Many, MANY thanks to all for the thoughtful replies I received on my "Novice weaver..." post. I am thoroughly enjoying perusing various areas of Weavolution, and I'm especially fond of seeing photos of others' projects - a great way for me to learn.
As noted in my original "Novice weaver..." post, I'd like a 36" weaving width floor loom for myself (currently using a J-Made 24" loom that I'm 95% sure is a table loom conversion). There are a couple used looms in the general Missoula area (100 mile radius) that are currently available:
1. A 32" JL Hammett CB that needs some pieces parts (reed, cords, etc), but would be dirt cheap (maybe $150-$200). I love the stoutness of this loom, but my husband is NOT fond of the sizable footprint - at 55" wide and 55" long, it's a beast. Plus it looks like it'll be finicky to get the harnesses level (makes me nervous).
2. A 45" Nilus II CB loom that is being advertised on Craiglist for $1000 (includes bench). The advertiser is clueless about the loom, as he thinks it's a jack loom (photos prove otherwise) and can't answer any questions about reed dent, etc. It's been sitting unused for 6+ years; advertiser says he'll consider "all reasonable offers".
The Leclerc has the same width as the Hammett, but folds to a much smaller footprint, which is *very* attractive to me. Perusing the interwebs shows other used 45" CB Leclerc looms being offered in the $400 - $450 range. It also has an integrated shed regulator to make unbalanced weaving easier - something else that makes me a bit nervous about the Hammett.
Given my weaving desires (clothing, shawls, scarves, table runners, hopefully small rugs), which loom would YOU choose?
Julie in Montana
P.S. I warped up the J-Made to do a Mobius shawl with a 19" wide warp and started weaving. The loom is inadequate to the task and is frustrating me, so I'm looking forward to having a "real" floor loom.
Hey Julie,
Well...................If you ever want to weave heavy (rag) rugs, the Hammett would handle it better, but the LeClerc would do all the things that you have stated that you want to do and do them well, plus it FOLDS. The price for the LeClerc is too high, but maybe you can get it for several hundred less. The Hammett might need a bit more money invested to get to good working order making it not such a good deal after all. If you decide to go look at either, if possible, BRING AN EXPERIENCED WEAVER WITH YOU. It's easy to miss a problem when purchasing a loom if you aren't very familiar with them. (Ask me how I know!) The LeClerc could also be missing some parts or have some problem which an experienced weaver would notice, which would help you to get it for a better price.
Good luck and keep us posted on your decision
Candace in Oregon
Yes, the LeClerc folds, but the folding process is for storage or moving the loom through doorways. Most of the time it will be open. The Hammett comes apart and is moved in pieces.
The Hammett has such a wide shed that you can usually weave unbalanced weaves. I think, but I'm not sure, it could be retrofitted with a shed regulator.
...to both of you for the thoughts. I'm not ready to commit yet, but the "folding" part is important to me to reduce footprint when the loom isn't being used (and to keep my husband happy).
I wish I could bring an experienced weaver with me! but everything here is pretty far away (I don't have any good weaving friends, which is what I'd need for a 200+ mile roundtrip), so I'm relying on the expertise of this group (and internet searching) to help me. Yes, the price on the Leclerc CB is definitely too high; after reviewing photos, it looks like some of the lamms are partially falling down, and I'm suspicious that it's a 36" weaving width loom - I suspect the Craigslist advertiser just measured the outside loom dimensions. A 36" loom is fine, and actually more what I want...but all those point to the price needing to come way, way down.
I'll keep you posted, and I really appreciate the help and interest of the group.
Keep looking, the right thing will come along.
