A couple of months ago I sold my Glimakra Ideal because I simply hadn't room for it, now I'm sorry I did because now I do have (unexpected) space.. The tie-up really did not like, it was a chore I hated. The weaving I liked, although I always missed the direct tie-up the jack loom had I owned before the CM. I like to improvise while weaving. So now I'm looking for a new-to-me loom but I can't choose which type I prefer and/or need, I only know I want 45" and 8 shafts minimum. I know a CM is strong and can handle it all, from wool to linens and from fine scarves to rugs, and I love it all. But boy, do I like the simplicity of a jack..

There are 2 looms for sale that caught my eye;

  • Leclerc Colonial, overhead jack, beater that can also be used as an overhead beater, 45 inch, double warp beam, good condition. Prefer some more weaving widht may be..not sure.
  • Leclerc Nilus, jack, 8 shafts, 60 inch, very good condition, lots of extras. But huge, low but huge.

What does the castel add in the colonial? I know a 60 inch jack is hard word when weaving a wide warp, but then again, a friend of mine says her jack (artisat) treadles lighter than her CM, she prefers the jack. Now, one loom is already taken apart, the other is a 2 hour drive. So I can't go and test them. Ofcourse, I don't need to buy one of these, I can wait for something else. But again, what kind of loom am I waiting for..

Advice, anyone?

 

Comments

Wed, 05/24/2017 - 01:14

sandra.eberhar…

If you want the ultimate freedom to improvise as you weave, get an electronic.  You can change anything you want with opening a new file for the loom to weave.

Wed, 05/24/2017 - 12:59

sandra.eberhar…

You can also put a 20+ on a CM loom, which will move the tie up to the back of the loom.  Used electronic looms are not all that much more expensive than good used CM looms.  I don't know how old you are, but the "hard work" you mention for raising the sheds of  large jack loom sometimes turns into great pain as you age. 

Wed, 05/24/2017 - 17:32

nieuwWeef

I'm 38, so right now that's not an issue.

There are not a lot of used electronic looms overhere, if there is one every now and then, it costs 2-  3000 euros. That's really way over budget. Will save up for one, but since I only have a table loom at this moment  (tiring...so tiring...) I need something cheaper first.

Fri, 05/26/2017 - 01:37

Joanne Hall

If you need to choose between these two, get the Colonia.

1.  It can be changed to counterbalance for weaving rugs and four shaft weaves.

2.  I know two weavers who have converted it to countermarch.

3.  The hanging beater is the better choice.

Joanne