightly bent (especially on wider looms). A quick fix is to remove the Texsolv cord from the groove on the side where the shaft is catching and let it run between the two shafts.

For example: if shaft 5 catches on shaft 4, remove the Texsolv cord on that side from the groove and let it run between shafts 4 and 5. This creates a small lateral tension that helps prevent contact.

4. Dust or humidity affecting dobby hooks (more common on older looms)
Because the dobby hooks are close together, dust buildup or humidity can create resistance. Lightly sand the sides of the dobby hooks with very fine sandpaper. You can also apply a small amount of dry Teflon (PTFE) spray. Do not use oil or silicone.

5. Dobby hooks set too low
The dobby hooks may have shifted downward slightly due to stretching of the Texsolv cords. This can cause the screw heads not to engage correctly with the blocking plate.

See page 57 of Megado Instructions
Remove the dobby unit to inspect the hooks. When the shafts are in their lowest position, there should be a clearance of 2–3 mm between the screw heads and the blocking plate.

If adjustment is needed:

• Mark the shaft to avoid confusion
• Loosen the small bolts of the clamps that connect the shaft to the cords
• Adjust the shaft position relative to the cords (and dobby hook)
• Retighten the bolts while the shaft is in its lowest position and the screw head is 2–3 mm above the blocking plate