It appears that my Tools of the Trade 36" 8 shaft 10 treadle loom has holes beneath the warp beam which leads me to believe it can handle a secondary beam. Is that true? I'd like to make a sectional beam for my loom, but am afraid to take apart the braking/advance on it (never done it). Also, sectional beams are EXPENSIVE!! So - anyone ever done this? Can I use LeClerc hardware? Know of any plans out there? Are there gotchas in doing this? Need advice please!

 

Thanks.

Comments

Sat, 05/03/2014 - 21:44

sandra.eberhar…

I have a 22" 8 shaft, and the brake seems pretty simple.  I'm not sure why you would want to take it apart to add a second beam.  The second beam needs it's own brake, and you don't need to dismantle the frame to install, if you mount it on pins or dowels inserted through the frame into the new beam.  You need fairly long pins or dowels and glue.  And a brake system.

Sat, 05/03/2014 - 22:14

Cosima22

Thanks! Would a LeClerc system work on my ToRT?
Mon, 05/05/2014 - 01:17

sandra.eberhar…

Yes it would.  A lot of looms that I have seen made by small loom builders use Leclerc parts.  You need to add a lever to actuate it.

Tue, 05/06/2014 - 16:36

sally orgren

If you need more/better photos, let me know. This is one I had on file from a previous thread. (You might search TOTT here at Weavo, and look over past threads.) There are two separate brakes, and I have two separate pedals at the front for release. 

As I understand it, Art used parts are from LeClerc. So I assume you are good with that source.

This photo is from a 12 shaft, two beam, 45" model. I don't know how much room you might have up front for two brake release pedals at 36" wide.

Tue, 05/06/2014 - 12:40

Cosima22

Thank you for this. I am now considering not adding a whole second beam, but trying to attach removable sectionals on my existing beam. As you say, space is an issue on my 36" loom. Any advice about this approach?

Tue, 05/06/2014 - 12:40

Cosima22

Thank you for this. I am now considering not adding a whole second beam, but trying to attach removable sectionals on my existing beam. As you say, space is an issue on my 36" loom. Any advice about this approach?

Tue, 05/06/2014 - 16:38

sally orgren

One thing that did occurr to me — he used rock maple, and other people I know who have tired to drill into the wood for modifications report it is very difficult.

Tue, 05/06/2014 - 18:26

Cosima22

Good point Sally. Rock maple is a problem and it is a beautiful beam. I hate to mar it. Ok does anyone have any building plans for a secondary beam? Or does a secondary beam ever come up for sale? I've never seen either. Hmmm.
Tue, 05/06/2014 - 18:43

Cosima22

Just to be clear I need plans or a beam. I have a line on a 36" LeClerc sectional kit. What I need is a beam to put them on. Or plans etc.
Tue, 05/06/2014 - 20:14

sally orgren

Don't they have 36" looms and sell spare beams? Would that work here? It's not a total DIY, and if I were considering it, I would wonder about their return policy (incase you encounter something unexpected) ...

Why do you want two beams and specifically a sectional on this loom?

Tue, 05/06/2014 - 21:33

Cosima22

I'd Like the ability to more easily warp long warps and to change colors with more precision thus want to try a sectional. Leclerc and acharya want $550 for spare beam. Not including brake system etc. I was thinking of removing current back beam installing new sectional beam or some such. But now I'm simply befuddled! At first this seemed straight forward.
Wed, 05/07/2014 - 00:21

sandra.eberhar…

I'm not sure why people say they have trouble drilling or working with maple.  All it takes is a reasonable quality drill and a sharp bit.  Maple is not actually very hard, as woods go.  If you can't drill it, you have equipment issues.  If you've been using the same bit for the last ten years, that may be it.

Wed, 05/07/2014 - 00:29

larllt

Perhaps a used loom might be cheaper than the parts?  I don't know where you are but you might check ebay or craigslist. 

Wed, 05/07/2014 - 13:17

Cosima22

Finally found what I needed. Plans for building a whole loom, but especially building the warp beam - now will proceed with my project. Build the beam, use the sectional kit I have, either buy brake system or used the one I have by removing the non-sectional beam and installing the sectional on existing brake system. Thanks to you all  - here is the link to the plans I found on-line. Best regards.

http://www.cs.arizona.edu/patterns/weaving/other/orc_inst.pdf