Several years ago I purchased a used Mighty Wolf and embarked on learning to weave on a floor loom. I was using Peggy Ostercamp's book for beginners and found the format very confusing. She is a member of our local guild so I felt kind of obligated to use her method. It was pretty much a disaster. I sold the loom at a bargain rate, gave away hundreds of dollars of books and publications, And retreated back to my trusted rigid heddle loom. 

Recently I decided to revisit looms with shafts and explored the purchase of a table loom. I would have much more space to accommodate it. I ended up looking for used and found a Kessenich 20", 4 shaft on eBay. I began bidding and won the auction, paying too much. I had a conversation with the seller who represented it as excellent condition, the reed ready to use and lots of heddles. Well it does have lots of heddles. As for the rest, not so much. 

The loom was filthy, and I actually had to wash it ( I dried it quickly and thoroughly.) I had to lightly sand it to get off the rest of the dirt and then finish it with two coats of beeswax. I'm having to replace the aprons and the cords that tie on the apron ties. The reed was hopelessly nasty and had to be replaced. And just now for some reason I just noticed that the the beater is warped and will likely need to be replaced. 

I know it's buyer beware but I feel really disappointed. This was supposed to be a wonderful new toy. 

First, I'm intimidated to give the seller a bad rating because we had such friendly phone calls prior to my receipt of the loom. He really deserves some type of comment, don't you think?

Second, do you think I will really have to replace the beater even if it's only slightly warped?

Thanks very much to all who generously share your time and experience. You guys are great.

Susanne

 

Comments

Thu, 06/09/2016 - 00:30

sally orgren

I think you still have options.

Before giving a "bad" rating, what about seeing if he will refund some of the cost, since you have to replace parts?

Was he a weaver, or a "loom owner"? To be fair, if he wasn't a weaver, he may not have known what a loom in good working order really means.

Kessenich is still in business, so you could call them and find out what a replacement beater would cost to leverage your conversation.

The weaving world is a small place, so you are wise not to burn bridges too quickly.

Finally, you won't know how the loom actually weaves until you try it. It might be a good idea to put a small sample warp on to discover any other problems before you get too far along.

One of my guild mates had a wonky beater from initial purchase, new. She had it for years and seemed to weave with no problems, until she brought it to a round robin and other members noticed. She had figured out how to get a straight fell line, so you never know.

Thu, 06/09/2016 - 03:08

Havingfun

It's true, he wasn't a weaver. He was divesting several of his 90 year old mother's looms because she was doing other crafts. Evidently she owned a store and taught weaving for years. You're right, he probably didnt understand the problems. he was very friendly and called to make sure it arrived safely. I guess he thought he was doing the right thing.

I worked with the beater a bit and it seems to be a lot better. It is true the red oak gleams nicely from the beeswax finish. I'm worried the shaft cords will wear out and I won't know how to replace them. 

I have a warp with 80 ends ready to go once the reed gets here. i have to make a raddle, too. Thanks so much for your kind encouragement.  

Susanne

Thu, 06/09/2016 - 13:17

Erica J

I think Sally makes great points. I, too, am sorry to hear your experience wasn't first rate. I do hope the loom is all that you wanted in the end!

Happy weaving,

Erica

Thu, 06/09/2016 - 22:58

10ashus

I empathize with you, HavingFun. It is stressful from start to finish to make the leap and the purchase does not fulfill your dream. Right now you may 'feel' powerless, but we see your  strong pioneer spirit. You are moving forward by fixing what you can on the loom. I hope, in the end, that it becomes your treasure.

Looms are such simple devices, yet all those moving parts must move properly.

Fri, 06/10/2016 - 01:04

Havingfun

 There's nothing like being able to pittifully complain and whine and then get such kind support in return. Thank you so much. I feel renewed and ready to go. Make way advancing twills!

Fri, 06/17/2016 - 14:42

coffeebrown52

Suzanne, it's okay to whine and moan when what you expect is not what you get; however, we move on as there is nothing we can do to change the past.

Now, moving forward.  I have been weaving now for about 11 weeks.  I first started with a frame loom, then I upgraded to a 32" Ashford Ridgid Heddle.  I was able to make a few things on the Heddle.  However, after joining my local Guild, I became fascinated with the floor loom.

Of course, I did not have $1500 or more to purchase one so I continued with my RH.  Low and behold, one of my guild ladies sold me my first floor loom on Tuesday.  It was in fantastic shape and I taught myself to warp it within 2 evenings after work.

The point I am making, is that prior to purchasing items on EBAY, I am recommending what Weavolution recommended to me as a start.  Find a local guild in your area.  You will be surprised.  Most of the ladies in my guild are teachers of weaving and spinning arts.  One in particular travesl all over buying and reselling looms.  That is how I was able to purchase my loom.  This is just some bit of info if you are seeking weaving equipment and necessities.

I would also contact the maker of your loom as stated earlier because they will have any parts you need or have a way of getting them for you.

I hope you continue to move forward and hope to see your projects on the site!

Happy Weaving and Good Luck!

 

Sat, 06/18/2016 - 19:03

Lunargent

now I'm feeling guilty, since I'm the one who brought the loom to your attention in the first place, when I posted a link on Ravelry!

I'm sorry that the loom doesn't match your expectations. As far as it needing cleaning, I think that's to be expected when buying used, though it sounds like this one was dirtier than normal. 

But if the reed was unusable, I think the seller should definitely adjust the price to cover your cost for a new one. And if the beater turns out to be so wonky that it needs replacing, then you should get more refunded for that.

i think contacting the seller and asking for an adjustment should be your first option, since the condition is not as represented. If he won't work with you, then your rating should reflect that. I hope you took pictures before you did any work on it.

I was looking at some of his other looms, but got outbid on them. Now I'm feeling relieved that I did.

Sorry! - MK

Sat, 07/02/2016 - 18:16

Havingfun

You guys won't believe this. I had a challenge with evev tension between the top and bottom of the shed. Figured that one out. Unfortunately I didn't write it down and don't remember  I'll get to go through it again.  part of the solution was that shaft 2 was hanging about an inch lower the others. I worked that one out.  

As I was happily weaving the twill sampler in Next Steps in Weaving, the cord to shaft three broke. After going to several hardware stores and Home Depot someone suggested a window shade shop. So I got two sizes of cord while I was there just to cover my bases and will now have to fix shaft 3.  I think I should get some type of loom repair certification after this. 

I don't think the seller had any idea of the true condition of this loom and really had the best intentions. But I won't be buying another used loom unless I really REALLY know its condition and see it in person. 

Lunargent, so glad you passed it by. Don't  feel guilty!  He listed it in good condition and when I spoke with him he said it was in really good shape. 

Sat, 07/02/2016 - 20:44

terrieO

If sellers Mom over 90 and had that loom since new it's probably really old!  But just think how proud you'll be when you have it back like new and you did it yourself!  I can tell you it's a wonderful feeling!  

Sat, 07/23/2016 - 20:20

Gone

New is not always better. I have a loom from 1938 that kicks butt compared to my 1980's loom. You could take a 5 year old loom and store it in an unheated garage and you'll have some nice firewood in a few years. I bought my first loom with the intention of 'fixing it up' and 'restoring it'. I was open to the potential problems even tho I had NO knowledge about weaving. My first 3 months were spent cleaning, oiling, de-rusting, painting, 'figuring out' and tweaking. Almost a year later before I learned to warp it. It was an excellent learning experience.

It's important know the loom inside and out. Because you'll be learning it one way or another if you keep the loom. Everything you've learned with this loom will spill over to other looms down the road. Embrace the new knowledge and experience.

Mon, 07/25/2016 - 01:46

sandra.eberhar…

After a couple of experiences like yours, I make it a point not to buy anything (no matter how good a deal it seems) from people who are selling for someone else (neighbor doesn't do internet, elderly aunt, mother, uncle,etc., friend).  Been there, been burned.  

Mon, 07/25/2016 - 01:46

sandra.eberhar…

After a couple of experiences like yours, I make it a point not to buy anything (no matter how good a deal it seems) from people who are selling for someone else (neighbor doesn't do internet, elderly aunt, mother, uncle,etc., friend).  Been there, been burned.  

Mon, 07/25/2016 - 13:27

Gone

I tend to steer clear of Ebay for purchases of these types (looms), unless the seller is within driving distance (100 miles) so I can check out the purchase prior to purchasing. I've done all my loom 'acquisitions' on Craigslist. The last thing I want is a shipper between me and the machine I bought sight unseen.

If you're a saavy CL shopper, you can find deals just as good as Ebay without 'bidding'. You certainly want to see the loom before you buy.