A weaving machine?

[Brasspen]

You know what a knitting machine is right? What if I was able to build a weaving machine.
I have a design in my head for a weaving machine, that could be made from pine wood construction lumber.

Is that something you would be interested in buy the blueprint for, and also the building instructions? It would come on a pen drive, and be sold on eBay.

With the finished machine, one could weave as fast as a knitting machine.

 

[seoulsearch]

You know what a knitting machine is right? What if I was able to build a weaving machine.
I have a design in my head for a weaving machine, that could be made from pine wood construction lumber.

Is that something you would be interested in buy the blueprint for, and also the building instructions? It would come on a pen drive, and be sold on eBay.

With the finished machine, one could weave as fast as a knitting machine.

Hi Brasspen,

I think it would be important to do some research on whether people need/want weaving machines, what's currently available, and if your machine could compete in price, quality, and convenience. You might also want to check Etsy and Ebay to see if such machines/competition are already being sold.

I honestly can't think of a single person I know who would have a use or want to build a weaving machine. What would they do with the the material after it's woven? Sew it into clothes? Most people wouldn't have the time, space, or use for such a device.

But that could just be me and my own circle of people I know. I live in the USA -- I'm not sure if there would be people around the world who might be interested.

I'm not trying to discourage your idea, I just think it's important to be realistic.

Knowing what's out there and trying to determine if there's even a market for your product will save you a lot of time, expense, and heartache.

Let us know how it goes!

 

[Brasspen]

@seoulsearch

Well I do know that lots and lots of people are into crochet, knitting, with even less into weaving. There are weaving machines, but those are the factory machines because of how loud and dangerous they are. The machine I invented would sit on your table. It would be manually operated. Right now the fastest option for making fabric is a knitting machine. With knitting itself being very slow. Those machine give the operator problems sometimes. But I am not talking about knitting, I am talking about weaving.

Right now people do weaving, they make things like rugs and blankets, and also tapestry hangings. Weaving with a loom takes long time. It would take 3 weeks to weave an afghan (I am talking plain weave without any specialty pattern). Not really profitable in America, I too live in USA. But in places like the UK or India, they would very much want one. People in those countries earn a living spinning yarn and doing things like crochet. In countries like India, the government there has laws to protect the people so they can earn a living doing these types of things. They have laws to stop the factories from taking everything.

This thread was a small survey to see if anyone would like the product I mentioned. Not the weaving machine, but the blueprint and build instructions for a weaving machine.

I think nobody is interested in the build instructions. But, maybe I can put this thing together and sell the idea to a weaving machine maker company. To do this, I will need build it and prove it.

I really think my machine would solve some serous problems the entire world has in the textile industry.

For example, the fly shuttle. These machines where designed and built over 150 years ago. They are still being produced today. It works by sending a shuttle at very high speed back and forth. It throws it. They are dangerous and very loud. Sometimes the operators get caught in them.

And then there is the bullet loom. Very loud. It sends a projectile flying at very high speed, back and forth.

My machine might be able to be a cheaper replacement for the fly shuttle. It would not be loud, and not so dangerous. It could be quicker to build.

 

[seoulsearch]

I think nobody is interested in the build instructions. But, maybe I can put this thing together and sell the idea to a weaving machine maker company. To do this, I will need build it and prove it.
I really think my machine would solve some serous problems the entire world has in the textile industry.

For example, the fly shuttle. These machines where designed and built over 150 years ago. They are still being produced today. It works by sending a shuttle at very high speed back and forth. It throws it. They are dangerous and very loud. Sometimes the operators get caught in them.

And then there is the bullet loom. Very loud. It sends a projectile flying at very high speed, back and forth.

My machine might be able to be a cheaper replacement for the fly shuttle. It would not be loud, and not so dangerous. It could be quicker to build.

Other things to think about would be, if you build your machine and tried selling it to companies, what kind of maintenance/upkeep would you offer?

I could be wrong, but I'm guessing most companies buying production machines will want to know there is also an existing resource for them to go to if the machine breaks, needs new parts, or is malfunctioning.

I'm not trying to discourage your idea -- it's just that I grew up around people who ran businesses, and in my observation, these would be the kinds of things you'd also have to offer with your product.

No company will want to buy a machine without some sort of tech support package that goes with it.

 

[JohnDB]

You know what a knitting machine is right? What if I was able to build a weaving machine.
I have a design in my head for a weaving machine, that could be made from pine wood construction lumber.

Is that something you would be interested in buy the blueprint for, and also the building instructions? It would come on a pen drive, and be sold on eBay.

With the finished machine, one could weave as fast as a knitting machine.

There used to be a LOT of them during the industrial revolution.
Weaving machines are prone to having the shuttle jam the machine.
Cams for the changing front threads and springs to pull them back. Running two threads at a time for the shuttles. (Tensioners for all threads)
Am I correct?

Just as a point of history....where there was all sorts of righteous indignation by the North over slavery....the North was equally guilty over child labor...especially orphans. And without any OSHA many kids lost limbs in those machines as well as dies.

Just saying.

But your idea is not without merit.
However, you likely need to prototype and then submit blueprints to an AI for review. (cheapest and easiest) Then contact some injection molding companies to build various parts that you then assemble and build. If you need metal parts they usually can be done out of sheet metal.

Then retail to all the hobby and sewing stores.
Being able to create your own plaid, stripes or possibly chintz prints is good stuff for those interested in such things.
Also consider those wishing to use yarns....or even fine silk threads.

Lots of bugs to work out....but it's a solid idea.

 

[JohnDB]

Oh, for the shuttle,
Consider a modified comb for a type of track for the shuttle to ride on.

And if you can prototype it....make about 5 of the final prototype. Then the injection molding is NOT that expensive.

 

[JohnDB]

Also....a 220 volt motor. @2-4amps should be more than enough to power the thing (400-2000 watts depending on your design)
Or it needs to be powered by some sort of foot peddle like an old fashioned thread spinner for really out there places with zero electricity.

In the USA we have 120 volts @ 60hz everywhere....but 220-240V 50hz is common for everyone else.
SA uses 60hz but 220.

 

[Lynx]

Can weaving your own cloth give you something better than what is commercially available?

Faster and cheaper are already taken. You are not going to weave your own cloth faster or cheaper than buying it commercially. All you have left is better quality.

Can weaving your own cloth give you a better quality cloth than what you can buy?

 

[jacko]

I'll be honest I'm 52 and I've never weaved or seen anyone weave anything in my lifetime.
Might be a project for fun, but not commercial applications.

 

[Cameron143]

You might want to get a patent for the weave before marketing it.

 

[JohnDB]

I'll be honest I'm 52 and I've never weaved or seen anyone weave anything in my lifetime.
Might be a project for fun, but not commercial applications.

Actually bespoke clothing articles with a custom weave....not a bad thing at all.

Lots of custom cloth can be made this way depending upon the color of the thread....especially wool which is difficult to come by anymore. Every type of cotton and polyester can be had for literally pennies. But wool manufacture has gone essentially bankrupt. Nobody does it because the wool producers spend more getting the raw wool to market than they do selling it. Even Cashmere is not what it used to be with the hair strands getting shorter and shorter.

Custom colors too.

Commercially here in the Western world its not viable. But in places economically disadvantaged....good stuff they are willing to do it for the small wages.

 

[Brasspen]

Can weaving your own cloth give you a better quality cloth than what you can buy?

Yes, I can make higher quality cloths than what I can buy from, say, cheap store like wal-mart.

The cloths are thicker and more durable. With commercial cloths, they are thinnest they can make it. So thin people have are able to see thru them. Everyone is naked because of how thin they are.

Plus higher quality materials, such as merino. I can buy merino yarn already spun by factory, but it's 4 times cheaper to make my own. Only, I have to spend hours just for 1 skein. But, I get make my own color combination. Art yarns.

I have successfully sold some yarn before. I made about, I don't remember, about $0.45 profit.

I might go back and just spin yarn for some time. I really want build my finger weaving loom though. I can't weave because of a bad upper back... But I think the finger weaving loom might let me. I only need $8.00 plus what I have on hand.

Right now on eBay in the US, there is a very high demand for afghan blankets. I don't know why.

 

[Brasspen]

I just looked at eBay here in US, and, there is high demand for wool yarn for some reason.

 

[JohnDB]

I just looked at eBay here in US, and, there is high demand for wool yarn for some reason.

Because wool production is economically unviable. It costs more to shear sheep and then haul the wool to the processor than you get from selling the raw wool.

Nevermind the cost of caring for the animals. Meat production is OK....economically.

Artificial fibers and cotton have destroyed the wool market. Pendleton wool shirts are still available at $142 each. (A former staple good) And that's mostly due to the cost of labor of processing the wool. I can almost buy an electric jacket for that. Anything else from them cheaper is just their cotton flannel.

So....if you can get ahold of wool, wash it, spin it and dye it to make thread, yarn and then cloth....you will have a very high end product indeed.
Wool lined blue jeans? Faghetaboutit....now we talking some bank.

Just saying....people want wool....they just don't want to pay the real cost of making it.
Wool products have not changed in price much. It's just everything else has gotten so much cheaper that woolen goods are deemed expensive.

 

[Brasspen]

Well I been looking at market for the yarn and blankets on eBay. What I am thinking, is the reason for the higher demand for them, is because of the Tariff war.

I was able to get Australian Merino wool for $16.00 a pound. And ti compare it, it cost $20.00 for 4 oz of factory spun Merino. Yes I can save money by spinning my own yarn, but, I don't know what the Tariff might do for the pricing, because it's imported.

I might not be able to buy Merino anymore, meaning it will leave me with things like Lancaster to buy. At about $25-$30 per pound. Is it Lanchester, I forget.

But anyway, I thikn the Tariff war might make
it possible for me to spin up a yarn business. No I will not get rich, but, I could get something like $7.00 an hour of my work time.

 

[HealthAndHappiness]

Well I been looking at market for the yarn and blankets on eBay. What I am thinking, is the reason for the higher demand for them, is because of the Tariff war.

I was able to get Australian Merino wool for $16.00 a pound. And ti compare it, it cost $20.00 for 4 oz of factory spun Merino. Yes I can save money by spinning my own yarn, but, I don't know what the Tariff might do for the pricing, because it's imported.

I might not be able to buy Merino anymore, meaning it will leave me with things like Lancaster to buy. At about $25-$30 per pound. Is it Lanchester, I forget.

But anyway, I thikn the Tariff war might make
it possible for me to spin up a yarn business. No I will not get rich, but, I could get something like $7.00 an hour of my work time.

It sounds like you are going to launch a new business. That's an exciting venture!
I have a hobbyists interest in certain fine textiles, but have no idea about the markets. One thing that I would consider is the primary source(s) of raw goods and finished goods now.
I'm not old, but old enough to remember when quality goods were made in the USA and Europe and Japan primarily.

When the globalists decided to destroy America, they moved every industry to China to make use of their massive population of slave labor. Now you have import free slavery to compete with. Most have found it impossible to compete with China Mart.

I don't know what the futer holds, so if I were you I would gather all the information that would help with deciding risk of start up cost vs potential failure. That will let you know if you can afford to lose your investment in a worst case scenario.
Then I'd look at your local market because production doesn't equate with sales. Are there buyers for merino yarns that have reason to believe would buy from you?

Big textile companies mostly go with the lowest bid. So then it might be local knitters and such if there's not a large disparity of price.

Last night I got an ad sent that advertised men's merino wool briefs on clearance for $30. I thought that was reasonable, but I'm not planning on buying anything. I'm trying to get back to work, so it occured to me that I already have very good fabric available to make my own for free when I need them. It was a passing thought, but got me thinking how I've started changing from polyester blends to merino for 3 seasons. It's superior to anything Walmart sells for so many reasons. I'm a big fan of it and see that it's growing in popularity with the fitness/ health conscious communities.

I have a friend who's wife and him were considering a loom,
shuttle___ to spin Alpaca fiber and make blankets, etc. Perhaps there's someone retiring from the occupation or has their late mother's loom available for sale? Just a thought. In the thrift store, there seems to be a lot of yarns new in package available, albeit priced pretty high. I've kept my eyes open for wool and natural fibers to darn a blanket and sweater I use. I have not found any yet, but much probably comes from estates. There's probably larger items available at the online thrift store auctions.

Sometimes I pray for something or someone and a blessing shows up.
That just happened recently.
That's where I'd start.

Matthew 7:7

Best wishes
.

 

[JohnDB]

Well I been looking at market for the yarn and blankets on eBay. What I am thinking, is the reason for the higher demand for them, is because of the Tariff war.

I was able to get Australian Merino wool for $16.00 a pound. And ti compare it, it cost $20.00 for 4 oz of factory spun Merino. Yes I can save money by spinning my own yarn, but, I don't know what the Tariff might do for the pricing, because it's imported.

I might not be able to buy Merino anymore, meaning it will leave me with things like Lancaster to buy. At about $25-$30 per pound. Is it Lanchester, I forget.

But anyway, I thikn the Tariff war might make
it possible for me to spin up a yarn business. No I will not get rich, but, I could get something like $7.00 an hour of my work time.

Actually, Australia is unaffected (as far as I know) by tarrifs.

However, if you can get access to a sheep rancher....they will literally practically give you the wool from yearly sheep shearing.

But, it will be on you for washing and carding (combing) the wool to get the strands going the same direction. (What you need to do before spinning it into yarn)
However, it might be a few miles to get to a rancher. Also alpaca wool works as well....they get sheared too. (And it is a better wool to some people)

Washing, carding, spinning....a lot of work.
You will need to research how to wash the wool and how to card it sufficiently get smooth and uniform yarns. Otherwise you will have lumpy yarns. (This takes practice from my understanding of the subject by a woman who was doing this for a homesteading booth)

I wish you well on your endeavor.

 

[Brasspen]

I don't know what the future holds, so if I were you I would gather all the information that would help with deciding risk of start up cost vs potential failure. That will let you know if you can afford to lose your investment in a worst case scenario.
Then I'd look at your local market because production doesn't equate with sales. Are there buyers for merino yarns that have reason to believe would buy from you?

Your right about this one. At the moment my investment is zero, except for my time. This is because I already have enough wool fibre on hand, plus the tools. I will end having to buy packing though if it sells, plus shipping label. But this should be low.

Now It comes to my attention about the blankets I seen. All of them are used blankets. Used acrylic blankets that are being sold. And they are going cheap, $20-$30 dollar for king size crochet blankets.

Now about my weaving machine, I have that one idea plus another idea. So I have two ideas for two different machines. One of the machines I had already built a prototype for and tested it. And it worked. The other I only have drawings of it. But instead of building the prototype for it, I want to take my ideas and offer them to a weaving machine maker company. And offer them for royalties on the profit only.

I am thinking, I should only offer them one of them at time. Then see what happens. I want to offer them the slower machine, not the faster one. The machine I talked about in this thread. Not the machine I have the prototype for.

 

[HealthAndHappiness]

Your right about this one. At the moment my investment is zero, except for my time. This is because I already have enough wool fibre on hand, plus the tools. I will end having to buy packing though if it sells, plus shipping label. But this should be low.

Now It comes to my attention about the blankets I seen. All of them are used blankets. Used acrylic blankets that are being sold. And they are going cheap, $20-$30 dollar for king size crochet blankets.

Now about my weaving machine, I have that one idea plus another idea. So I have two ideas for two different machines. One of the machines I had already built a prototype for and tested it. And it worked. The other I only have drawings of it. But instead of building the prototype for it, I want to take my ideas and offer them to a weaving machine maker company. And offer them for royalties on the profit only.

I am thinking, I should only offer them one of them at time. Then see what happens. I want to offer them the slower machine, not the faster one. The machine I talked about in this thread. Not the machine I have the prototype for.

That's great! I didn't know you invented one. With new trade, perhaps a local American company will be interested. I hope the Lord opens a big door for you.

 

[JohnDB]

Your right about this one. At the moment my investment is zero, except for my time. This is because I already have enough wool fibre on hand, plus the tools. I will end having to buy packing though if it sells, plus shipping label. But this should be low.

Now It comes to my attention about the blankets I seen. All of them are used blankets. Used acrylic blankets that are being sold. And they are going cheap, $20-$30 dollar for king size crochet blankets.

Now about my weaving machine, I have that one idea plus another idea. So I have two ideas for two different machines. One of the machines I had already built a prototype for and tested it. And it worked. The other I only have drawings of it. But instead of building the prototype for it, I want to take my ideas and offer them to a weaving machine maker company. And offer them for royalties on the profit only.

I am thinking, I should only offer them one of them at time. Then see what happens. I want to offer them the slower machine, not the faster one. The machine I talked about in this thread. Not the machine I have the prototype for.

I get that you need money.
But you need to be careful about sharing your machines until such a time as you have them securely patented and ALL variations patented.

Engineers like my deceased grandfather worked on various things and patented them working around existing patents....and got filthy rich in the process. He never held a regular job after quitting his regular job. (Bad choice on a personal level as his alcoholism got exponentially worse...but that's another issue. Financially he was set for life)

He could take one look or get the basic concept and create, from his mind, the idea of a table top weaving machine and bypass any ideas you already had. Cutting you out immediately. And that's what happens in today's environment.
Sure, you could sue for copyright infringement....but that takes years and hundreds of thousands in legal bills.

What you really need is an angel investor like you might have seen on Shark Tank. My grandparents were such people that did this sort of thing....they were angel investors. What they told me was that 9 out of ten investments never paid but usually one out of ten would and boy howdy would it.

BUT

You need all of your prototypes built, designs and schematics copyrighted and patented... and your product name (plus all variations) patented and locked up tight. Then a complete business plan drawn up. (Including expenses and sales estimates) You might even consult a couple of mechanical engineers to assist you with drawings, plans, and materials who understand all of the manufacturing costs and materials better suited for cost savings and where to put higher cost materials for asthetics. Then marketing and distribution can be assisted by an angel investor...who can get the models sold in hobby shops.

When you have an idea like this you need to quietly get ALL bugs worked out and variations patented very speedily before China gets these things and mass produces them before your first unit is even sold.
Speed is of the essence. That's where Angel investing can really help.

What could you do if you had $50,000 to build these things? How about $200,000?

How fast can you get 1 million of these these things mass produced? What would they retail for? (Product cost times 3) Ordering by retailers for Christmas is started by june/July and finishes in October. Usually first year is high end beta test market followed by blitz sales the following year after feedback is analyzed.