I'm a new weaver and looking to move up to a larger loom. Currently really like Rep Weave and difficult to do on my current Leclerc workshop loom. I have been looking at the Glimakra Standard but have heard such good  things about the Macombers am considering them.There is aa A5 with 8 harnesses near to me for sale. Can Rep Weave be easily done on the big MAcomber? HAving trouble now with the harnesses sticking together on my smaller loom due to the close set of the warp at 48 EPI.I would greatly appreciate all your expertise and input.

Jeannette

Comments

Sun, 11/05/2017 - 16:44

Gone

A Macomber is a technically a jack (pull up) loom while a Glim Standard could be a countermarch or counterbalance loom. (others here can weigh in on them)  Your choice should also include what type of tieup you wish to do as all 3 are different.

A Mac has hooks on the treadles to raise the active shafts only. On a countermarch you must tie up each cord on every shaft - as you raise and lower shafts simultaneously. Counterbalance tieup is different again.

Capabilities?  As far as I'm aware both brands (all 3 types)  would be equally suited to Rep weave as they are strong, sturdy looms and made to take a heavy beat. The harness sticking problems would likely not be present in a Mac. I would guess the same would be true on a Glimakra. (but I don't own one)

Larger looms can handle pretty much anything you throw at them as the heft alone will overcome most any resistance in a warp.

There are many here on Weavo who use all these looms and can give you plenty of information. Good luck in whatever you choose.

Mon, 11/06/2017 - 03:03

jrisdahl

I bought the Mac and love it so far. A large shed and easy to treadle. I still like the look and feel of a Glimakra. I probably don’t need a Glimakra since my Mac looks like it can handle anything. But if a used Glimakra comes up for sale I still might have to have it. Anyone else have both and what do you like about each one?

Tue, 11/07/2017 - 02:25

Sara von Tresckow

The most important difference has not been addressed.

A rising shed loom like the Macomber has an issue in that when only part of the threads are raised, making them tighter, the shed floor remains a little loose and floppy. When beating this shed, it is difficult for fimr weaves to be beaten in enough.

The Glimakra looms have countersheds (for both countermarche or counterbalance) that raises AND lowers threads on each shed. The tension it even, top and bottom. This makes a difference in how the weft beats in and in the fabric quality. The countershed looms are more versatile and do a much better job on weft  faced weaves or firm household linens.

Sun, 11/12/2017 - 14:27

Lilly

i love weaving on both - the Glimakra is a bear to tie up the lams & treadles since you have to get inside the loom,  but once that’s done, it is a joy to

weave on.  The Mac is a wonderfully heavy loom (as is the Glimakra)and hooking up treadles up was much easier once I got the hang of it.    i find that winding a warp on the Glimakra is easier  since there is no brake to hold down while winding on - question bears asking, is there an easier way to release Mac’s brake when winding on?  Treadling the Mac  is easier  because the treadles stay put and don’t float; although I find myself looking at the treadles to make sure I’ve got the right one!     I have had the Glimakra (10 harness standard) for about 10 years and the MacComber for a year (4H B4) both of these looms can weave from very fine scarves to heavy rugs.  

Sun, 11/12/2017 - 14:37

jrisdahl

Thanks for all the feedback. lstill love my Mac. I agree with the brake issue when winding on. My solution is to put a small hand weight on the brake peddle in th front to release the brake.l have to fiddle to get it just right. I’m still on the lookout for a Glimakra but will need to make room once I find it.I’m just finishing a Krokbragd project and will post pictures once it’s off the loom.

Mon, 11/27/2017 - 13:33

mneligh

There is a device to release the brake on the Macomber, I think. Post this question to the Macomber group.  Michael has a photo . . .

Mon, 11/27/2017 - 13:33

mneligh

There is a device to release the brake on the Macomber, I think. Post this question to the Macomber group.  Michael has a photo . . .

Sun, 12/03/2017 - 04:02

Gone

It's not a 'device per se, but I've found that my brake treadle can stick under the front upright. Great for warping - not so great for weaving. ;-)

Mon, 12/04/2017 - 03:26

Connie

I use a wooden 12" ruler to wegded between the foot rail bracket and the brake pedal. Back beam then spins freely for winding the warp.