Hello New Friends!
I find myself the surprised (happy) owner of a loom. This baby has been sitting in a neglected basement for who knows how long. I have begun de-mildewing her and getting things cleaned up but... I think there are parts missing. Where can I get new parts that will work with this loom?
Framing pegs definitely missing, (but I think I can re-create those maybe -- will making some chunks of wood fit in the hole and look pretty be enough?)
the front brake (that metal bar thing) is missing, also the side handle for the warp beam. Where can I look to replace those?
It's still in pieces, but looks like it has 4 shafts and 4 treaddles.... oh, and are the heddles supposed to be wire? I read that countermarch use string heddles, but I also read that countermarch have top mounted swinging beaters, and the Finlandia appears to be a bottom mounted beater. Do I need new heddles for it?
The reeds are rusted (what's a good reed to get if I can't un-rust them?),
and the tie-cords look doubtful (do I have to get linen?),
and although I refuse to be scared by the "countermarch is scary" stuff I've been reading online.... I do need some help. Sixteen years ago I had limited access to mostly table looms so my confidence is a bit hampered by my ignorance.
Right now I'm focused on getting it put together (restored, if you will) but I shall soon have oodles of questions on actually using it. Please help me out. I don't even know what sort of information I don't know yet.