I bought a 22" 8h macomber for sampling and small projects, so that I could have two looms going. I have a very annoying problem which maybe others have had and solved.

While treadling, the hooks which tie the treadles to the lams keep popping off. I tried crimping them so that they are tighter, but the metal is soft enough to loosen as I work and to fall off yet again. With complex tie-ips, this is very disconcerting when I have woven off several inches only to notice that the pattern is way off. I have spent more time unweaving and reattaching those blasted hooks than actually getting a finished product. I contacted macomber, with no response.The loom also tends to "walk" across the floor, even with weights over the bottom bars. That problem, I can live with, though.

Anyone out there with brilliant ideas?

Comments

Sat, 10/11/2014 - 01:27

TinaHilton (not verified)

Do you have the super hooks that go over the lamms or the ones that poke through the holes?  I like the super hooks better.  The main thing with Macombers to is to treadle softly -- don't slam the treadle down and then just take your foot off.  You don't have to be slow, just be a little more gentle.

Some people have converted theirs to texsolv, using the arrow pegs to connect it to the treadle.  I haven't felt the need to do that.

Sat, 10/11/2014 - 01:38

TinaHilton (not verified)

I almost forgot about this.  If you use the super hooks, a friend showed me how she keeps them on the lamms.  You buy these castrating bands (Tractor Supply has them if you have that store nearby).  I know I bought some of those, now I just have to figure out where I put them!super hook with bandcastrating bands

Sat, 10/11/2014 - 12:20

Peg R

Thanks. Great advice in both posts. Going from a heavy 60" floor loom to this, I can see where I may be a bit harder on the treadling. I'll slow down and be more gentle. I did figure out how the castrating bands work and I happen to have some! We have sheep. That size looks like what she used, but it is a bit awkward crawling under there to use them. The super hooks looked like a wonderful idea, until I had this issue. Thanks again for the input. I'll try both.

Sun, 10/12/2014 - 02:57

debmcclintock

There is a group dedicated to Macombers. You might want to join that group and repost your question to get even more ideas. Here is the link http://www.weavolution.com/?q=group/macomber-looms
Sun, 10/12/2014 - 03:22

SallyE (not verified)

This is a common problem.   Here is a post discussing it:

http://weavolution.com/?q=group/diy-looms-tools/macomber-shaft-spacer-28208

 

Sun, 10/12/2014 - 13:38

Michael White

First off Macomber didn't make a 22 inch loom, Reg Mac B5-A= 24 inches, Baby Macs CP-H= 20 inch 8 harness & CP-J=20. Measure the inside of the harness frame to get your true size. Check SallyE's posting number 5 to get some answers to this problem.Michael