Looming Adventure

Today was an interesting day. I had responded to an ad on Facebook for what was supposed to be a 6 shaft 22″ Harrisville Designs floor loom. However, HD never made a 6s, so I suspected it was an 8s. After several conversations with and picture requests for the seller, I was able to ascertain that it was, in fact, supposed to be an 8s but was missing two shaft frames. In addition, it was not actually the 22″, but rather the older 40″ which, fortunately, they still offer parts for even though it is no longer being made. I was also aware that in addition to the two missing shafts it would need new shaft cables and possibly some other parts.

We decided to drive the hour and see if the loom was worth the asking price. I utilized the time to work a little on the reversible two-color Brioche scarf I’m knitting.

When we arrived and saw the loom we were ready to head right back home. There was no way it was worth the price. The legs were off the castle and so was the entire assembly of the back beam and warp rod, so the loom was sitting at an unpleasant angle. One of the side supports for the back assembly was missing, and it was apparent that in addition to new shaft cables it needed new cables for the lamms, at least two new wooden spools (that the cables sit on), and the bench top was split on both sides. The treadle chains, reed, and heddle support bars were rusted and all the heddles corroded. The treadle bar was bent, too, and I think the tension brake may need repair or replacement.

However there was some considerable negotiation and we finally settled on a price we could live with. Next the loom had to be disassembled because the seller’s doorway was very narrow and the loom would not fit through in one piece. Chad had thought ahead and grabbed the tools we would need, and there was someone present with a drill who helped. Finally they got it apart and loaded into the truck. On the plus side, I realized as we took it apart that all the shafts were actually there hidden behind other parts.

It is going to take some labor, money, and a lot of time, but I do think the poor thing will end up being a rather nice loom. The hope is that it is restored by the time I finish the (accidentally insanely long) 50 yard warp on the Gilmore, so I do have a while. Besides, there’s nothing like a good jigsaw puzzle.