Hi,

I just joined this group; I know that Joanne would answer this question if I posted it on her web site, but I thought it might be useful for others if I ask the question here.

I have a 39 inch Ideal that has six treadles.  I would like it if I could add more treadles; judging by the holes in the lamms, it looks like up to four more treadles could be added.  What is not clear to me is how they would be attached to the structure to which the other treadles are attached.  Thanks for this group!

 

Diane 

Comments

MaryMartha

Diane, a picture would be nice, but I think I know what's going on.  Older Ideals (before the 1990's) had a shorter rod to hold the treadles and were designed to accomodate only 6.  See http://glimakrausa.com/used-looms/for-the-used-loom-seeker-about-older-models/

This has always put me off from purchasing an older Ideal.  Because of the way the Glimakra treadle beams are constructed, the safest option might be to replace the entire beam.  If your loom width is no longer in production, the Halls may still be able to cut down one for you from existing parts.  I do know they sell replacement beams and rods.  Unless you've got a woodworker in the family (or are attracted by the do-it-yourself route), I don't know that a locally-sourced option would be any cheaper.

Now for the worse news - if you want to go to 10 treadles and not just 8, I believe that would mean replacing what you've got with new thinner Ideal treadles, not just purchasing a few more.  Retrofitting an older loom can be daunting and expensive, and the ideals seem to have particular limitations.  Might be time to consider trading up.

cottageweaver (not verified)

Joanne Hall or Becky Ashenden could answer this for you. Meanwhile, take a look at 'my projects'. There are some photos of the Standard with 12 treadles, up from 10. The two additional treadles require a longer treadle rod, and they are mounted outside the supports. It should be possible to do something similar on the older Ideal. On the Standard, 12 regular treadles can be accommodated. If you go up to 16, you use the thinner ones, which are the same treadles, but rotated with the holes drilled accordingly. Don't be afraid of the older Glimakras. At least get some advice from one of the vendors - you may be able to do what you want without too much trouble.

Joanne Hall

Hi Diane,

Yes, you can add two treadles to make 8 just by getting a longer metal rod.  And I have heard from two weavers who added two more on their own by drilling more holes in the lamms and adding a wooden spacer on a longer treadle rod.   But, I am wondering about your comment on the holes in the lamms.  Most older Ideal looms have holes for six or eight treadles and then one center hole, so they have seven or nine holes.  If there are more, perhaps a previous owner drilled extra holes.

Joanne

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