Welcome to the Macomber loom group site

Thanks for starting this group Michael.  I got my Macomber a few months ago and love the loom.  I have a 4H/6T but plan to increase to the full 16H over the next few years.  It is a great loom to weave on and I can't see myself looking for anything different.  I may look for a portable Mac eventually thought LOL  

Don't have one, yet, but I'm hunting for one!

This list is great. Thanks, Michael, for all your help so far!

On my wish list is a 40 or 48" with 16H or one with the room to expand to 16.

Connie in Ohio

What Macomber do you have? Can your loom take 16H?

Michael

Connie, that should be "I'm hunting a Mac..." (g) I will keep looking for you.

Michael

Good morning Michael-

I have a Macomber B4-D and yes, it can hold 16 harnesses when full.  It is 48" weaving width and it has 4H/6T right now.  I got it on an unbelieveable deal a few months ago and love the loom.  It is so great to weave on and as a new weaver, I know I can really grow into this loom.  I did post a picture of it here on Weavolution.

Rena

Rena can you measure the space where the jacks are?

Thanks,

Michael

I measured the castle.  It is 9 3/4" across and the interior opening is 8". There are slots for all 16 harnesses.

Hope this helps.

Rena

who bought that Macomber from Durham, NC that had been advertised for so long?  I just realized that that sort of loom could be used for the harnesses it had to upgrade mine at a much more economical price.  When I finally realized this (thank you Connie), and emailed, it was recently sold.  Are you the people that decided to buy and rehab it? Rena

Sorry Rena it was not Connie that got that loom it was me. I did the same thing. I removed four frames to add to Cheryl's 4H 48" loom making it 8H. I think I have some one that wants to purchase the loom and turn it into a 16H loom if the information from you is correct. I will check on this. To see the story of picking up this loom go here http://weavolution.com/forum/chat/my-corner-world-february-2011-16898 post # 26 and pictures of the loom at # 48

Michael 

extra harnesses that might be available for purchase?  Just asking.  I am looking to add 4 harnesses by the end of this year. Rena

Rena, If you have a 8 inch opening it should take 16 harness. Check one thing for me. The lam spacer, count the number of slots in it. If you have 16, yes. you are good to go. Everything on the Macomber is the same except the jacks. Depending on the shaft number the hole on the jack are different. But if you get a other 4H loom you can drill new holes to make a 1, 2, 3, 4, fit a 5, 6, 7, 8, slot. or for that matter a 1 can be come a 16. Does this make sense to you?

Michael 

will take a total of 16 harnesses.  I just went and counted and there are a total of 12 more slots available. So if I understand you right, I need to look for a loom that will hold 16 but is being sold cheap and look for harnesses and jacks 5-16.  Not likely but worth the thought.

No, you can use the jacks from any 48 inch B4D loom. You will just have to drill holes in the jacks. See attached picture. Note how the holes in the jacks move. Right side is the front.

Michael 

I'm Debbie, and I have a 32" 10H 14T Macomber B5. I got my loom used, and love weaving on it. I have some issues with it - some of the metal rods that go from the jacks to the lamms are bent (I'm not sure what if any difference that makes), and it throws tie-up rods with wild abandon when I use more than 4 shafts - but it's a wonderful sturdy loom. I've just ordered a Texsolv tie-up kit to convert it so that I don't have the thrown tie-up rod issue anymore.

Happy Weaving!

Debbie

Debbie, are you using the rods that go over the top of the lamms or the ones that go into the holes? On the ones with the holes, over time the hole gets enlarged and they will jump out. Using the new "super" rods help. The jack rods can be bent if you are having an issue with frames not lifting right. Other then that I think all the rods bend a little.

I have both styles of rods. The ones that go in the lamms jump out, and the ones that fit over the top fly off. I don't let my treadles pop back up, but rather ride them up a little, and I still lose rods. I've been so frustrated with the whole system that I spent the money for the texsolv kit, and I'm going to convert it this week. I'll report on how that goes.

Thanks for the info regarding the jack rods - I was concerned about whether I should try to adjust them myself or not. I do have issues with frames sticking from time to time, and the bent rods might be the problem.

The frame sticking and the jumping can all be part of the same problem. A dirty slot in the treadles. What happens is the rod stick which causes the frames to stick or to move together. This also causes the rods (which are not moving freely) to jump off. You can clean this slot with folded sandpaper or a small file. Sarah (Macomber's sales rep) recommends using a silicone spray. I do not recommend using silicone anywhere on a loom because it makes it impossible to refinish the wood on top of silicone. I would just clean out the slot and leave it dry. You can try this before replaceing the rods with texsolv. Super rod are $1.00 each. Macomber recommends not mixing old and new.

Michael

had nice things to say about her Macomber. See her post #7 here:

http://weavolution.com/forum/weaving/types-looms-do-you-have-your-home-studio-do-you-make-them-17455

I currently have a 40" 16 shaft Macomber (my Big Mac) and a 20" 6 shaft folding Macomber (my Baby Mac).  My original Macomber was purchased new about 35 years ago (48" 8 shaft).  I upgraded it to 10 shafts about 10 years later.  I found a used (from original owner) 40" with 8 shafts and a 16 shaft frame and purchased that about 15 years ago and sold the original 48".  I upgraded to the 16 shafts and then 5 years ago added a second warp beam. 

My Baby Mac was purchased used from a weaver down sizing and I have used it both for weaving at home and traveling for demonstrations and workshops. 

I love my Macombers.  My biggest worry is not being able to lift those 16 shafts as I get older.  I think of it as my "step-machine" now when I weave.

Yes, the Macomber is a stepping motion. I have found that my back doesn't hurt when weaving on May Belle. The Bernat I had would make my hips and lower back hurt and I could only weave for a short time. I use a swivel secretary's chair to weave with and I have it up high enough that I can just press down with my leg to raise the shafts. Between that and being able to advance the warp without getting up, I find I can weave for a long stretch before I realize it. I like to weave with the Weather Channel on: pretty music, repititous friendly voices, and every 8 minutes you can check your progress.

Vicki Allen

I love it! :)

Deanna,
Argh! You have my dream loom! lol I've been hunting high and low for a 40" 16H Macomber. I did buy a 32" 12H that I've just recently finished refurbishing. Haven't gotten it from the garage and ustairs yet. I'm really excited to get it warped.

If you know of or see another 40" 16H for sale, let me know, please! (even if it is less harnesses but able to add up to 16 like you did.)

Best wishes,
Connie

Missed it by ***that*** much. (Anybody remember Maxwell Smart?)

I am old enough to remember Maxwell Smart. I remember agent 99 more, great body.

Deanna, A 40" 16H is a step machine. A 16h 56" is a leg killer according to Cheryl. But the cloth patterns you get from a 16H loom is worth the work out. I just need to work on my counter weight system to make treadling easyer.

Michael

mmrudy, Spindledreams, Penn and deepend to the Macomber group.

Michael

Amazing how fast the membership is growing. But with thousands of these looms out there, it really isn't all that surprising, I suppose.

Connie

I'm so glad to see a forum for Macomber looms. I have three, and am ashamed to say none is in operating condition.

Here's the inventory, in order of purchase:

1. 40", at harness capacity with 8H, 12T and room for 4 more, so it's potentially an 8H/16T loom.

I bought it because it was very cheap and was advertised as a 48". Picked it up in pieces from a dark garage in RI after a 400-mile drive in an F150, and didn't discover the measuring mistake until unloading it 2 days later.

A weaving pro had told me that the 40" loom had bad brakes, something about things spinning and losing tension on the warp when you advanced it. Said you had to get the 48" or wider loom to avoid it. It wasn't until recently that I learned that you just have to release the cloth tension before releasing the tension on the warp to avoid that problem. Wish I'd known that before I bought #2.

#2, 48" w/8H and room for 8 more, 16T installed, plain and sectional beams, and all the cranks and hardware and heddles it needs. In good condition, just in want of some cleaning and polishing (and un-sticking one stubborn lamm), plus a place to live year-round, since the room I planned to put it in just wasn't big enough.

After dealing with a few years of life crises and illnesses and no weaving, I wanted to get back to it, but rotator cuff problems weren't making wide looms appealing. I decided to get a narrower one, give it my best shot, and if I couldn't weave without pain, sell them all. So last fall, I got #3.

#3, 24" B5-A, at its capacity of 8H/10T. It's the smallest of the regular Macs and is a lot heavier than the 24" Baby Mac. Frame is sound and all parts are there, but it's been badly neglected and needs deep cleaning, refinishing, metal treatment, etc.

I plan to start work on #3 later this month or in May, when the weather finally turns warm. As soon as it's done, I'll start weaving!

Welcome to the group!

I sure hope you're able to use the small one. I just refurbished my 32" and am installing the new aprons today!

There is a lot of info over on the "Refurbish" thread that might be helpful to you.

Connie

I never saw anyone as happy about getting aprons as you were today. :-)

You and Michael are very inspiring when it comes to the hard labor of sprucing up these looms. It's especially helpful to hear about alternative ways to clean and finish the metal and wood. I'm committed to getting the little one fixed up and starting to weave again, I just want to do it when I can work in the garage without freezing.

I'm looking forward to hearing how things go when you attach the aprons, and what you plan to warp up for your maiden project.

See you on the Refubish thread!
- Penn

It sounds like you have your hands full of Macombers. yes, the wide looms can be a killer with out a (brain fart) fly shuttle (I had to go look it up). You could hire Connie to redo your loom. I am going to call her Mrs. Clean. When in a motel my mother-in-law makes the bed before the maid comes to change the sheets. She is the only person I know that wears out vacuum cleaners.

We all have all been following the adventures of Mrs. Clean, aka Connie (g) right now I would guess she is working on her new aprons and will have that loom dressed tomorrow.

Penn again wecome to the group and we all look forward to reading about your work on the looms. What part of PA?

Michael

Wecome to the Macomber group.

Michael

to the Macomber group. Weaver lady wecome to the world of weaving here on Weavolution. Where are you folks from.

Michael

I had to laugh about your name for Connie, but the photos of her renovated loom are proof that perfectionism sometimes pays off. It's just gorgeous.
-
I'm looking forward to working on my little loom. There's nothing like taking something apart and cleaning and refurbing it to make it yours, and it'll also help me understand exactly how it works.
-
I was downstairs looking at it tonight, and have a question. I think Connie left the rod in place that holds the treadles and worked around it, but I'd love to get it off my loom so I can remove all the corrosion and get the treadles completely cleaned and refinished. The couple who sold it to me tried to do that to fit it in my car better, but had no luck. (We had to knock the bottom of the tool tray out so I could see in the rear-view mirror for the 200+ drive home, so I need to replace that.) Back to the treadle rod, any tips on dislodging it would be welcome. I was planning to get a giant nailset and use my little sledgehammer to whack the daylights out of it until it starts coming free, but there may be a better way. ;)
-
Before I forget, I'm in central PA, north of Harrisburg. Temps may hit 70 tomorrow!
-
- Penn (HTML tags don't seem to work)

Penn, the key to removing the rod is to lubricate it with a spray lub before starting. Start by removing the set screws in the little locks on the rod. Get a long 1/4" drift punch and not a nailset. Used this punch to drive out the rod, it should move easy. If not check to be certain you have gotten all the set screws removed. Once you can, use a small wooden block and a hammer to drive the rod out. DO NOT use the hammer on the end of the rod. You will flatten the end and make it harder to reinstall. What loom are you working on?

Michael

the Macomber group. Where do you live?

Michael

I'll be working first on the 24" Mac, which is a scaled-down version of the bigger looms, not the portable "baby mac" (CP) model. It's in the worst shape of the three of them, but I want to start using it first.

I didn't know there were set screws on the treadle rod. I never heard of drift punches, but now I know. I'll use PB Blaster as the lube unless you have a suggestion for something better.

I've been avoiding work on this loom because of my knees, but I just realized I can plunk the whole thing on a big work table and won't have to kneel/sit on the floor. Might as well save the joints for the tieups to come!

- Penn

Let be know if you run into trouble.

Michael

To the Macomber group. I know Orion is from Boston, MA. Linda can you tell us where you are from?

Michael

we paid for that 86f (33c) day this past Sunday with tornados and 100mph + straight winds Monday night. Here in Georgia there are lots of trees down and 4 people dead. We lost power around 11:30 pm on Monday and got the power restored at 3:00pm this afternoon. Trees down everywhere in the county. Luckily I had cut down two dead trees on the side of the house this winter and the power company cut down a very large pin oak (half dead) in the front of the house this summer. We are all well and I will spent the day tomorrow cleaning up in the kitchen. Cheryl never missed a beat, she woven four scarfs. Something about a "foot/hand" powered loom.

to the Macomber group. Please let the group where y'all are from.

Michael

Wow! So glad you and Cheryl are ok. I didn't even hear about tornadoes in GA.

I thought you were pretty quiet. Now we know why!
Connie

I live in Washington state north of Seattle.  Michael, I flew into Atlanta a few months back for some training in Alabama and while I enjoyed the education I was won over by the hospitality.  I hope to return some day for a more leasurely visit just not in tornado season!

Cindy

Three years ago a tornado hit downtown Atlanta. You can see the video here: http://www.myfoxatlanta.com/dpp/news/local_news/Third-Anniversary-of-Atlanta-Tornado-20110314-am-sd

Michael

I can't even imagine what a tornado would be like, we don't have a lot of natural disasters here in the pacific NW other than an occasional earthquake, some rivers tend to run over a bit and of coarse lots of liquid sunshine but nothing like hurricanes and tornados. 

Cindy

Hello, just joined the group the other day.

I am Elaine, from Charlestown, Indiana, which is just across the river from Louisville, KY. I lucked onto a 40" B5 a couple of years ago for $600. I am only a sporadic weaver, though everytime I get the loom warped, I just love weaving. I just can't stop until the warp is all used up! Then I struggle with figuring out what the next warp should be and get all bogged down.

I've owned some other looms over the years, but only 4 harness. So when I chanced upon the Mac with 10 harnesses, I was excited to expand. I am extremely pleased with the way the Mac weaves and absolutely love it.

Thanks for the welcome to the group, Michael.

Elaine

Nice to have you here. Are you polishing up the glasses for next months big race?

Michael

Hi, I'm Keith, from Elgin, IL.  I'm a Lutheran pastor who weaves in his spare (yeah, right!) time...  I started weaving about 4 years ago while on my parish internship, and got hooked.  I've been weaving on a Harrisville Designs 36" 4H-4T, which was a good way to learn, but not terribly sturdy and limiting as far as shafts and treadles...plus, I made one rug on it and that was not a happy experience!  (Though I did get a sermon out of it.  :-) ) 

I've been looking for a larger loom for a couple of years now, and just this week found a Macomber B4 48" 8H-10T on Craigslist here in Chicago.  I learned from Macomber that it was built in March 1958 for the University of Oregon arts program...not sure how it made its way to the Midwest, but it has done both coasts and is now in the middle of the country--hopefully for a long time!

I'll be refurbishing it, though it's usable, so the info I've been gleaning on here has been helpful already!

I'll look forward to communicating with you all!

Peace,

Keith

Way to go! I'm glad somebody got that loom.

Good luck with the refurb. If you have questions, just holler!
Connie

A lot of schools have been closing down their textile dept. and selling equipment. Last year universities it CA alone sold over 300 looms. Last week I posted a sale of (?) 15 looms in Ohio. Enjoy your loom we are here to answer any questions you have about your loom.

Michael

I know periwinkle (phyllis) is from MA. geri518 please tell us where you are from. Phyllis I enjoyed looking at your web site. You need to touch base with suzyhok here on weavo. She and her husband spend the winter in GA then sail back to upstate NY for the summer.

Michael

to the Macomber group. What part of NY? I was born in NYC, many years ago.

Michael 

to the Macomber group. Looks like your hawk ate well. I guess you are going to have a "heat" wave up your way. But, it is still early enough for you to still get snow. Go figure.

Michael 

Thank you for the welcome, Michael.  I'm in Maryland.  I have a 40" Macomber which which I bought in 1983 with four shafts and room for four more.  I have just recently begun weaving again, so far only on a table loom but I'm clearing out space to be able to use my Mac again and, hopefully, to finally add those last four shafts.  

to the Macomber group. Where do you live?

Michael

the Macomber group. Please tell us where you are from?

Michael

the Macomber group. Please tell us where you are from?

Have a great day weaving,

Michael

to the Macomber group. Natural Fibres how is everything in Canada's Northwest territories? Vette67 please tell us where you are from.

Again welcome,

Michael

Moved from A IM posting with Organis1 permission:

I live in Alpena, Michigan on the shores of Northern Lake Huron which has yet to see Spring- 8 inches of heavy, wet snow yesterday.  After a long search, I finally found a 6 shaft Baby Mac in great working condition and just in need of cosmetic TLC. I'm very interested in the restoration posts of the group and am very impressed with the work of the members. My loom currently has a sectional warp beam which I would like to change out for a regular one. Lacking another beam,  conversion of the sectional beam would be my next alternative. Does anyone know if the metal pegs can be pulled out with pliers or is it necessary to take the arms off and remove them from the back? Any suggestions will be valued.

Thanks, Marion aka organist1 

Marion, I know all about your part of the country. Two years ago a purchased a used 56" 16H Macomber in Oct. from a lady in the Bay City area. I had her hold the loom to spring. We were going to go in early May but your weather was still cold so we went in June and the temp was still in the low 70s. I have a friend south of Lansing (who is a weaver), we started our trip to "Pure MI" there and when W to the lake then N then E to your lake then to Bay City and home. We drove in MI for 10 days.

To answer your question, yes the pins just pull out. You can use that beam (without the pins) as a plain beam. Just add strings or a apron.

Michael, Bay City is 140 miles South and about 2 weeks ahead of us in the coming of Spring, Lansing about 3 weeks. When Spring finally appears, we hear four little words in the weather report, "cooler near Lake Huron" which means as much as 10 degrees 8 miles inland. Yes, we get more than a little testy this time of year but in the Summer, we only usually have a few really very hot days. When can you safely plant a garden in Georgia?                                                                                                                                               Thanks for your help with the beam conversion. The pegs on the sectional beam pulled out with vise grips and I'm making the aprons today. I've also converted the tie up cords to texsolv with arrow pegs in the slots of the treadles which is how my friend's baby mac is set-up and I've been using for the last month. Kati is very inventive and has many useful ideas for efficient weaving.             

Cheers, Marion

Vjjleo, please tell us where you are from? Dizzyd I know you are from WI, I looked at your "new" weaving building (studio) a few months ago very, very nice.

Again welcome to the Macomber group,

Michael

to the Macomber group. 60 epi you must be doing some fine weaving in WV?

Again welcome,

Michael

The Macomber group. Please tell the group where you are from?

Thanks and wecome again,

Michael

The Macomber group. Please tell the group where you are from.

Again welcome,

Michael

The Macomber group. Please tell the group where you are from.

Again welcome,

Michael

the Macomber group. We know the folk school well. On the first week-end of Oct. they have (had) a craft festival. Cheryl and I did weaving demos there for 10 years. Say hello to Pam Howard. Tell her Cheryl didn't get "Gus" but she did get a 56" 16h Macomber.

Take care & enjoy the mountains.

Michael

the Macomber group. Please tell the group where you are from.

Again welcome,

Michael

I am new weaver from Winston Salem, NC.  My weaving instructor is loaning me her B4D Macomber.  The person she has sold it to cannot use it right now.  It is now in my house and I am starting the process of restoring it for use.  This group makes the project seem a little less scary.

You have found just the right place to get information on restoreing a Macomber loom. Have fun, we all look forward to seeing the loom when you are done.

Michael

the Macomber group. Hi Cynthia from PA welcome.

Michael

My name is Robin.  

Today I put some of the info found on this site to good use working on the B4D.  I cleaned the wood then used Howard feed-n-wax.   Just getting all the dead spiders, their old webs, old sacs, yucky I don't-wanna-know things gone --- feels better already.  

The wood was so thirsty it absorbed the Howards with no need to wipe off.  Scary rust jobs are next.

Getting you loom cleaned up is a lot of hard work that you do with love and understanding that you are giving this loom a new life. We look forward to hearing about your journey.

Michael

The San Francisco State University Textile Dept. is having a white elephant benefit sale on Saturday, May 21, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the SFSU art dept.  Items include two Macombers, a 8-H and a 12-H.  I'm not associated with the sale, but was asked to spread the word.  For more questions, contact textiles@sfsu.edu

Macomber group. Please tell the group where you are from.

Welcome,

Michael

Hi Michael,

Thanks for the welcome and for moving the post about the SFSU textile dept sale to obtain broader attention.  I live in San Francisco and have a Baby-Mac, 8-H that I bought from a professional weaver around 30 years ago.  She had purchased it from CCAC.  

samekid 

Over the past year I have see over 200 looms being sold my CA schools as they close down their Textile programs. A lot of Macomber and other looms being sold cheap.

Michael

I had a 40" 4 shaft Macomber and sadly sold it a couple of years ago.  I currently have a 20" 8 shaft Baby Mac.  It was a rental/workshop loom at a guild so it's a little beaten up but works great.  The only problem I have is the back shafts sticking sometimes.  I know it has to do with which shafts are lifted together so I just need to put on a sampling warp and try to figure out where the problem is.  I'm sure it's nothing that can't be fixed!

I would start by giving your loom a good cleaning and a lub job.

Michael

The Macomber group.

Michael

There were 4 harnesses on ebay yesterday and the bids were at $38 can't locate it right now but I thought there was a few more days to go, also a 48" Mac in Utah with a starting bid of $100 and a buy it now of $400.

For posting this information.

Michael

I did clean everything up on the loom, but I think maybe one or more of the lamms is a little bowed or something.  When I release the pedal, it comes down part way until the lamm is just above the others.  I then have to push down on the shaft to get it down the rest of the way.  I have a scarf warp on now and will really pay attention to what it's doing and write it down so I'll remember what to look at when I can take it apart.

I love my Macomber loom that I've dubbed Mab for the fairy queen. I rescued her from oblivion when Florida State University closed down their weaving program some years ago. When I got the loom at auction she had just 4 shafts but room for 10. Today she's fully rigged with 10 harnesses and 18 treadles (40" weaving width).

I'd really love two more harnesses and have wondered about the feasibility of changing out the castle to a 12-shaft one. But that feels a little like ripping the heart out of my dear old gal.

Comments? Suggestions?

Ramona

It will take more then changing the castle. You would have to change the jacks rods, lamm rods, divider and guides. But it could be done.

Michael

Macomber group.

Michael

That sounds like getting a whole new loom would make more sense. That's the sort of information I was looking for, Michael. Thanks.

RAP

Macomber group,

Michael

Macomber group.

Michael

I need to test load a picture so here is one of Cheryl's Macombers in her studio.

Welcome to the Macomber group.

MIchael

The Macomber group.

Michael

Macomber group.

Michael

Hi,

I'm Marlene from soujthern oregon and I got my loom home yesterday. I have a 2 harness loaned to me to make some rugs on but I wanted a 4 so I started looking a few months ago.The new to me loom came from a local thrift shop and I got it very resonable.I will have to add a reed and a part on the front but I think it will all be great. It appears to be a 40 inch Macomber with 6 tredles and 4 harnesses in place. The finish is dry and the whole loom is dusty but not really dirty so she should be fine after a cleaning. There are two  metal hooks on the front of the legs. They look like they would hold a board or a rail along the bottom?

 What about instruction books? Are they available? I can not find a plate or lable on this loom either.

 Thanks so much for being here. I know I'll have lots of questions as I learn how to use this loom.

Marlene

The brackets on the front legs of what looks like a Macomber are for a wooden bar that sits in the brackets.  The bar is a foot rest.  You have a choice of two positions for the bar, depending upon how close or far from the treadles you like to rest your feet.

Thanks so much Weaver/dyer. I had thought as much. On of the sides has a divider missing in the bracket so I may try and get that replaced.

 Now I need to learn how to attach the tredles. Was there an instruction page or shhet some where?

Back to looking for id  too.

Marlene

From the front look on the left hand side of the upright and see if there are 2 holes, this is where the plate is/was.

Treadles-did you get some hooks with the loom?  They are about 5-6 inches long and bent on both ends made out of wire.  Basically one end hooks into the slot in the pedal that you want and the other end hooks into the holes in the bottom of the lamn.  If it doesn't have holes, in the lamm then you need what they call super hooks which slip over lamm.  (This will also give you a clue to the age of the loom - the newer looms don't have holes the older ones do)  You can buy the hooks for $1.00 a piece from Sarah who handles Macomber parts.  She can also help with the foot rest. I will put her website and contact info on the bottom.  I have one of my dividers missing on my 16 harness and I am still able to use the foot rest with no problem so try it first.

There is no booklet or instruction info which is of any use.  The one that came with the original looms assumed you knew how to weave-it is definitely not user friendly!!

Have fun, Macomber's are wonderful looms and the one you have is a real work-horse.  Mine was a gift after 25 years of weaving on another loom, and it was like going from a Ford to a Cadillac for me!!  If you need help this is a great group and over 100 people with Macomber looms!!  My husband who is the official group guru sends you a warm welcome.

Cheryl, www.handweaver.us

http://macomberloomsandme.blogspot.com/

I looked at the pictured you posted under looms. You have a sectional beam on this loom.

Michael 

Thanks so much! This is like a new Christmas toy in July with no instructions to put it together. Can you tell me how long the hook for the treadles should be? Yes there are holes in the bottom of the sheet that comes down when you raise a heddle.When the Lamas are pushed down. New word for me,lamas. I know so little and only about 2 harness looms so this will be slow but I can make hooks or have them made too. Today I looked at the livingroom where the other old loom sits and there will be room in there if I fold up the older one and put it aginst the wall. But first I am going to use up the WARP I worked so hard to put on it.I've done two rugs on this warp so it is getting short. Then to the new loom! It will be so much better. I have to wait for a reed  anyway unless I use the 6epi from the other loom.

So Thanks so much for your help and question answering. I'm sure I'll have lots more.

Marlene

Congratulations!  My first Macomber was a 40" 4 harness.  I loved that loom, but sadly sold it to make room for a sewing area so I could finish what I weave.  I do have a Baby Mac, but I sure do miss my big Mac.  It was such a pleasure to put a warp on it, so much easier than many looms.

First the word is a lamm. I will take a picture of a hook and give you the size tomorrow. If you can find the right gage wire I guess you could made them. Are you a member of a weaving guild?

Michael

No I am not a member of a weaving guild. I think there is one in Coos Bay but I am a long ways away from there across many hills.

 But I am a long ways from anything. I am even 18 miles north of Remote, Oregon

marlene

Marlene,

Welcome to the group! Along with the wonderful people on this group, I found Sarah Haskill's web blog to be incredibly helpful. If you start from the beginning and read forward, there is a wealth of information there with loads of pictures.

http://macomberloomsandme.blogspot.com/

Sarah is the Macomber sales rep and will also answer questions and help you buy replacement parts.

Best of luck!
Connie

Macomber group. If you have any questions, someone here can help you find an answer.

Michael

The Macomber group. We live to answer your questions.

Michael

Macomber group. You have a question someone here may have the answer.

Michael

Hi, I'm Sequel and I'm in Richmond, VA. 

I own an almost new (second hand) Baby Mac.  I found the hook-hopping-off problem on my second tie-up ever.  It was only happening on the second and ninth treadles and I moved the hooks to the outside of the bar that attaches the lamm to the jacks.  That solved the problem for me.  Naturally, the other people in my class at MAFA had to be warned about controlling the fall of the shafts...

Michael, did I sell you a big Macomber for $2500 a few years ago? 

No, I did not purchase a big Mac. from you. But we have done business together. I remember the name and the city. Maybe you purchased books or yarn from me? I am glad turning the hooks fixed your problem.

Michael

http://www.handweaver.us/georgia_yarn_company.htm

I did buy some books.  I remember selling a really big Mac (16 or 20 shaft, double back beams and really wide) to a couple that rented a truck and drove up from Alabama, or Louisiana or someplace to pick it up.  Actually I didn't sell it, but Pine Camp Art Center owned it and we sold it to a couple whose husband had a beard like yours.  But it might have been Santa Claus or Kenny Rogers...

I did buy some books.  I remember selling a really big Mac (16 or 20 shaft, double back beams and really wide) to a couple that rented a truck and drove up from Alabama, or Louisiana or someplace to pick it up.  Actually I didn't sell it, but Pine Camp Art Center owned it and we sold it to a couple whose husband had a beard like yours.  But it might have been Santa Claus or Kenny Rogers...

How do I delete a duplicate message?

Good Evening everyone.

 Now that I got the reed for my Macomber I need some help as I have a few questions. I do not know which way the arm that holds the reed goes. There are stops on one side,like bumpers, do they go aginst the front beam or aginst the castle?

 Also that arm has two slots at the bottom of the legs and a bolt to put them on that they piviot from, Why? How do I know which one to put them on? 

Is there a best order to tie up the treadles in? I know it depends on the weave you are doing but I mean in general ?

Should I do the 12,23,34,14 13,24 or? I have 4 headles and 6 treadles and want to check out what I can do .

 This loom is so nice! Ihave 2 feet of warp on her to learn the basics with and be sure everything is working and so far I love her! So smooth and quite and solid. What a pleasure after the old one I was using.

 Thanks for all your help so far and hope I can get a bit more.

Marlene  in cold rainy Oregon, Oh wait it is Oregon.

\

You can not delete messages. You can send a PM to Claudia and she can do it.

He must have been a good looking guy (g)

Michael

You tell everyone it rains in OR to keep people from moving to your lovely state. Send some rain to my piece of Georgia.

The beater goes on with the bumpers facing the heddles. The two slots in the legs allows you to adjust the shed opering.

Marlene, what you have mentioned is a basic twill tie up with tabby(plainweave on the other 2 pedals-the 1,3 and 2,4 will give you plainweave IF you threaded 1234 or some variation of twill that allows plainweave)  There is choice as to where you put those plainweave pedals you can put them on the right, the left, or one on the outside left and one on the outside right,some people even put them in the middle.  This is something you need to try and see which you like.  The only reason you need to worry about this is if you are weaving a pattern like overshot that requires plainweave in between the pattern picks.  Right now I would put the plainweave on the right or left and you can weave a hem and try it out.  Then you will have the other 4 pedals to play with for all the variations of twill. I would do a direct tie up with the other 4 pedals (tying one harness to each pedal)and you may have to use 2 feet at once, but you will have greater variety and can do uneven twills raising only one harness at a time.  There are so many variations!! Do you have access to a weaving book.  Usually the first chapter has a lot of this as a guide. Margurite Porter Davison's Handweavers Pattern Book, has this in the first chapter, but other books have this info, and Handwoven had a sampler in one issue- I could find the ref if you need.

I hope this is not too confusing- I can clarify if necessary-main thing is play around and see what happens and most of all enjoy!!

Cheryl

Putting the hooks on the treadles. The way I do this on the 16 harness loom is as follows: First I remove all the hooks, I put my finger behine the hooks and pull them forward. These releases the old type hooks on the new "super" hooks you have to pust them off.

I work from the back to the front. Ex. I pull down the nr. 16 lamm and using my treadleing guild I put the hooks in all the treadles that get a nr. 16 tieup. I then move to Nr 15 and do the same. The reason I work from the back is so I don't have the front hooks in my way.

Michael

Good Am,

 Can someone point me to a web site where I could learn how to do a waffle weave? I have a great grand child coming in Jan and would like to do a blanket for them.  My library is no help so I am hoping there is some place on line that might have basic instructions.

Thanks

Marlene

You can find information on waffle weave here: http://www.handweaving.net/TagSearch.aspx?keywords=1F61F20DF9C2F2ACE4A9F9BB47DBBB24

You can also see a baby banket Cheryl wove for my new grandson here: http://www.handweaver.us/Baby%20blanket.htm

Michael

 Thanks, That is a beautiful blanket but not exactly what I was looking for. I may try it anyway.

So Thanks again

Marlene

Macomber group. 3D on a normal loom I will have to check that out.

Michael

Well the more I learn the more I need to know and the more questions I seam to have. This time it is about the sectional beam.
I am getting ready with the help of a frriend to do a sectional warp on my loom. The beam that is on there had some small strings fastened on with small staples next to the spikes. The strings are all but gone and mostly there is just some old staples. So my question is, How do you tie on the string that holds the sectional bundle of warp? Should I try and remove the old staples and fasten a new string with some small eye screws to the back of the section? One for each section? How are they attached now on the newer looms?
Thanks again for all the help.
Marlene (the sun is shinning in Oregon and I have a fan on. About 70 today)

You could replace the strings and the staples. You would need to use a strong cord and make them the size of the ones on the loom. I would not use eye screws they will stick out to far. You could purchase small wire staples, used to hold wire. You need to try and keep the strings all the same size. Macomber also sells a DYI kit to replace the strings. On the new looms they are still attached with staples.

Michael

Once again, Thanks Michael. There is nothing but fuzz of the old string remaining. I'll use some strong stuff I have here and I think I understand about having them all the same size. I'll make the strings all the same then attach them. Where are the staples on the newer looms? The grove at the back of each section seams like a better place than right up at the edge. But what do I know. Is there any chance anyone could get a picture of an empty sectional beam that shows the attachment of the string?

 Thanks

Marlene

I will take a picture later today.

Michael

You are the best! Michael, That will help a lot. These old staples are in bad shape. Some are broke andhave sharp points sticking up and some are missing. The ones that are there had just a tuff of string left in them. Someone nailed web straps in there too to hold a rod for regular warping but I think I can get them out of the way.
Have a great day and Again, Thanks
Marlene

Here are the pictures. The string is one long piece of cord attached at the staples to form a loop. What I would do is drive in the small staples just so they hold well. Then I would string the cord through the staples using a measuring gage to get all the loops the same. tieing each string and setting the staple before going on to the next one.

Macomber group.

Michael

Macomber group. I could use some of your chill right now in hot Georgia.

Michael

Macomber group. Lynda you will find answers to most of your questions here.

Michael 

I have a 40" Macomber that will hold 10 harnesses. It currently has 4 harnesses and 6 treadles. Actually it's currently in pieces as I'm in the midst of restoring it. I have a small table loom that I bought for $50 back in 1996, but it only weaves 20" wide, which practically speaking means I get 18' wide shawls. So, I'd been looking for a deal on a larger floor loom. I got the Mac from an ad in the Houston Handweaver's guild website in 2009. The original owner was giving it away. She had bought it in 1974 and it was need of repair. So, she was looking for someone to love it and that was me! I just started the repair process this year after renovating my son's old bedroom to be a studio for me. I'm almost finished with refinishing all the wood, then I plan to move onto the metal parts. I signed up for this forum today thinking you might have some good info and I feel like I've found a gold mine!

Yes, there is a world of information here from people that have restored their Macomber looms. We look forward to hearing about how you are doing and seeing pictures as you work on the loom.

Michael

We've read lots of solutions for the hooks and superhooks falling off on the portable Macombers.  I tried all of them except for switching to Texsolv.

My new to me, 5 year old CP was throwing superhooks.  I could tell the hooks were binding in the treadle slots.  I tried sanding the slots, no fun, let me tell you!  And it still didn't work.  Then, I decided to loosen the screw that closes the slot at the end of the treadle, not a lot, just enough to say I did it.  And just to be on the safe side, I polished the superhook shafts with paraffin and a soft cloth - end of problem!

Don't substitute beeswax.  It may be natural but it's really sticky!  If I could figure out how to get it off the apron cords I would...

I have trouble with my brake releasing in the middle of my weaving, the cogs don't look broken or too worn, I always make sure when I make adjustments that it is well seated - what else should I try?

Macomber used a number of different brake set ups. Can you take a picture of your brake? It sounds like it just need adjusting or maybe a new spring.

Michael

Sometimes on my 48" Mac, the pawl on the cloth beam doesn't set exactly right in the gear and it will let loose.  There are two pawls (I think I'm using the correct term) and one of them has to be firmly at the bottom on the teeth. Sometimes they will both be just a little too high.

If you will remove the cloth beam and add 2 or 3 5/8" fender washers to the left side of the cloth beam shaft this will take care of this problem.

Michael

Thanks!

 I had the problem of the cloth beam slipping but the loom was warped and I didn't want to take it off right now. So I put a piece of 2x4 cut at an angle into a wedge on the left side between the geer and the side and it is working great. I just lift the handle and the wedge comes out and I can release it and take up .

 It is working great and after I adjustred te tension tighter the old loom is weaving great. This is the first full width warp I have put on the loom and was worried at first.I wasn't beating dow even. Then I tighten it all down and now it is fine. I also released the tension when I quit last night. Do you all do that?

Thanks again to everyone esp Michael for helping me so much get this loom working.

Marlene in cloudy and cool Oregon

 Well I got the washers and it sure fixed the problem with the take up geer slipping. Thanks again Michael.

 Now my friend that weaves rugs for a living tells me I can't weave rugs on a Macomber loom. Why? she did not say so I sent her a picture of my newest wool rug and asked her why.

Any of you ever hear  that? Do you know why? She said it was good for blankets  and fabric but not rugs. Sure seams to work well for me. Am I missing something here?Or just doing it wrong again?

Marlene

Some people have the mind set that you have to have a "rug loom" to weave rugs. Not true, on your Macomber, and other looms, you can weave fine silk pieces to heavy rugs. It is all in your mind set.

Michael 

Thank You once again Michael. I kind of thought that was the case and since I am on my second large rug and it is looking beautiful  I am just fine with weaving rugs on a non-rug loom.

The fender washers solved my other problem and that is justfine now. Wish you were closer, I would like to come to your house for a week long class!

Have a great week.

marlene who is going back to weave her rug on her non rug loom. lol

This past June I was loaned a Macomber to refurb and use. I first fell in love with these looms while using one at John C Campbell's folk art school. I so very much wish I had a happy ending to tell. I ordered the parts I needed from Sarah Haskell. She is truely great and has tried so very hard to help me. But it is August and the part I have ordered in June are still not here. None of my voicemails to the company were ever answered. I understand they are down to 1 employee. I am giving up. The Macomber is going back to it's owner unrefurbished and I just bought a Glimakra standard. Best wishes to all of you who are lucky enough to be happy with your Macomber...i'm not a just little jealous. I hope this company recovers and one day I have the confidence to try again. Until then, I can only advise caution to anyone buying a Macomber thinking the company will help them get it in working order.

I am sorry that you have had problems getting your parts from Macomber. Yes, the owner and the 1 employee are at times hard to get it touch with. What parts were you looking for?

Sarah "should" be back early this winter. Maybe she will put on her boots and get her whip out.

Michael

Hi, I'm new to weaving, new to my Macomber B5, new to Weavolution & new to this group.  I know I have a lot to learn, so thank you in advance to all you very knowledgeable weavers ... I think I'm going to need you.

Welcome to the Macomber group. I am certain someone on this group will have an answer for any of your questions.

Enjoy weaving on your B5,

Michael

I picked up the final parts of my Macomber, which had been in storage for some time.  I was surprised to not see a makers label/number on it.  It's a 56" 8H and everything 'resembles' a Mac.  The wood is a nice color so it has some age, and the metal parts all look like the photo's I have seen. There are a few (mostly minor) parts missing so in the time taken to source/order those bits I should be able to get cracking with the clean up.

Any advice on the missing label gratefully received.

Steve

Here's the 'parts' stacked ready for some work

Steve

Did you check on the left side of the castle. If the plate is not there look for a couple of small holes. Someone may have removed the plate to work on the loom.

Michael

What parts are missing? What is the condition of the rubber piece under the jacks?

Michael

Michael,

I can't see any marks on the castle (either side) to indicate there has been something there, and no fading/marks obvious.

Steve

A quick 'muster' : the big one - no reeds, and mine (from other looms) are in storage in another country so will need to order one or two, the right hand support for the bottom of the beater frame is gone, a winding handle (can probably make something to do this job) for the cloth and sectional warp beams, the foot rail (straight piece of wood?), and some super hooks (there are only a half dozen).  The rubber under the jacks is discolored and a little dented, but seems flexible.

Steve

I have a 40" Macomber.  Bought it used in 1973 with four harnesses.  We just added four more harnesses and I am doing my first eight harness project.  I've never had any problems with this loom.  It's one of my babies.  My other baby is a four harness Norwood 16" workshop loom.  

Welcome to the Macomber group. We always enjoy seeing pictures.

Michael

any idea what you paid for your loom?  I'm trying to get a low & high price for another 40" 8 Harness Macomber B5 needing several repairs to work.  I know you bought several years ago, but the seller is a daughter & has no idea what to charge as it's sat in a basement the past maybe 40 years.  Thanks.

As I replied to this else where no more then $350

Hello. New member here! Yesterday I adopted a B5 24 inch loom. It is currently only 4 shaft, but I am planning to add the other 4 shafts at some time. My name is Carolyn, and I live in the southeastern- most county in Georgia. I am an active member of the Jekyll Isand Weaving Guild, which is under the expert hands of Betty Smith, who taught at John C. Campbell for many years.

I also own a 4 shaft Schacht Standard and an 8 shaft table loom.

I am very thrilled to have gotten a Macomber, as I have been wanting one ever since having the chance to weave on one.

I have already learned tons from reading through the forum posts. Thanks guys and gals!

Again welcome. That 24 inch B5 is a great loom. I have a friend with one that has 10 H. Cheryl would love a small Macomber. Weaving scarfs, dish towels on a 48" loom is overkill.

Enjoy your Mac

Michael

Great to know! Thank you Michael !

My daughter is graduating from the Art Institute of Chicago's art therapy program, and I want to get her a Macomber foldable floor loom as a graduation gift. Does anyone out there have one for sale??? Thanks so much, K.J.

Hi there,

Thought this might be the place to ask...I am considering the purchase of the above loom. I sold my Artisat (which I didn't care for - felt flimsy) some time ago, and haven't been weaving since. I keep going back and forth between starting again with a tabletop (like Jane or Ashford) or going straight for another floor loom (I have a bad shoulder, and wonder if using my arm to "treadle" would be uncomfortable). This Baby Mac came for sale and it seemed like a good compromise. Wondering though, if it would not have either the sturdiness of floor loom or the true portability of a tabletop loom, making it not a very good purchase? Also, could the wire heddles be replaced with Texsolv? One of the things I disliked about the Artisat was the noise.

Thanks for any input. Jennifer

I have a chance to buy a Macomber loom, 10 harness, 12 treadles Type B Ad-A-Harness, and was wondering if anyone can tell me if I can weave rag rugs on it? Right now I am weaving rugs on an old Sears 2 harness and it seems to be ok., it is a sectional warp, whereas the Macomber is not. Any help will be appreciated.Thanks

The B type Macomber is a heavy loom and can be used for weaving fine silks to making heavy rag rugs. If you are use to working with a sectional beam, you could purchase a used/new sectional beam for this loom

michael

Sorry no one replied to your question. I saw your posting, but since I am not an owner of a baby Mac I figured I would let someone else ans your question. I can tell you people have replaced both the heddles and the treadle rods with Texsolv. You could also post your question on the Macomber group page on www.ravelry.com

Michael

Jennifer

If you thought the Artisat was noisy, I don't think you'll like the Baby Mac.  You don't say if it's 4 or 8 shafts, 8 might make it heavier than you'd like for a portable, although wheels are available.  The wheels, though, are a little small for serious wheeling.  I tried wheeling mine along a brick sidewalk and it was a real wrestling match.  I'll be making a new device for wheels before the next MAFA.

Then of course double check to make sure it is a folding Baby Mac and not a very small standard floor loom.  Right now I don't think the Baby Mac is made in sizes smaller than 24"

The smallest CP loom made is a 16 inch.

Michael

I am planning to buy a 56" 16H Macomber loom this weekend. I need to know the dimensions -will it fit in my Rav4 or will we have to take a utility trailer (or rent a large van) to bring it back? 

Thanks!

Karen

Karen, I don't think it will fit in a Rav4. You can find the sizes here:

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zF80bd8NRiw/SkzqwU513yI/AAAAAAAAAT4/DrYKIhEsZzc/s1600-h/pricelist.2.jpg

Michael 

Thanks for the message and the link - I was hoping we didn't have to drag a trailer with us to pick it up, but I guess we'll have to! It'll be a long day, but I'll have a new-to-me loom at the end of it!

Does the 56" 16H loom fold? If so, what are the folded dimensions? We're still trying to figure out what vehicle to take or whether we should rent a truck. Thanks! Karen

The B5's front and back beams fold in, but the whole loom is solid and quite heavy.  It's roughly the size of an upright piano when folded.  In nice weather you could take a flat trailer with lot's of rope for securing the loom, or you could rent a small truck.   Even with a tall camper shell, mine is too tall for my F-250 pickup.  Check Michael's link for dimensions.

This helps a lot (especially since we have a piano!). 

is found on the same list as listed above.

Michael

Thanks. Perhaps it was the weaving width of 20". It is a 6 shaft loom. I think I'm going to pass. I talked to the owner and she suggested that as a jack loom it might need the weight of with wire heddles to treadle? I'm having a heck of a time. There are so many Baby Wolfs and other good small looms for sale in the US, but not much here in Canada. It is all LeClerc, which I really don't care for.

Thanks,
Jennifer

You can find a lot of information on the Baby Mac here: http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/macomber-looms/2013274/1-25

Because of the weight of the frames I would think you could replace the steel heddles with Texso.

Michael

The big looms fold somewhat, but they can be disassembled as well.  You would still have to deal with the central "castle" area without disassembly.  You sure don't want to mess with the mechanical jacks if you don't have to.  The front breast beam assembly and the treadles can be removed, and so can the back beam(s) and brakes.  Of course all the shafts come out too.  Pretty soon you're down to something two or three brawny teenage boys can lift.

If a newbie  does more than take the shafts & beater off, they should take photos before taking it apart.  How to reassemble things may be obvious to those of us that have us that have used these looms for 30+ years, but putting the slot of one end of the beater on the wrong peg may mean a crooked fell line, and turning the lever on the front brake the wrong way means it doesn't work.  And these are things I take off every time I thread my loom!

Failing photos, though, we're here to help.

I have loaded a 56" 16H & a 56" 8H and a few 48" Macs into the back of my S10 by myself with out taking anything off the loom. It is all a matter of physics. I never try an pick up all the weight; what I do is stand the loom on end and back my truck up to with in two feet of the loom and then lean the loom over ontill the tailgate then a lift the other end into the truck and tie it down. I weight 195 pounds.

Michael

Wow, Michael, that is amazing! My loom is only 40" wide with 8 harnesses, but room for 16. I was fortunate to have the husband of the gal I bought it from disassemble the bottom foundation feet from the uprights in order to get it upstairs into my little loom room in my house. That part had been originally glued and bolted, but he was able to get it apart. Disassembled with the front and back beams removed, as well as the harnesses off the loom, it was fairly easy for two women to help a guy move it and get it reassembled. Disassembling it was the only way I was able to buy it. Otherwise, I would be weaving in my front yard under the oaks...

is a task. But, with a good handtruck (appliance dolly) I can move most anything. With a piece like a loom the turns are tricky.

Michael

Need four used ad-a-harness harnesses to add to my 56" Macomber. 

Are you certain it is a 52 inch Macomber?

Michael

We drove ~ 5 hours to see the 56" 16H Macomber loom yesterday and it was no good - all rusted and in pieces. Strings and cords were rotten. So I didn't get it. 

If you know of anyone selling a smaller loom with 16 or more harnesses, I would be very interested. I'm thinking a 36" would be a perfect size with 16H.  Thanks! Karen

Karen,

Sorry you want all that way for nothing. Maybe the lady above would want the pieces? I think  herloom must be a 56 inch.

Michael

Thanks, Michael.  It's a 56" Macomber.