Ashford Table Loom Troubleshooting Tips

Beater Doesn’t Sit Evenly or Rubs Against the Frame

Problem: The beater hits one side of the loom or doesn’t sit square in the frame — e.g., it rubs the right side while leaving a gap on the left. Cause: This usually means the loom frame is slightly out of square rather than an issue with the beater itself.

Fix: ✅ Measure diagonally from opposite corners and compare both directions — if they’re not equal, the frame is skewed. ✅ Loosen the screws a bit and gently shift the frame until the measurements match. ✅ Once square, tighten screws and re-check. A few small washers/spacers at the pivot points can help if tiny adjustments are needed.

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Ratchet & Pawl Slipping — Warp Won’t Hold Tension

Problem: The back beam won’t lock in place; the ratchet and pawl slip, and the warp tension can’t stay set. (Plastic pawl/ratchet is less reliable) Cause: The pawl could be installed incorrectly (upside down), or the ratchet pin isn’t fully engaging the teeth. Mis-winding the warp around the beam can make this worse.

Fix: ✅ Check that the pawl is flipped the right way — many have two ways to mount it, and an upside-down pawl won’t engage properly. ✅ Make sure the warp is wound in the correct direction onto the beam. ✅ If the original pawl/ratchet parts are worn or damaged, contact LoftyFiber for a replacement

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Apron Cords Break or Don’t Hold Even Tension

Problem: The apron (warp or cloth) cords can snap near the end of a long project, or tension becomes uneven between cords. Cause: Ashford’s stock apron cords on some table loom versions are made from lighter tapestry warp string, which can be too light for heavier or prolonged tension.

Fix: ✅ Replace the factory apron strings with Texsolv cord of equal length, which is stronger and holds more consistent tension. ✅ When replacing, ensure all cord lengths are exactly the same before tying on — mismatched lengths are a common source of uneven tension.

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Uneven Beater Action

Symptom: The beater packs more firmly on one side than the other. Cause: Shaft cords or elastic ties don't have equal tension, or the loom isn’t perfectly square.

Fix: ✔︎ Check that the connecting bands or cords on both sides of the beater are matched in length and tension. ✔︎ Confirm the frame is square as described above — squareness affects how evenly the beater rolls back.

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Quick Tips to Prevent These Issues

• Check squareness when you assemble the loom — table looms can shift out of square during shipping.

• Replace apron cords and elastics proactively with Texsolv if you plan long projects.

• Review the ratchet/pawl orientation before you begin your first warp — it’s easy to install backwards.