V-Series Dobby Loom User’s Manual
Introductory Information
Introduction
Page | 4
I
NTRODUCTION
About AVL
AVL Looms has been in the business of designing and building some of the
world’s finest handweaving looms since 1977.
Jim Ahrens had been building and designing looms for a number of years
before Jon Violette, the “V” in AVL, approached Ahrens about a partnership
in 1977. Violette, an industrial management professional, had discovered
Ahrens’ work through his sister who ran the Pacific Basin School of Textiles
in Berkeley, where Ahrens was a volunteer advisor.
The two men worked together in the Bay Area for three years until Violette
moved Ahrens and Violette Looms to Chico, where it officially became known
as AVL Looms Inc., and has operated ever since.
In 1982, Violette was instrumental in the development of the first
computerized dobby, then called the “Apple Dobby”. He retired from active
life in the company in 1987. We have christened this new V-Series Loom in
recognition of Jon’s contribution to handweaving.
Once known for our production looms, AVL has broadened its line
considerably and we now offer customers a full spectrum of fine weaving
equipment, ranging from our small Home Looms, to our Industrial Dobby
Looms, Rug Looms, and Jacquards.
The V-Series Design Concept
We wanted to design a loom with a dynamic mix of simplicity and
sophistication, a “no frills” approach for weavers who want complex weaving
capability in a more fundamental package. We have streamlined this loom so
you get a lot of harnesses and strength on a small rugged loom. We hope
you will have many years of weaving from your new V-series loom. This
manual will guide you through the process of assembling your new loom and
will also cover warping and weaving with your new loom.
