Hello to all,and welcome to new members. Part of what we do here at "Home Built Equipment" is to build our own weaving equipment, and accessories,in a way that suits our needs while not breaking the bank! One of the best ways to do this is using what we have on hand. Adapting known items around the home is a great way to accomplish this. I've recycled parts of a dishwasher,old lights, and even automobiles, in restoring my Marquardsen CM loom. Probably, one of the nicer  handles I've seen came to me while modifying the ratchet mechanism on my loom. That cold steel  just wasn't comfortable. A quick survey around the barn turned up the perfect handle. A set of hedge trimmers with loose handles.Nice oak,with beautiful grain,and easy to remove.Just what I needed, and I couldn't have made one any better! Putting what we have on hand to a "Better" use is what it's all about! Think my lovely wife will miss her hedge trimmers?!! Anyone else  have examples of using "What they have" on hand? Please show us!  Regards, Frank- TheLoominary.

Comments

Fri, 02/11/2011 - 15:58

steve104c (not verified)

We are not horders, but it is hard to throw anything away that has potential for new life in another project. We do recycle our class,alum.metal cans,cardboard and paper. So we try to reuse broken tool parts too. Especially the metal parts(nuts, bolts,brackets and specialty parts). I will post on this group when ever I find a new life in weaving for and old part......Steve.
Fri, 02/11/2011 - 17:20

steve104c (not verified)

Here is a picture of a tension box modification. Clamp was purchased @ Woodcraft.  www.woodcraft.com  

Sat, 02/12/2011 - 02:47

TheLoominary (not verified)

Nice! And it's far superior to the factory version. I used a similar one purchased through Amazon when I built my pegless version of the tension box. Frank.

Sat, 02/12/2011 - 03:26

steve104c (not verified)

Is this your design? I use several of those clamps on my cutting jig for ukulele fret boards. These clamps are very versitale when building your own jigs. I keep several on hand and have several threaded insert plastic knobs. They work and look better than wing nuts. I've replaced all the wing nuts on my Harrisville Desing Loom with plastic knobs...........Steve.
Sat, 02/12/2011 - 16:15

TheLoominary (not verified)

Hi Steve, the tension box is my own design. The warp slides between two tempered plates. The tension bar can be easily removed as most warps work well with just weight of the plates. Slicker warps may need the slightest bit of extra tension.The bottom comb will swivel to narrow the path for a perfect fit between the beam pins.These clamps are great for so many things.I first started using the heaver version years ago when I worked in the metal trades. Frank.

Thu, 05/05/2011 - 12:17

missbeckyohh43 (not verified)

Frank,

I have a guy who is willing to do some woodwork (and metal work) for me in trade of some sewing work.  I want to get one of these, and I was wondering if you would care to sell your design/plans?

Because this guy is wanting A LOT of sewing work from me, this is why I am looking for plans in many tools I am wanting for weaving. 

Thu, 05/05/2011 - 16:07

TheLoominary (not verified)

Hello,this tension box was built specifically for a certain loom, and most likely will not work well on many other looms.The principle behind any tension box is to create an even drag on the warp while loading it on the beam, that said, most box's use adjustable pegs with combs to do this. My unit is a bit different in that the warp slides between two 1/4" glass plates. A simpler version could be built using a glass plate set in a wooden frame, a removable top plate, and combs at either end. A clamp as shown in the tension box photo's above will fix it to the back beam. A peg style tension box will be easier to build and work very well. Google- loom tension box, and look for images to help get an Idea of it's overall design. The combs (reeds) can be purchased on-line at Leclerc Looms.Hope this helps, Frank

Mon, 01/14/2013 - 11:22

ReedGuy

Thanks for the clamping ideas guys. I just ordered one from LeeValley like Steve's, for my home built tension box. Looks like a quick way to clamp the box as you go from section to section. A+ ;)

Have a good one. :)