Apparatus and method for cutting an inserted weft thread

A method and apparatus for cutting a weft thread are disclosed in which a completely separate, independent drive system for the weft thread cutter and clamping device enables the cutting time to be optimized without affecting the main drive system for the loom. By using its own, independent drive system, which is completely independent of the main loom drive, the cutter can be actuated at any time during the loom cycle. The cutter and clamp drive system is controlled by a computer, which may be programmed to determine the optimum cutting time as a function of the weaving parameters and the weft thread data. A device may be provided to detect an improperly inserted weft thread. Once this has been detected, the computer may deactivate the cutting device to prevent the separation of the improperly inserted weft thread from the weft thread supply.