Hi fellow weavers, I have amazingly come to purchase a 8 shaft 42" jack loom identified as a binder loom here in Australia. I am very excited to find a real piece of American history right here in Auatralia and would love to find out some more about these looms. Has anyone else used these and what are the thoughts on such a loom. The one I have has a sectional beam, 8 shaft, 10 treadle jack type loom. Thanks.

Comments

Wed, 07/17/2013 - 02:59

Nancy Boerman (not verified)

Oregon Trail Loom is not nor has it ever been the Binder Loom!  I know because I have a 1974 Black  walnut 4shaft 6treadle Oregon Trail made in 1974 by Russ Groff's current loom builder. I also know that it was based on the Walling Loom.  Bill Walling sold the plans and the proprietory materials to Russ. Various loom builders made changes to it for Russ. I worked West Coast weaver's conventions for Russ from 1974 to 1983, being flown all of the west to slave for $50 per day, room and board and plane fare.  I even spent 2 weeks at the Groff home in McMinnville, OR after on convention setting up looms for 2, 1 week sets of workshops for Malin Selander.  That was an experience! Russ shared many details and stories with me over the 9 years of traveling around the west before before I had to stop as we began our family in 1983.Also we had a Binder loom in our Redondo Beach Adult School, Taught by Nicki Lyon ably assisted by Grayse Montrose.

Wed, 07/17/2013 - 13:38

sally orgren

Nancy,

Are you saying the loom pictured is NOT a Binder loom, but an Oregon Trail Loom? If so, what are the key differences?

I have never heard of either loom, but I have seen a Walling loom recently.

Your time with Russ sounds fascinating and Malin Selandar, WOW. I believe she recently passed, is that correct? (May 2013?) I couldn't find anything on the Internet but heard thru the grapevine. Many of my contemporary weavers don't know who this is. Her books are some of my most treasured.

Back to the original question, how DID an American loom get to Australia???

Thu, 07/18/2013 - 07:22

addictedtoweaving

Ok, so the loom pictured is to my knowledge indeed a binder loom, it arrived in Australia in 1949, the original shipping crate had newspapers of that time inside the crate. The loom was in pieces, not all complete and was later restored and completed here in Australia...the loom was shipped by a circus family who settled in Australia at that time, the loom was one of three. I recently purchased the loom from a very well known weaver here in Australia who has researched the history of the loom. I was originally mistakingly told that the Binder loom had been renamed...this is not the case....I have seen several of the same looms on another forum....they are made from maple and all have a distinctive sisal rope breaking system and a very well manufactured shaft lifting system..... Mr Binder was also an instructor and he manufactured the looms to suit individual weavers, so there a slight variations to many of his looms. My loom has a 1" sectional warping beam, I have seen others with a double beam or a standard beam....but all have the same brake a lifting mechanism.....hope that clears things a little....it is a wonderful loom and I am enjoying weaving on her...
Sat, 08/31/2013 - 05:26

MarieNM

I want to learn about Binder Looms. I bought one 25 years ago at a church rummage sale in Salinas,Calif. Is still in good condition but I have never used it. It has "Binder Loom MFG Pasadena, CA" across the top bar. I think it is a counterbalance style. My Google search brought up this website and your conversation thread regarding Binder Looms. I am hoping someone can fill me in on the history and background on this loom.

Mon, 09/16/2013 - 00:14

Subs

Hello weavers. I lost my mothers "Binder Loom" in a house fire a few years ago.  My father was married to Katherine Binder when Binder Looms were built in Newhall Ca. in the 1950's. ( both are gone now).  Fred Binder is my grandfather and am now looking into finding a tabletop loom. I don't have much info but "word of mouth" on the operation.  I do have a photocopied brochure with that tells a bit about Binder Looms. There is Freds son who is a wealth of info about the looms as he was a young man at the time.  If there is a loom for me out there, please let me know and I will try to get back to you with any tidbits there are. Thank you so much.