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| =============== New (Rag) Cylinders =============== Here's a way to make replacement cylinders for the Weavers Delight fly shuttle. Even if you have cylinders now, you may want to consider making some of these because they have a greater capacity. The original steel cylinders are about 29.8 cubic inches. These replacement cylinders are around 35.3 cubic inches. This is 5.5 more cubic inch capacity or 18.5% increase in the amount of rags that can be held. (ie. more weaving time per load). (Refer to pictures:) The new cylinder is made from PVC pipe. You'll ask for 2" 'Cresline' PVC SDR 26 pipe. (At least that is how the pipe is labeled). The actual pipe size is 2.175"ID x 2.400"OD, or if you prefer fractions, about 2-1/8"ID x 2-13/32"OD. |
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| Cut sections of the pvc pipe 9.5 inches long. This is also the length of the original cylinders. You could just use some duct tape and cardboard to block off one end. These new cylinders fit snuggly into the shuttle, so whatever you use for a cap has to be thin. I used some little plastic 8oz. containers that you can get yogurt or sour cream in. They are larger at the top than at the bottom. If you set the bottom of the cup in some hot water, the plastic will soften and the pvc pipe will slide in snuggly. (I tried some 8oz. wallyworld yogurt containers and they were too small). I found some that fit nicely and the cup itself was marked on the bottom as being made by "Sweetheart". It is an 8oz/227g. container |
| Cut off the bottom of the cup about 3/8" from the end. You now have new cylinders. I don't know how long this plastic will hold up before becoming brittle. Hopefully since it is not exposed to sunlight it will last while. The "Sweetheart" brand of cups seem to be made out of a better quality plastic. The last picture shows a new canister sitting in the shuttle. If your shuttle still has the retainer clip that secures the metal canisters, you'll need to remove it. (Mine didn't). These pvc cylinders fit snuggly by themselves. The pvc cylinders are also a little heavier than the original metal cylinders. They launch faster, so you may need to loosen the picker straps a little to slow them down a bit. |
| Put a bead of glue or "rtv" type sealer around the end of the pvc pipe before shoving it into the cup, then hold them together for a few minutes. Let dry overnight. If you have some pvc cement on hand, you might try that instead. |
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