Hello, after numerous looms and just selling my 120cm Glim, I am leaning to one loom - a Glimakra 160cm.  I have worked on an AVL 60 " but am concerned that the size of the 160 will be wasted as it might be too difficult to extend the reach to that width.  I make wider width rugs and items frequently, hence interest in this loom size, however the flyshuttle is very expensive.  Does anyone own a 160 that could share their thoughts?  I understand we all have preferences but I am a little hesitant about such a wide width.  I originally thought the loom was a 150 (only a few inches difference).

Thanks

Dawn

Comments

Fri, 10/15/2010 - 14:13

Joanne Hall

Hi Dawn,

I once wove six blankets with a 60 inch warp.  I had no problem throwing the shuttle.  Peter Collingwood said that when you want to weave a wider width, raise the bench one setting and your reach will be easier. 

There would be some advantages to the wider width.  One is that if you want to weave some wide warps, remember that having a couple inches extra space on each side makes warping and weaving easier than if you have warp threads right up to the maximum weaving width.

Another advantage is that the beater will be a little heavier, due to the extra length.  Being a hanging beater means that it will not be difficult to use.

The 160cm is only 10 cm or 4 inches wider than dth 150cm, so it is not really very much larger.

Joanne

Sat, 10/16/2010 - 08:54

Rugsbyjoe (not verified)

Hi Dawn First the 60 inch Glimakra loom is not going to give you a finished with of 60 inches you will end up with a rag rug 56 to 58 with the take down from weaving so if you want a ture 60 inch wide fabric you are going to need a wider loom The shuttle of the Glimakra fly shuttle has wheels I have found the shuttle does not track well at all and it does not hold enough weft fiber and does not have a good range of tension settings for the weft The best shuttle I have found to use on the Glimakra fly shuttle is the Crossley shuttle the same type used in AVL loom they are not made any more but might be found on e-bay the Crossley shuttles fit the Glimakra fly shuttle boxes fine they trak very well and hold a lot more weft fiber Joe
Sat, 10/16/2010 - 18:47

Dawn McCarthy

Thank you Joe, you raise a good point!  actual weave width is diminished with draw in!  I am thinking an AVL double flybox adapted to the loom using the AVL fly shuttles!  on a 63 inch loom gives a nice wide fabric/rug.

 

Dawn

Sat, 10/16/2010 - 20:50

Sara von Tresckow

My widest loom is 48" and when I occasionally want to weave 48" fabric, it is a hassle - the warp is wide enough to slip off the warping sticks, the shaft frames allow the heddles to slip off more easily, winding the wide cloth on the beam sometimes brings wrinkles - by buying the 60" loom, you are providing yourself with some "wiggle room" that will come in handy many times.

Tue, 10/19/2010 - 17:45

Sue Seymour (not verified)

I have a 160cm, but not because I wanted that particular width.  What I wanted was the double ratchets (one on either side) on the beams and it didn't come that way in a smaller width.  Don't know about newer ones.  I weave rugs, and find that anything wider than 40-45 inches is too wide to reach with ease.  Not only is it too hard on my back, but the weaving and treadling rhythm gets broken.  I don't have (and probably wouldn't use) a fly shuttle, so I can't help you there.