Collected Illustrations of the Three Realms: Instruments, Volume 10

The Rope Machine entwines the original pronunciation is indicated by the characters for "ancient" and "dark" taut strands to make rope.

Regarding the construction of this machine: first, set up a winder frame and plant wooden stakes to secure it. Atop the frame, add a single horizontal board, approximately five feet in length and four inches in width. In the center of this horizontal board, carve a row of eight or six apertures. Within each aperture, place a "swinging branch" original: 掉枝 (diaozhi). These are the rotating hooks or crank handles used to twist the fibers., made of either iron or wood, each curved like an ox’s horn. Additionally, construct a single horizontal beam with holes aligned to fit these swinging branches. Furthermore, create a second machine using the exact same method.

Place the two machines facing one another at a measured distance. Take the prepared taut strands pronounced in the departing tone and tie each to the feet of the swinging branches on both machines. One person stands at the head of each machine, and together they turn the horizontal beams that pass through the swinging branches. Wait until the individual strands are evenly tightened. Then, gather three or four strands together into one, and tie each group to the foot of a single swinging branch; this will result in the production of two ropes.

Afterward, take a separately crafted "claw-wood" original: 爪木 (zhuamu). In Western rope-making, this is known as a "rope top" or "lay top"—a notched wooden block that regulates the twist and prevents the strands from tangling before they are combined. and place it at the head where the strands are to be combined pronounced in the entering tone. Turn the swinging branches once more to entwine the strands tightly into rope. The claw-wood will move forward on its own as the twisting progresses; once the rope is finished, the process stops.