I have a new to me Tools of the Trade looms that is literally in pieces in my cellar.  It was completely broken down to get it here.  It's number 177.  Trying to connect the heavy horizontal pieces to the uprights,  there are two drilled holes for what seem to be bolt connections on the bottom of the long horizontal parts, and then 2 smaller holes in the ends that would take some other bit of hardware through the upright to connect the two.  But, there is some sort of metal plate dividing the bolt connection bit on the bottom of the horizontal.  I know there should be something that goes through that bit that then allows the side pieces to "fix" together, but I have no idea what it is.  There is nothing remotely resembling anything that would work in the small assortment of fasteners I was given.

Can anyone steer me to the proper place in the hardware store and tell me what to look for?  Whatever it is called, how do I know what size to get? Is this something peculiar to Tools of the Trade loom that is no longer available?  Is there a go-around?  I'm obviously completely at a loss here.  Any help gratefully appreciated.

Jacquelynne

Comments

Tue, 07/05/2016 - 14:12

Nakia

Hi maplesy, I have a 4 shaft Tools of the Trade loom. Interestingly enough mine is numbered 177. Is yours a 4 or 8 shaft? I'm not exactly sure what part you are needing by your description. There are other more experienced weavers here who own TOTTs as well. Hopefully one will be able to help you better.

 

In the meantime I will post a few photos of mine & maybe you can pick the area you need help finding parts for from the pics. Good luck with your search. Laughing

 

 

 

Tue, 07/05/2016 - 14:52

maplesy

I think I have figured out that there is a built in metal plate in the cross pieces so that the bolt just screws in and doesn't need a nut.  Clever!

Mine is an 8H with a double warp beam.  Interesting that both have the same number.

I've printed out your photos; Thank you, I'm sure they will be a big help.

Jacquelynne

 

Tue, 07/05/2016 - 19:40

Nakia

Oh cool! I can take more myabe closeups of areas if you need as you progress with your reconstruction. I have two more work nights to get through. After Thur I have 4 days off I will gladly help in any way I can. Glad to hear you are getting things figured out. My loom is just a single warp beam, so I don't have photos for that. Mine we carried home intact, so it was a breeze to just unhook the front & back beams from the folded storage mode. I feel for you putting one together from scratch with no instructuions to help.

 

That is interesting both our TOTTs are the same number. I suspected yours might be an 8 shaft. I'm really new to weaving on floor looms, but I absolutely love my loom! Recently the previous owner I bought it from contacted me to see how I was getting along on it. She told me she was having "seller's remorse". She said if I ever wanted to sell it to let her know first, she would buy it back in a heartbeat. I told her I would have to be absolutely nuts to want to sell it, but I would definitely give her first chance if that day comes around.

Wed, 07/06/2016 - 01:28

sally orgren

Yes, I know who is getting my TOTT when I can no longer weave!

Sun, 07/10/2016 - 15:02

maplesy

I'm now ready to put the jack and treadle assembly in place.  I think I'm missing two pins that would go through the jack pivot holes and  and fit into the 2 cross pieces.  Would anyone have the dimensions for those 2 rods?

I also haven't figured out exactly how best to attach jack/treadle assembly to sides of the loom.  Should I work from the top down or bottom up?  my other looms are countermarche and this is a whole new ball game for me.

Thanks.

Jacquelynne

Sun, 07/10/2016 - 18:10

Nakia

Hi Jackie, I just took a few photos of my jack/treadles on my TOTT to post here to help you see how a 4 shaft is assembled. Hope it helps you, tho I know you are dealing with a lot more treadles & jacks. Thankfully I didn't have to go through what you are with putting every piece together from scratch.

 




Do you need the jack assembly that rises the shafts too? I can go see if I can take any good photos of that part too. Mine is currently warped, so not sure how clear of a photo I can take of that part.  Maybe I took photos of the wrong parts? I will go see what I can come up with. Smile

 

 

 

 

 

Sun, 07/10/2016 - 18:32

Nakia

Here are the photos of the jacks the best I can get in there with the warp in place. Wink Excuse the piece of 2X4 in the center, it's holding the shafts up so I could see the jacks.

 

 

 

 

 

Sun, 07/10/2016 - 19:29

maplesy

Thank you.  That's exactly what I needed, and I was right -  I am missing the 2 metal rods that I need for the jacks to pivot.  I'll have to measure the space and see what I can find.  From the small holes that are predrilled into the cross boards they are a fairly fine diameter.

Thanks again.  It is indeed true that a picture is worth a thousand wors.

Jacqueynne

Sun, 07/10/2016 - 19:41

Nakia

You are most welcome! I was happy to take the photos and give what help I could. Laughing 

The diameter, hmmm yep pretty small! LOL  And with mine in place all I can measure is the screw head which would not be the exact diameter of the rod itself. Frown Hope you find a rod to fit & get the jacks working. Good luck and if I can help or take any more photos of anything, just give me a shout & I will do my best. Smile

Tue, 07/19/2016 - 19:56

maplesy

I got a #8 reed with the TOTT loom that was so rusty I was going to throw it out.  Then I decided to try to salvage it.

I unrolled a sheet of aluminum foil just a bit longer than the reed.  I set the reed on top of the foil, covered the reed with paper towels saturated with white vinegar and then closed the foil over the reed.  I let it set 24 hrs.

It was unbelievable!  Probably 50% of the rust was removed.  I repeated the procedure twice more, then went over the reed with a wire brush.  I now have a usable reed.

The fabric covering over the ends of the reed was so rotted it all came off, but a bit or duck tape will take care of that.

I am still working on the very rusty brake springs and drum; that will be the most difficult part of the restoration, I think.  I have not taken them off to work on them.  I don't have the physical strength to deal with the springs. The heddles are sitting n a vinegar bath as I speak.

All the wood parts have been washed with Mrs. Murphy's.  They then get a further cleaning with mineral spirits, and a final coat of Danish oil.

Once the brake system is cleaned out, the assembly should go fairly quickly.

Jacquelynne

Tue, 07/19/2016 - 20:30

Nakia

You are doing a fantastic job of restoring those parts. It's a shame someone thought very little of the loom and let it get in that condition. At least this baby found a loving home who is treating her with loving care. 

 

Mine came with texsolv heddles and I had a lot more already I bought for another loom. I also have a ton it seems of metal heddles, 2 different types should I want to change back. Luckily none of my previously owned looms were left to rust and get in such shape. Thanks for the update. I want to see pics when she is shining from beam to beam! :)

Fri, 08/05/2016 - 06:19

Gone

I have a tott also 8/10 cherry. WOnderful looms. SO easy to treadle. Just for future reference, there's a product out called "Metal Rescue". Home Depot carries it. About $25 a gal, but worth it. Looks like water and it's odorless. You do the same thing, soak it for several hours or overnight. All the rust turns silver again. It's amazing. Well worth the investment for other rusty items too like bolts, nuts, brake bands, springs, etc.

Glad you were able to figure out your jack pivot bars.