Hi All!

I was very excited to find this site.  I've been weaving for about 5 years now - still a complete newbie with so much to learn! 

I recently found a Tools of the Trade Loom through CL and had remembered that they were highly loved by several of the members here, so I snatched it up.   I just got this loom home last night and even though it is a little thing (25"/ 8 Harness/ Cherry Wood), my hips and back are killing me from the lifting!  Quite a solid little loom!  I am really amazed at how well made it is . . . the design seems quite smart!!  Looking at it last night, I found myself wondering why other companies had not adopted Art's treadle/ lamm/ shaft design?! 

I was hoping you could help me with several questions.  My little loom was sitting in an un-airconditioned storage unit for a little over a year and the heat has definitely dried out the wood and there is a layer of grimy dust that I'm having a hard time removing.  Can anyone suggest the best/ gentle wood cleaner to remove the dust and dirt and the best wood conditioner to bring back it's shine and feed it?  I was also wondering why I can't locate my TOTT's number?  It is definitely a TOTT.  It has a beautiful little leather plaque on the left side with the Tools of the Trade burned in with a pretty script but no number.  I also have the brochure from TOTT that was postmarked 1988.  Any thoughts on where the number might be or why it is missing?

It is also reed-less, alas!  The woman whom I purchased it from is presently searching for the reed and is positive she has it.  Oh, I hope she does!!  Will any other reeds fit TOTTs (maybe LeClerc) if she is unable to locate it?  If not, are there specialty companies that will make unique reeds?

I am sure to have a few more questions pop up and can post pictures in a day or so if that will be helpful.

Thanks so much for any help you can give me!  I greatly appreciate it!

 

Comments

Sun, 03/17/2013 - 22:12

sally orgren

Meanwhile...

Fireside Fiberarts is the only current loom manufacturer that comes close to having many of the high quality features TOTT owners love about their looms.

Upload photos if you can. In my manual, he also talks about rear mounted treadles on some of his looms, so let's see what you have.

New reeds can be obtained without worries from the Gowdrey Reed Co. www.gowdeyreed.com

My loom has two leather labels, one on the front, one on the side of the castle. (It is the one on the side of the castle that has the number.) If that label is lost, I am not sure how to figure out your loom number other than looking at a lot of TOTT's.

Daryl Lancaster has been a TOTT fan since her first purchase in the 70's. She communicated with the builder when this was an active company. She might be able to help with future questions. You can send her a PM through Weavolution if you wish.

Can't wait to see photos! That is an EXCELLENT size (and with 8 shafts!)

Mon, 03/18/2013 - 18:31

knitnurser1

I really appreciate the response!  She DID find the original reed! :) But, I am very glad to have the information on Gowdey Reed Co. as I will probably want to add another later.  I do continue to have questions coming up about the loom and will post pics when I have an available minute.  I'll wait to see if Daryl chimes in on forum but so good to know that I can PM her as well . . .

Thanks again, Sally!!