The Invention of the Multiple Denting Machine to Accelerate Denting in the Ghanaian Cottage Weaving Industry

In the Ghanaian traditional weaving industry and in the second cycle institutions, a single reed hook is inserted into the dents in succession while a yarn is threaded. This process is associated with some problems and difficulties such as the time wasted in denting and passing the hook through each dent and the possibility of missing some of the dents. The Multiple Denting machine was therefore designed to serve as an improvement on the single reed hook. It offers a faster and efficient way of denting. This machine was designed solely for the broad and table looms and is limited to a reed size of 14 inches. It has thirteen (13) equally- sized metallic reed hooks displaced in slots in a box. The box which contains the hooks is screwed to a metallic plate. The machine has a wooden base with “casters” under it to control its movement. There are also two square pipes located in two hollow pipes and these serve as supports on which the box and the plate carrying the hooks are mounted. In addition, there is also a metal rod connecting the two square pipes together and this ensures the quick withdrawal of the hooks from the reed. A provision has also been made for adjusting the height of the machine to suit the type of loom it is being used for. After experimenting with the machine by using it to dent a 4 inch plain woven fabric, the following encouraging results were recorded: the denting was carried out within 30 minutes as compared to a single reed hook which does the same work within some hours. Also, the finished product was devoid of warp floats and gaps.