Hi I am a new weaver with big ambitions and a lot of passion. Unfortunately so far I have purchased a large item in cost and size and I am lacking the knowlege of how to fix it to get weaving on it. The loom is by Le Clerc possibly a Colonial. It is 60"wide with a sectional warping beam -   I recently warped it as a plain beam after destroying two expensive linen warps. The loom was modified to semi automatic by using an air compressor, solanoids, use of printer parallel port and a DOS computer program by David Thorpe NZ (now deceased). I am missing the right 25 point plugs that go from the loom controllor to the printer/computer thus can't simply start to use it in the semi automatic way I purchased it. Before the neighbours and my family have been evicted for noise pollution, I would need to build a soundproof box for the air compressor in any case.

The previous owner had a bad back thus the change to semi- automatic and when it was changed DOS was all there was.  . The previous owner is now elderly, unwell, interstate and I don't want to trouble him. I wanted to use the loom manually at present but the treadles and lams have been removed. I've made some treadles not such an issue but given the shaft lifting goes up via the loom controllor box, I don't know how to buy the right lams (I am in Australia) and would have to import from USA- freight expensive and they may notentail simply  replacing what I assume is the Colonial original - Is there a simple way of making them, readjusting the shaft control? It is a jack loom. I would be most appreciate of any help or suggestions to investigate. I have more photos if needed.  Thanks in anticipation Rosslyn Lyall

Comments

SallyE (not verified)

Leclerc has a lot of information on-line for both old and new looms.   It can be found here:

http://www.leclerclooms.com/draw_inst/draw_inst.htm

Also, there should be a name plate and a serial number somewhere on your loom.   You could contact Leclerc in Canada to find out which manual would explain your loom.   With this information you should be able to see how it was supposed to work as a manual loom, and be able to retrofit it with the help of a woodworker.

That is one big loom!   Good luck.

 

rosslyn lyall

Hi Sally Thanks again for your response. I've had another look at Le Clerc's site and my loom is comparable to the Colonial and Mira/Fanny but then they are counterbalanced. Maybe if I write to Le clerc sending photos they may help as I'm missing the friction brake as well and at present just have two very heavy weights dangling off the back beam from pulleys which is less than satisfactory. I'm out to check out electronic stores to see if I can get the missing plugs and adaptor for my lap top and printer. Then it will be a technological learning curve as well. My son threw out the very old computer. Then I'll have to make a sound muffler for the air compressor. What a learning curve. I want to be learning to weave cloth not to build looms. Still I did make a very sloppy looking shaft switch device to be ready when I learnt the basics of weaving. I said I was ambitious. One day I hope to be accomplished like your weaving shows you are. I know what I'll be doing in my retirement in a few years. Thanks again. If I solve the problem I'll post the result!!! Cheers Ros Lyall

SallyE (not verified)

Thank you for the kind words.

As for muffling the air compressor - note that they work by pulling in air and then compressing it.  That works against efforts to muffle them because you have to allow for the air intake.  Maybe you should try using the loom just with muscle power first, or convert it to using a small mottor.  Then you could sell the compressor.

Since you are new to weaving, you might be better off starting simple.  Just get it working with a few (4) shafts and work it manally.   Then you can add the fancy stuff again later, once you understand how the loom works and have some experience with it.

I'm sure Leclerc will be able to give you some information.   Good luck!