An open and shut case

Happy fall, weavers!

Here are some photos of the CP (portable loom) in both the open and folded positions. This is my 24" 8H with double back beams.

If you have one of the great small looms....PLEASE remember to unhook the treadles BEFORE you fold it up. If you leave the tie-up hooks on the treadles, you will bend them. The loom is meant to be folded up without the tie-up hooks in place.

Happy weaving everyone!

Sarah

Brakes and cranks

The crank handle on the Macomber Loom fits over the squared off solid cast iron ends of both front and back beams. There might be a tad bit of "play" between the beam end and the inside of the crank. It does not stay on the loom while you are weaving. It is a removable tool that you take on and off when you need to use it.

Hope this helps those curious minds!

Happy weaving, Sarah

Brakes and storage box

Greetings weavers!

I have had several requests for images of particular parts of the Macomber looms. Because many curious minds want to see these images, I will post them here for all to see.

First of all is the storage box that fits snugly on the castle of the portable. This storage box was recently made by Eddie to fit on my 40 year old CP.

Next is a photo of the front brake system on the portable. This is a dog and ratchet system. The dog is held in place by a wire spring. Often this wire gets bent and is non-functional.

The last image here is of the double brake system on my 56". Notice that the upper beam has a friction brake and the lower beam has a dog ratchet system. Both brakes are linked to the same release treadle.

Hope this helps those who are curious and need help. Stay in touch, happy weaving!

Sarah

Down below and wise words

I have had a request to see what the treadle system looks like on a portable. Here is a photo of my older 20" CP. Notice that I use the newer super hooks that go over the older style lamms. Works fine!

Also notice recently vacuumed studio floor. I had clients come for a studio visit today...made me really clean up this place!!

And here is a lovely email from a weaver. I asked him if I could quote it. Every so often I get someone asking me why is a Macomber Loom better and an XXXX Loom. This weaver says it so sweetly:

"After a year and a half of instruction and lots of hours on various looms, all of which were thoroughly enjoyable, I've decided on a 'Mac' for my loom. Ease of tie-up, the consistently clean sheds that the tie-up system produces and the loom's rugged construction all appeal to me."

"I also really love the rear-hinged treadles on the Mac's since they don't fatigue me nearly as much as do the front-hinged ones. The collapsible cloth bar and removable beater also appeal to me since they facilitate dressing from the rear which is my preferred mode of dressing a loom. " Keith in Fredericton, N.B., Canada

Do you have a testimonial to share??

Or do you need a photo of some obscure or confusing loom part?

I welcome all requests!

Happy weaving, Sarah

Strange parts department

This part is one of loose objects that rarely gets passed on from one owner to another. It is the gizmo that you use to hold the brake down so that winding the warp is easier. If you do not have this part any more (and believe me most weavers do not!), you can easily fashion a similar device that does the same job. The goal is to prop something between the brake pedal and the cross piece at the bottom of the loom.

One photo here shows the device in place. Remember that I have an air dobby so my cross piece is cast iron, not wood. The green hose is the air pressure hose to run the dobby system.

Included here is a photo detail of the back brake system on my loom. I have two back beams. The upper beam has a friction brake and the lower beam has a ratchet brake. The friction brake uses the springs and the ratchet brake uses the spring. I hope this helps those of you who are struggling to set up loom that have been disassembled. If you need more images, let me know!

I am back to work steadily in the studio. Making serious progress on the "Tree of Life" commission.

Happy weaving! Sarah