I've got a lovely 36" 32S LeClerc Weavebird.  It is countermarche with computer control and two treadles.  The shafts are counterweighted so the treadling is very light and smooth.  It also has metal heddles, which was a big plus for me as I find them so much faster to thread, and feels like a traditional loom when weaving.  I have version 1, there is a version 2 coming out soon. 

http://www.leclerclooms.com/weavebird.htm

Which dobby loom are you using? Or thinking about using?

Laurie Autio

Comments

weaversouth (not verified)

I have two AVL's: a 24/24 WDL and a 48" A-series.  I love them like my children!  I have had some issues with the A-series E-lift, but AVL just reconditioned the elift for me and I will ge re-installing it next month (when I get the time!!!).

I just got Alice's new book, am about a quarter way through it and it's just brilliant!  HIGHLY-recommended!

Nancy C.

debmcclintock

 My first electronic loom is the AVL 24 shaft WDL.  It is great.  With its small footprint and the 24 inch width it is just the right size in my studio to weave scarfs and cloth for other uses and enough shafts for me to wander in all my books for years.

woven2000 (not verified)

My dobby is an AVL 30" 24-shaft technical dobby.  I decided on 30" because I rarely weave things wider than scarves and shawls (I bought it before the WDL was introduced), and my space at the time was limited. 

Quinweave802 (not verified)

I have a 36" 24 shaft Weavebird mostly because I was lucky enough to find somebody in my own state selling it the same time I had the itch for a computer loom.  I have the texsolv heddles which at first I hated but have learned to appreciate as I colored them for threading and watched them stay nice and still when looking for a broken thread.  Sometimes too still.  Only now getting a new warp tied on with the help of a weavers knotter.  Gosh I love the gadgets in weaving!  Waiting for Alice's new book that's coming for my birthday next month...

Su Butler

Hi All...just joined......I work on an 24S AVL 30" Studio Dobby loom with computer aided treadling.   I am interested in hearing about other computer assisted dobby looms as I think I want something with more shafts, but also want light treadling without having to purchase a lot of extra equipment. 

caloosa (not verified)

I have a Schacht 8 shaft floor loom with Dobby.  Uses WeaveIt software.

 

Been having problems with it being too sensitive - and advancing without my pressing the peddle or heddles that don't lift.  Very nice to have it keep track of treadling, but annoying to have to watch it all like a hawk to avoid errors.

 

Anyone out there using the Schacht - I know it is an old system.

 

Charlene

conib (not verified)

Hi Nancy!

When you get your reconditioned e-lift reinstalled and have woven (or have tried to weave) a warp or two with it, could you post the results?

Thanks in advance! and

Best regards,

Constance

cew (not verified)

I have an Octado 8 shaft Louet computer loom.  I have used it a few times and learn more with each use.  I was wondering if anyone else has an Octado and if so do you have the sectional beam?  Just wanted to know or see (if you have a picture of one) if a sectional beam is worth the money.  I have contacted Louet and they don't really have a picture or a video of the beam in use.

Thanks

Charlotte

warpology

 I have a Louet Megado with the sectional beam and a second beam. I love sectional beams! It is similar to the Glimakra beam with the U shaped metal separators.  The second warp  beam is nice but they hadn't developed a separate break release when I purchased mine so it is a bit of a pain to use. Have to get up and go to the back of the loom to release break. 

this picture was to show my Warp helpers my husband build for me but I think you can see the sectional beam in the picture a bit. Hope this helps!  Fibernut    Warpology on Facebook

cew (not verified)

Fibernut,

Thanks for the picture.  I can see the sectional beam.  But I am really impressed by the warp helpers. I have to show them to my husband. I have a sectional beam on my Union Rug Loom and I love using that so I am partial to a sectional beam but the one for the Octado is a little pricey.  But I think that having one will be a plus so I need to start saving.

cew

warpology

 The warp helpers  actually bolt down at the sides. I didn't remember that at the time, Until the builder my husband mentioned it. I use some C clamps at the ends. That way I don't have to use a spool rack or tensioner. Happy weaving

Meredith Bennett (not verified)

I have an Octado now with a used electronic dobby head and no instruction manual! I have sectional warping on my Glimakra and have always preferred it to conventional warping because it solves many tension problems. Does anyone know where I can get an instruction manual for the dobby head? Also any recommendations on computers? Thanks, Meredith

cew (not verified)

Meredith,

I ordered the "Discover the World of Weaving Looms" directly from the Louet website.  It was the best thing I did.  There are 2 DVDs - a Warping Demo and a Product Information Disc.  Depending on the program you use you probably will want a full size laptop not one of the little minis.  I am not good at the computer lingo someone else can tell you the size.  I have found that I really need to see the design as I weave so a mini did not work for me and sitting the computer on top of the loom does not work either.  There are several very good programs and I tried several demos until I decided on Fiberworks.  There are several program to chose from, I went with the 4.1 Silver Plus, but it is a matter of taste. 

Did you Octado have a sectional beam?  I am getting better at warping without a sectional beam but I really like the process on my Union Rug Loom and like that I can weave forever on a sectional beam.

Enjoy your loom.

cew

Meredith Bennett (not verified)

I don't have sectional on the Octado. I have gotten better with my other looms using conventional warping but it requires a much higher level of attention to detail. I find if I get slightly lazy about anything or think oh well that will be ok--it won't! I'm even having tension problems on a little band loom I have. With the sectional on the Glimakra tension is never a problem. I do have that DVD but I'll contact Louet about the instruction manual. For the mechanical dobby there are almost 20 pages of instruction.  I should be getting the new electronic head soon but it seems to take forever to order stuff from them. I paid for this loom 3 months ago and it's still not up and running--very frustrating. But I didn't want to buy just any computer which up to your post is what was recommended to me probably by someone who doesn't use it a lot. Thanks very much! Hoping to enjoy my loom sometime in the next decade, Meredith

lkautio (not verified)

Each of the programs thinks a little differently (reflecting the weaver who designed them/who they were designed for).  Try the demos and see which one suits you.  I love Fiberworks (and have used it for more than 15 years), but WeaveIt, Pixeloom, WeavePoint, ProWeave, Swiftweave, Patternland, and others are good programs.

Laurie Autio

warpology

 I love Fiberwork's too! Downloaded many free demos, Chose it as easy to use with the functions I wanted. Went from the basic one on to the loom control Silver and  have used it for a long time now. Upgrades easily and the support is just fantastic!    Lois Erbland Aka Fibernut

weaversouth (not verified)

I have been so busy since I got it back, it's still in the box.  This is a MUST DO in the coming weeks! 

Evelyn (not verified)

Hi all, just joined this group.  I use an AVL 16shaft 40" compu-  FDL bought in 1992.  

I use Fibreworks (was the 9th purchaser of the original program and still love it!)  I also have ProWeave and various  freeware programs. 

With the help of my son and Laura Fry I am currently converting it to an air assist  because I am beginning to have knee problems from old skiing injuries.  

lkautio (not verified)

Hi Evelyn!  When did Fiberworks start?  I know it had been around a while when I got my copy in 1994.

Laurie Autio

Evelyn (not verified)

it must have been the mid-late eighties - my original disks are 5 1/2" floppies!  I didn't have a dobby loom when I first started but used the program for designing.  Will have to ask Ingrid - she told my I had been the 9th when I upgraded my program recently.

weaversouth (not verified)

kind of a long time before I had the time to get this done.  It's working beautifully with no "issues" at all. 

conib (not verified)

Hey, thanks for posting your results -- much appreciated!
:-)

-- Constance

conib (not verified)

Seeing Evelyn's comment about Fiberworks PCW on 5 1/4" floppies reminded me that I have a version of PCW that came on a safety-orange colored 5 1/4" floppy, which I still have.  Very unique and memorable.  Anyway, the label on that floppy says Version 2.1D Enhanced, (c) 1988-1991, implying that PCW was first released in 1988.

-- Constance

Evelyn (not verified)

5 1/4 " floppies  - so long ago I couldn't remember the correct number!   1988 sounds right - I think that is when I bought my first computer also.  My first weaving program was one where numbers were typed and it rendered a draft.  Cannot remember the name, but still have it. 

If people had a choice of a second dobby loom would you choose the same brand or something else?

weaversouth (not verified)

 well, I actually have bought a second AVL, the workshop dobby. (24/24)

lkautio (not verified)

If I could have two I would probably add a Toika (if I could get it with metal heddles) to my LeClerc Weavebird.  Part of the reason is local support, and part is the simplicity and reliability of the system which can be adapted to a push button treadling if needed.  I also like the Megado, but have no interest in AVLs.

NH Loose End (not verified)

I am considering purchasing a used 28" Louet 24H Magic Dobby loom, but know nothing about them.  What can you tell me about them?  Thanks for any information you can share with me. 

joanswift (not verified)

I have the AVL folding dobby, 16s, which dominates my tiny living room (takes up 1/2 the space).  That's OK, my home is my studio.

Julie Bowyer (not verified)

Hello Charlene

 

if you are still having trouble try spraying the shaft frame ends with silicone spray and also spray the runners. It cured my problems on my Mighty Wolf.

 

Julie

SunriseLodgeFi… (not verified)

I have a Louet Megado with 32 shafts.  I LOVE this loom!  It's the only dobby loom I ever owned/wove on but I just think dressing the loom is a breeze.......very well thought out design.  No hunching! :)  Louet has a few videos on youtube if you'd like to see one 'up close'.  That's what sold me;) 

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