I'm considering purchasing an AVL WDL. I had originally thought I would get a 16H version, but now I'm thinking about 24H. I'm wondering if there is a significant difference in the treadling weight for the two looms (is it a lot harder to treadle the extra 8 shafts)? I generally don't weave complicated structures, but I'm not sure if that's because I haven't wanted to work complicated treadling sequences without a dobby, or because it just isn't my thing. I was thinking that 16 harnesses would allow me play space without being too much. I just wonder if I will wish I had 24 harnesses at some point? Also, if I only want to weave a 4H pattern, can I do that on the WDL, or do I have to thread all 16-24 harnesses each time? I'd love to hear feedback from other WDL owners.

Comments

tien (not verified)

I have a 24H AVL WDL.  It's not a particularly heavy lift, because the shafts are a lightweight wood, the heddles are Texsolv, and the weaving width is not too wide, so it's actually a lighter lift than bigger 4-shaft looms!

It depends on what you want to weave.  If you want to weave imagery, then 24 shafts is better than 16 because you can weave an image 24 pixels wide instead of 16.  That is a big jump!  I was thrilled with the extra freedom when I went from 16 to 24 shafts.  I'm currently eyeing a 40-shaft loom.

You can weave a 4-shaft, or 16-shaft, or however many shafts you like, on a 24-shaft loom.  Just thread up four shafts and ignore the rest.

I do all my weaving on a 24", 24-shaft AVL WDL and absolutely LOVE it.

thelmaweaves

I am able to lift the harnesses when I use all 24 even though I have arthritis in both hips and my back. As Tien stated, the harnesses are of a lightweight wood and the heddles are texsolve.  I would definitely go for the 24 shafts. You would probably regret it later if you didn't.  I love my loom.

Sharon

weaver-dyer (not verified)

The treadling on the 24/24 is very easy even when lifting all the shafts--something you won't do when weaving. As others have mentioned, the heddle bars are lightweight and the heddles are Texsolv.  Since there are only two treadles and they are directly in front of you with no stretching to the side, you have the maximum leverage making for easy, consistent treadling. I suggest getting 24 shafts.

Janet

debmcclintock

You can thread however many shafts you want, no need to use all.  The treadling is very light.  I HAD considered the 16 shaft until I saw that it did not have a tie on front beam, one must only use the sandpaper beam.  I went to the 24 as that gave me a functionality to tie on that I was accustomed to.  Check if the 16 is still constructed that way.  Also with the 24 you can use 2 - 4 shafts for your selvedge threads and still have 20 shafts for design.  You might not care now but you will as you grow into weaving.  I am very happy with my 24 wdl avl.  good luck  Dmc

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