Hello! I've been lurking around for a while now and decided to join. Thanks for all the great information that is shared.

I make rugs, crochet, toothbrush, twined and even braided. I've always wanted a loom to make rag rugs on, but could never afford one. Now it looks like I might have some extra cash around the first of the year, so I'm doing my research now. At first I thought I could just buy a RH loom and it would be fine. After reading this forum I've decided that while an RH loom might make one or two rag rugs, it's not suitable for constant use. I'm quite interested in the looms on the Totalrug.com site. They are called Leesburg looms and are modeled after the Union loom Does anyone have experience with these looms? Have you ever heard of them? 

I'm not looking for anything fancy, just a workhorse, so to speak! The Leesburg loom looks like it might fit the bill. Also, which one looks like it would be best? I'm leaning toward the Model 102 because it looks like I can do more of a variety of weaves on it.

Thanks so much for your input

Comments

Wed, 10/24/2012 - 16:36

SallyE (not verified)

I don't know how much space you have, or how much you have to spend, but in this market I'd never buy a new loom.   There are so many people moving to retirement homes and downsizing, that you can get a really good loom for a lot less than new.   That is especially true of counter balance looms like the Leesburg looms.

Have you looked at your local Craig's list?

Wed, 10/24/2012 - 19:41

Joanne Hall

This is what you should look for in a used loom if you want to weave rugs:

At least 40 inches loom depth, more is better

counterbalance or countermarch

and if possible, a hanging beater, as it will be heavier and easier to use for beating a tight rug.

Joanne

 

Wed, 10/24/2012 - 23:44

MargaretB

I have plenty of space to put a loom, but not so much money. I've been keeping an eye on Craig's list, but all the used looms that have been available cost almost as much as a new one of the Leesburg Looms. I'll keep looking though!

Thu, 10/25/2012 - 01:52

Claudia Segal (not verified)

I took a look at the site for the Leesburg loom and I would be very leary of how expensive it's going to be to ship the loom. Also, the price may be attractive but there are no measurements and no idea how deep the loom is which is vital for making rugs. Joanne is the best authority on this type of loom. You can pick up a used Glimakra for a few hundred more and sell it for the same.. You have to watch several lists and ebay and see what comes available. I bought my first Glimakra countermarche 5 years ago and it's been a real workhorse. It's a great loom for rugs and everything else including silk, tencel and cotton. See if you can get more info on the Leesburg loom. I would also post in the Weaving forum on Weavolution and ask if anyone owns one and what they think. Claudia
Thu, 10/25/2012 - 02:16

[email protected]

There is a Yahoo Group called WeavingSalesAds (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WeavingSalesAds/) and its a great place to find used weaving equipment around the country.  As always, as lots of questions before buying used.

Mary

Thu, 10/25/2012 - 02:26

design2weave (not verified)

I highly recommend purchasing a good used loom! Do you have any weaving Guilds in your area? They usually know of good used looms for sale. I owned a Leesburg some time ago, but it was not a good loom for me and what I wanted to weave. I purchased a used Glimakra (thanks to Joanne's great advice) after patiently search the web for quite a while. It was worth the wait....I love my Glimakra. It will weave anything. There are other great brands you should consider and it is so helpful to get input from other weavers.
Thu, 10/25/2012 - 02:46

MargaretB

Thanks everyone for your helpful replies. The Leesburg loom guys are mailing me brochures with more info. 

I have time to really look around before making a decision. My biggest problem with finding a used loom is that I'm in a very rural place and no one around even know what I'm talking about when I ask about weaving looms! But I'm willing to drive a bit to get a good deal. 

I've heard really good things about Glimakra and can hope only hope to find one in my price range. I will ask lots of questions before purchasing anything. My biggest concern about buying a used loom is that I'll get something that doesn't work and not know anything about it.

Thu, 10/25/2012 - 03:06

SallyE (not verified)

Sometimes people have things in their houses that they aren't using, but haven't gotten around to selling.   So another idea is for you to post a Craig's list ad, asking for any looms that might be available in your area.  I got rid of a loom once that way - someone needed it and I didn't and they posted a listing that I saw.

 

Thu, 10/25/2012 - 12:26

coastalgal (not verified)

where are you located?? There are weavers all over and often not too visible...rather like mushroom hunting....you find one, then soon another and another and the delight in locating them is wonderful! Collectively, there is someone who knows someone who is probably not far from you. Worth asking.

elaine in SWetOR

Thu, 10/25/2012 - 13:56

loomyladi (not verified)

If you anywhere near West Virginia I can hook you up with a couple of options to purchase an experienced loom. If you are not in a huge hurry and you are near Maryland then the Maryland Sheep & Wool (Howard Co, MD) fiber equipment sale is an excellent option. The first weekend in May, we see a variety of looms in a wide range of prices.

Thu, 10/25/2012 - 13:57

MargaretB

What a great idea, Sally. I'll do that. 

I'm located in the small town of Hohenwald, TN, It's about an hour southwest of Nashville.