Hello,

I'm coming out of the woodwork to ask a question.  I have a new-to-me Macomber 48" 8H Ad-a-Harness.   It's been dinged up a bit in several places, especially the bench, the front/back beams, and beater bars.  Everything else looks in good condition and I consider these things to be minor.  But, I want my new baby to look her best!  I've read and re-read through the Mac renovation threads here and on Ravelry.  I've never done anything like this before so I'll have to ask some stupid questions from those who know way more about loom renovations.  I have a question about sanding and then using Howard's Feed*Wax. 

Does this mean that you sand it down to the bare wood and then just apply Howards Feed& Wax?   Is Feed&Wax enough?

It looks like there's some kind of finish on the loom. I think I remember reading somewhere that Macomber sprays the looms with laquer.   If I sand down the parts of the loom with blemishes, and just use the Feed&Wax, is that going to look unfinished or weird?

Thanks

 

Comments

Sat, 02/23/2013 - 08:43

Michael White

your loom. I was hoping someone would have replied to your posting. But since no one has I will. If you are working with bare wood you need to apply a finish before using the wax. Before anyone jumps in, yes waxing is a good wood finish but not on the wear surfaces of your loom. I would apply a waterbase polyurathane (spelling ?) finish. You can find a small can to match the color of your loom. I would apply 3 coats sanding with 400 or finer paper between coats. Have fun and enjoy weaving on your loom.

Michael

Sat, 02/23/2013 - 14:28

DebD (not verified)

Thanks Michael.  So the wax will penetrate the poly finish?  This is useful to know.

Sat, 02/23/2013 - 14:59

Cat Brysch

I have used Howard's on most of my looms and it's great for cleaning as well as feeding. If you haven't removed the finish yet, use Howard's with some very fine steel wool....you will be SHOCKED with how much dirt comes off. That might be all you need to do!

Try that first....if I'm not too late. If you have already sanded the finish off, then I agree with Michael completely!

Happy Weaving on your new 'baby'!

Sat, 02/23/2013 - 15:08

steve104c (not verified)

Several years ago I found a Glimakra that had been stored in a non climate storage. Michael remebers this one. Needed lots of restoration. I used a stipper from Lowes, sanded, and then finished with shellac, a natural finish. Shellac can be applied with a rag and dries within and hour. Has low sheen and feels nice to the touch.................Steve
Sat, 02/23/2013 - 22:24

DebD (not verified)

everyone - thanks!

I've already begun refinishing the bench.  It really needed to be sanded down as some of the laquer/shelach??? was cracked and coming off.  A few spots  looked like it ripped off along with some scotch tape.  There were also paint or nail polish spots.  It already looks SO MUCH better.  Thank you, thank you!!

I will try your recommendation, Cat, on the other parts of the loom first though.  There's a few spots where the finish has been scrached off, but maybe it will be okay with the Feed&Wax.

On the front beam it's got some unual discoloration.  The left half is darker than the right half of the beam. The right half looks like the rest of the loom.  I think it the right side must have been in the sun at one time because the finish looks cracked and dried out too (much like the bench).  I dunno, I may have to sand the whole thing. It's not too noticable when the cloth beam is over, but I am concerned about the dried cracked finish as that can't be good for the long-term.

 

Sun, 02/24/2013 - 05:35

Cat Brysch

I think you are right about that 1/2 of the front beam...could have sat in the sunlight every day for years! Yes, it will need to be finished and do all of it while you are at it....any part that comes in contact with the unwoven warp or with woven fabric should be given your utmost attention.

It will be worth it in the long run and you will be so very proud that you breathed new life into a sad, neglected loom. I had to break down my old Structo and sand and de-rust and steel wool and finish and polish every single inch of it from top to bottom...it had sat in a dirt floor garage for 30 years in the heart of Texas....need I say more...?

Good luck and let us see photos when you are done, okay?!?

Wed, 02/27/2013 - 03:32

steve104c (not verified)

It  sounds like it's lacquer. Mix 1/2 lacquer thinner and 1/2 denatured alcohol. Use in well ventilated area, in the garage with doors open works well. Put on rubber gloves. Take a rag, dip in mix and wipe down the loom( small areas at a time). This will soften the finish and redistribute the lacquer without having to remove all the finish. I use Murphy's soap first to make sure the wood is clean. If you sand the finish, you will go through lots and lots of sandpaper(lacquer will clog up sandpaper really fast). I have used this technique and it works really well..............Steve.