15" Open Bottom Boat Shuttle

GENERAL PRODUCT SAFETY REGULATION (GPSR) INFORMATION

Intended Use:
Handcrafted 15" Boat Shuttle designed for carrying weft yarn through the shed during handweaving.

The shuttle is intended for use with a compatible quill or bobbin and suitable handweaving looms.

The shuttle includes two yarn guides — one at the forward end and one at the trailing end of the yarn slot — to help guide yarn during weaving.

Because each shuttle is handcrafted from natural wood, variations in grain, color, figure, texture, weight, and appearance are expected.


CAUTION — MOVING HANDWEAVING TOOL

The shuttle moves rapidly through the loom shed during normal weaving.

• Maintain control of the shuttle during use

• Keep hands and fingers clear of the shuttle's travel path

• Keep other people and pets away from the working area

• Do not intentionally throw the shuttle toward another person

• Use only with a loom that provides adequate shed clearance

• This is a handweaving tool, not a toy


BEFORE EACH USE

Inspect the shuttle before weaving.

Do not use the shuttle if:

• The wooden body is cracked, split, severely warped, or structurally damaged

• Hazardous splinters or sharp damaged edges are present

• The axle or quill-support components are loose, bent, damaged, or missing

• The quill or bobbin does not rotate normally

• Either yarn guide is damaged

• The yarn slot is damaged or obstructed

• Any component could detach during weaving

• Any condition could interfere with safe, controlled shuttle movement


QUILL / BOBBIN COMPATIBILITY

Use only a quill or bobbin that fits the shuttle correctly and rotates freely on the installed axle system.

Before weaving, confirm that:

• The quill or bobbin is properly installed

• The axle is correctly seated

• Any washers or retaining components are installed in their intended positions

• The quill or bobbin rotates freely without excessive side-to-side movement

• Yarn can unwind without catching on damaged components

Do not force an oversized or incompatible quill or bobbin into the shuttle.


LOADING THE SHUTTLE

Stop weaving before loading, unloading, or adjusting the quill or bobbin.

When loading:

• Keep the shuttle supported on a stable surface or securely in your hand

• Install the quill or bobbin in its normal operating position

• Confirm all axle and retaining components are secure

• Route the yarn through the appropriate yarn guide

• Confirm the yarn feeds smoothly before resuming weaving

Do not operate the shuttle with loose internal components.


TWO YARN GUIDES

The shuttle includes two yarn guides:

• One at the forward end of the yarn slot

• One at the trailing end of the yarn slot

Either guide may be used as appropriate for the shuttle's direction of travel and weaving setup.

Before use:

• Confirm both guides are intact

• Check that no damaged or sharp edge could cut or snag the yarn

• Make sure yarn moves freely through the selected guide

Do not continue using a damaged yarn guide if it interferes with normal yarn feed.


SAFE WEAVING

Before passing the shuttle through the shed:

• Confirm the shed is open sufficiently for the 15" shuttle

• Make sure the shuttle path is clear

• Confirm the quill or bobbin and axle components are secure

• Make sure loose yarn is not wrapped around the shuttle or loom components

• Maintain a controlled grip when launching and receiving the shuttle

Because this is a 15" shuttle, confirm that the loom and weaving width provide adequate room for controlled handling.

Do not force the shuttle through a shed that is too narrow or obstructed.


SHUTTLE TRAVEL

Pass the shuttle through the shed using controlled movement.

Avoid:

• Excessive throwing force

• Allowing the shuttle to strike the loom frame repeatedly

• Allowing the shuttle to fall onto hard flooring

• Reaching into the shed while the shuttle is moving

• Using the shuttle if its size prevents controlled passage through the loom

Repeated impacts can damage the wooden body, axle system, yarn guides, or other components.


AXLE & ROTATING COMPONENTS

The quill or bobbin rotates during normal use.

Before each use:

• Confirm the axle is correctly positioned

• Confirm the quill or bobbin rotates freely

• Check retaining components for damage or looseness

• Remove accumulated yarn or fiber that could interfere with rotation

Do not place fingers against the rotating quill or bobbin while the shuttle is moving.


BALL SPRING PLUNGER

If equipped with a ball spring plunger as part of the axle-retention system, it is intended to retain the axle during normal use.

The ball spring plunger should not require adjustment during normal use.

Do not routinely adjust or remove the ball spring plunger.

If the axle is no longer retained correctly, discontinue use until the retention system has been inspected.


NATURAL WOOD

The shuttle is handcrafted from natural wood.

Natural variations may include:

• Grain

• Color

• Figure

• Texture

• Weight

• Surface appearance

These variations are expected and do not by themselves indicate a defect.

Wood may respond to changes in temperature and humidity.

Discontinue use if structural cracking, severe warping, splitting, or hazardous splintering develops.


CARE

• Remove loose yarn and fiber after use

• Keep the shuttle clean and dry

• Periodically inspect the yarn guides, axle system, and wooden body

• Do not soak or submerge the shuttle in water

• Do not place the shuttle in a dishwasher

• Do not use harsh cleaners, solvents, or chemicals that could damage the wood or components

• Wipe with a soft dry or slightly damp cloth when necessary

• Allow the shuttle to dry completely if it becomes damp

• Avoid prolonged exposure to excessive heat or moisture


STORAGE

Store the shuttle:

• In a clean, dry location

• Where the wooden body cannot be crushed or heavily impacted

• Away from excessive heat and moisture

• With the axle and internal components protected from damage

• Away from children and pets

Do not place heavy objects on the shuttle.


DISCONTINUE USE

Stop using the shuttle if:

• The wooden body cracks, splits, or becomes structurally damaged

• Severe warping interferes with shuttle travel

• Hazardous splinters develop

• An axle or retaining component becomes damaged or unreliable

• The quill or bobbin cannot rotate normally

• A yarn guide becomes damaged in a way that interferes with safe use

• Any component becomes loose enough to detach during weaving

• Any condition develops that could interfere with safe, controlled shuttle movement