I'm interested in a countermarsh 16 shaft loom with flying shuttle, 40"wide, dobby system.

a 10 years old, used AVL A loom is not much cheaper than Toika Eeva with same parameters

which is better?

or other suggestions? preferably in the EU.

thanks!

Comments

Fri, 01/18/2019 - 06:03

Sara von Tresckow

The Toika dobby is an excellent loom, countermarche shed, accurate, simple and weaves beautiful fabric.

Fri, 01/18/2019 - 17:27

sandra.eberhar…

You have actually answered your own question. AVL looms are jack loom, with the exception of their new K series, which you will not find used.  AVL looms have some nice features that make weaving faster, like automatic cloth advance and storage.  I love the sandpaper beam.  However, as jack looms, they are more limited in the kinds of textiles they make.  I would very much like to do rep on mine.  The loom is quite capable of holding the needed tension. but may not create a shed.

Fri, 01/18/2019 - 21:59

besssz

thanks! so you say: used AVL is better than Toika?

thanks!

Sat, 01/19/2019 - 16:51

dtjacobson

If you're in the EU, get the Toika--it will be easier to get parts, and the shipping and taxes will be less. OTOH, if you're in the US, get the AVL for the same reasons. FWIW, I'm in California and I looked at both Toika and AVL when I was researching a new loom last year and ultimately bought an AVL A-Series because the 32-shaft Toika Eeva was more expensive (for me) than the 40-shaft AVL.

Sat, 01/19/2019 - 21:20

sandra.eberhar…

Both are well made looms that work well.  They are very different, and have different strengths.  As mentioned above, location could be a factor.  What do you do?  Do a lot of rep or rugs?  Get the Toika.  Do yards and yards of ine silk fabric?  I would want the AVL.  You are asking for an absolute pronouncement that one is  'better' than  t he other.  Both have good and bad points.  Toika is more expensive.  AVL is a jack loom, and a big one with a wide warp is a workout to use.  AVL has some features that make weaving faster, especially if you use fine threads.  The new AVL K series is countermarch, and is really neat, but quite expensive.  AVL is more widespread, and is more available used.  So it's really impossible to say that one is  better than the other; one may fit your needs better.  When I was looking for a second, 24 shaft dobby, I looked at Louet  and AVL.  Then AVL anounced a 25% discount on used looms and my mind was made up.

Sun, 01/20/2019 - 12:21

besssz

TANKS, I weave fine textiles in the EU

Sat, 01/19/2019 - 21:42

sandra.eberhar…

One thing to consider when looking at a used AVL is the dobby version.  I have used I and IV, both of which worked well.  I requires USB adapters.  III is known to have issues.  Upgrading to IV costs about $3000, plus shipping.

Tue, 01/22/2019 - 10:47

besssz

thanks for your help!

It turned out, AVL shipping fee is as high, as the loom itself. impossible :-(

Toika Eeva/LouetMegado is to be considered now