Hello,

 

Glad to find this group.

I just purchased a used 56"  Macomber loom from an estate sale. Upon the advice of an experienced weaver, I was told that since I love to weave rugs, a Macomber would be a great choice to add to my loom collection (I currently have a Baby Wolf and a Schact 45" floor loom). I haven't had an opportunity to move it into the house yet, so I don't know much about how it feels compared to my Schact. I use to have a large Leclerc rug loom but sold it because it was really hard on my body. 

I have a few questions, so if any Macomber owners feel like chiming in, that would be great! 

 

--The loom came with four shafts. I know I can purchase more, but how do I know how many my loom will accomodate? 

--Has anyone had any luck emailing the company with a loom model/serial number to find out some history on a loom (if purchased used)? 

--Although I haven't had an opportunity yet to weave on it, the treadles seem really light and easy to lift. Is this a common trait to these looms? What does that mean when it comes to the size of the shed? 

--The cast iron and heavy timbers makes for a heavy loom. Do any of the members in this group use their Macombers specifically for rug weaving? 

Thank you,

Kathryn Messer

 

 

 

 

 

Comments

Mon, 08/28/2017 - 10:55

Michael White

Yes you can email macomber, give them the tag information and they can tell you the first owner, and the total number of frames. Treading on a Macomber is light up to a point. The 56 inch Mac has the heavies frames Macomber made. When they went to the 60 inch plus looms the design for the frames changed. We have a 56/16 and trying to lift more then 6 shafts on one treadle can get heavy and hard.

You should get at less a 2 inch or more shed.

Enjoy your new to you loom.

Mon, 08/28/2017 - 11:20

Obxlill

i bought a used MAC last year (48") and it only has 4 harnesses.  Since the harnesses cost so much, I have just been enjoying 4h weaves again.  Right now I'm doing weft faced wol rugs on a hemp warp.  Going really well.  This loom is heavy and can handle heavy beating.  Love it!  Wished I had gone over to Macs years ago. attempted to insert a photo but the band width where I'm staying (my sister's) won't allow me!  Anyway, it's a great loom. And MacComber is very helpful when you call them and so is Michael White.

Tue, 08/29/2017 - 04:00

Oregon Weaver

Hello, and thanks for the information about rugs on a mac. I can't wait to move it into my home and get started weaving. We're in the process of remodeling, so for now it sits in storage:(

Interesting that you're using hemp for a warp. I just purchased several pounds of natural hemp and thought I would make some small projects with it before investing in a rug. Today, I started a small bath mat in a basket weave and find it very interesting to work with. It's a lot like linen, in my opinion, but I'm finding it difficult to create nice selvages. There are pros and cons about using a temple with hemp, so I might give that a try. 

Thanks again, Kathryn

 

 

Fri, 09/15/2017 - 12:24

mneligh

I do 1 or 2 rugs a year on my big Mac (x 30+ years)  For twice the width, 8 shafts on a Mac seems to require the same lift as 8 shafts on a Baby Wolf due to the long rear-hinged treadles.  For me ithe Mac is easier because it'stepping down instead of pushing forwards.  Because of the distance between beams, the Mac can produce a much bigger shed.

With 20 shafts, it's harder.  I do some crazy drafts where sometimes 1 shaft is up and 19 down, and sometimes the opposite.  I am not petite, and when throwing the shuttle the full width from one side while depressing the end treadle on the other end takes all I've got.  I make sure no one has a camera around when I have to do that.

I have contemplated using a couple of really long sword battens to hold the shed open on those rows so I don't have to do that.

As long as you stick to 4 shafts you will be fine -- even up to 10, which is probably the most your frame can hold.  But beware, these looms tend to lead you into doing crazy things, because you can . . .

Hemp is a little stiffer than linen, IMHO.  I've only used it for weft in a project featuring handspun plant fibers.  We all know bamboo, right?  The other real find that makes a wonderful warp (provided you control fuzz) is banana fiber.  I think you could tow a truck with a single strand of handspun fingering weight yarn -- or almost, anyway.  Like silk, it has amazing tensile strength without losing its drape, at least in my handspun prep.