I am a newbie to Macomber looms, I just purchased a B4E 4 harness that can be expanded to 10 this week. I have spent the past week reading all I can on this site and on Sarah Haskell's blog (lots of great info, thanks). My new loom was actively used until about a year ago and is in operating condition. The first thing I did was a real good clean down with Murphy's. The person who maintained the loom used Lithium grease to lubricate the moving parts, the jacks, lamms and the wood grooves that the rods and lamms run in. There is so much grease on the joints and cracks that is like a thick coat of frosting in places. I have scraped off the excess but I do have a few questions. First, will the use of the lithum grease on the wood parts cause permanent damage? Is there a way to clean it off the wood without making it worse? Can I use the silicone spray on the wood after the lithium grease has pentetrated the surface?

Thanks

JohannaSan

Comments

Sun, 08/05/2012 - 20:59

Michael White

Good question about cleaning the grease. I will have to look into answering that question as I am not certain. The grease will not damage the wood, it like putting on a thick oil finish.

Michael

Mon, 08/06/2012 - 14:18

sequel (not verified)

My husband says that white lithium grease is the preferred lubricant because it doesn't migrate into wood.  Haven't used it on looms yet, but I have on other stuff.  No problems yet...

Mon, 08/06/2012 - 18:59

Michael White

Johanna,

I would use an old credit card and remove has much excess grease as I could and then I would  see how the loom weaves. I would just leave the grease in place and not use any spray.

Michael

Mon, 08/06/2012 - 22:31

JohannaSan

thanks for the feedback. I did scrape the excess off, it was so thick it seemed to just be a magnet for lint and crud. I made sure there was still grease where it was needed. The harnesses lift smoothly and I am warping the loom tonight and see how she does.