How to Remove Static on Looms
In weaving, the yarn and other fabrics used brush up against each other and the frame of the loom at a high rate of speed. This friction can cause a significant, even dangerous, buildup of static electricity in a short time. Fortunately, several steps can be taken to discharge accumulated static electricity safely and prevent further static buildup. You can either control the environment around the loom, treat the yarn or fiber itself, or ground the loom so the charge disperses.
Things You'll Need
- Humidifier
- Heater and thermostat
- Anti-static agent
- Wire
- Soldering iron
- Ground or static bar
Instructions
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Increase the temperature and humidity in the room containing the loom. Ideal conditions vary by the type of fiber used, but a temperature of at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit and a relative humidity of at least 70 percent will alleviate many static problems.
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Spray the fiber with an anti-static agent before weaving. The aerosol spray products marketed for removing static from clothing work fine for this purpose. There are industrial-grade anti-static agents as well, some of which also lubricate the yarn or fiber, reducing friction during the weaving process.
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Ground all conductive parts of the loom, such as eyelets and yarn guides. To do this, solder or clamp wire to them, and attach the other end of the wire to a ground rod, metal water pipe or static eliminator bar. A static eliminator bar is an industrial device which removes static electricity from machinery and grounds it.
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Tips & Warnings
Make sure that any anti-static agent you choose is approved for use with the type of yarn or fiber you will be weaving.
For fiber that is water resistant, a spritz of plain water from a spray bottle near the warp of the loom may temporarily solve the problem. The static will quickly start building again, however.
Serious static charge may cause injury.
References
- Photo Credit hand weaving loom image by green308 from Fotolia.com
