In 3 weeks, we are moving to a new house in a different state. The new house is much larger than the house I am currently in and I am planning on taking over the "formal living room" as a weaving room and relegating the people to the use of the "family room". I haven't had room for a floor loom for almost 10 years, so for me this is a very BIG deal. Big enough that I am having massive loom anxiety around making a choice in the loom that I wish to purchase. I currently have a tapestry loom and a Dorothy Table loom, and I've been renting/borrowing large looms if I want to work a larger project. I used to have a wonderful 8 harness Nilus--your basic Jack loom, but very satisfying, and parting with it was very sad. Before that I had inherited my Grandmother's ancient, giant loom, but it perished in a fire. However, after working on Tapestries for a while now, I have become very interested in weaving rugs. Also, for once in my life I want a brand new shiny loom. I have gathered some criteria for my new loom and some more questions, and I'm hoping you folks can help me sort it all out. Here's my criteria:
-- My budget caps out at $6,000.
--I am 5'2'
--The loom must be able to handle heavy rugs
--I do not want a loom that will walk when I beat it, however, I am happy to modify the loom and my floor
--Currently, I am very interested in warp facing rugs
--I am a "heavy beater"
--I want a countermarch loom, not a jack or a counter balance. I have experienced all three in the past either through owning or renting and I infinitely prefer the countermarche.
At this point the two looms that I've come up with that might work are:
--the Leclerc Nilus II--60", Countermarch, 8-Shaft Loom, Back Hinged Treadles, with a weighted beater. I could probably get this for a little over $5,000.00
Pros: I know the brand. I've modified them for my height so I know this can work. I love these looms, they're not glamorous or flashy, but they're steady solid workers.
Cons: I'm worried that the loom is a little too light to take years of heavy beating. While I can secure the feet in a variety of ways, I'm still concerned that "walking" might become an issue.
--the Harrisville 45" 4 shaft rug loom. This will be about $6000.00
Pros: It's definitley heavy enough to handle heavy rugs. It's a fricking gorgeous loom.
Cons: It's only 4 shafts (I can't afford to go up to an 8 shaft model) and I'm worried that I will feel limited or frustrated. I'm worried about the ergonomic height question, especially with an attached bench (I am aware that I can take the bench off). I'm not sure how comfortable I would be modifying this loom to meet my needs in any substantial fashion, which is kind of ironic since Collingwood designed it and he was all about modification.
Honestly, if the Nilus can handle a steady diet of rugs that would be my 1st choice. I should add that I'm not a big fan of Glimakra looms, so I'm not really considering them as an option (this is purely personal preference, not based on any real problems with the looms).
I'd appreciate any thoughts, experience or input on this decision.
Thanks much.