I have been asked to form this group. Cheryl my wife of 33 years and I own, at this time, 4 Macomber looms. A 48 inch 4H (soon to be a 8H) this is Cheryl's workhorse, a 56 inch, 16H, a 56 inch 8H and a 48 inch 4H. The last two are being restored and will be sold. We also own a Newcomb studio loom and a copy of a Harrisville 22 inch 4h loom which I built in 1984. Since we are down sizing the Newcome loom will also be sold. Cheryl has been weaving on the Newcomb loom for 28 years but has since fallen in love with her Macomber looms. You can post your question here for everyone to see or you can IM me or sent me a email at whpenfield at hotmail.com

Welcome,

Michael

Comments

Michael White

Claude,

 why don't you convert this baby to a texsol hook?setup Then you will never have to worry about the metal hooks falling off again.

Michael

nwechs

Hello,

 

I have a macomber 8 H, 40". My back beam rod is contected by waxed linen chords that seem to be stapled on. I have been weaving for many years however, I am not very good at fixing/finding problems with my loom. some of these chords have started to break and my tension is suffering. I have been doing research to figure out how to replace the chords or how to build an apron rod instead. any information would be helpful.  I wish there was a macomber repair center-if anyone is in the New york/new jersey area and would like to come over and assist with loom maitenance please advise!!! Thank you!

SDSue (not verified)

Hi! There are two places you can connect to online to get info on how to do these things. macomberloomsandme.blogspot.com is Sarah Haskell's blog and she is a sales rep for Macomber Looms. She has a manual and photos on her blog that will help you. Also there is the main Macomber Loom website: macomberloom.com. They will talk to you on the phone to help you get the best answers for your personal loom. They also have all the pieces to the loom that you might want to order.  Both Sarah Haskell and Macomber Looms are in Maine, so they are close and they are very helpful. Check them out and good luck.

SDSue (not verified)

Hi! There are two places you can connect to online to get info on how to do these things. macomberloomsandme.blogspot.com is Sarah Haskell's blog and she is a sales rep for Macomber Looms. She has a manual and photos on her blog that will help you. Also there is the main Macomber Loom website: macomberloom.com. They will talk to you on the phone to help you get the best answers for your personal loom. They also have all the pieces to the loom that you might want to order.  Both Sarah Haskell and Macomber Looms are in Maine, so they are close and they are very helpful. Check them out and good luck.

Lisas Fleeces (not verified)

Hi All:

I have a lovely B-4, #694. Don't know how wide she is. I forgot what you measure to determin that. I bought her about 20 years ago from an elementary school teacher that had it in her class room and didn't use it. I only paid $400.00 for it. I've been in school for the last few years and negletedher for a long time. She works great! I finally started weaving again this month. Boy how I missed working with her. May be for Christmas, I can add 2 harnesses and turn her in to a 6.

Michael White

Macomber can be 48, 56, 64 or 72 inches. Measure the inside of the heddles frame to get the size. Enjoy weaving on your "new" Macomber. Michael

flekka

Hi,

I just got this vintage loom from a son of a previous owner who thought it might be Nilus Leclerc. But it does not match any of the Nilus photos I've seen, especially the top mechanism that moves the heddles (sorry if my terminology is off, I am new at this). Could it be a Macomber Loom? Unfortunately it has no labels or marking anywhere I can see...

Thanks!!

(you can also see the pictures here... http://www.flickr.com/photos/56889892@N00/with/11089821493)

 

Michael White

I have seen, But it looks like it is a nice loom. Enjoy it.

 

Michael

flekka

Thanks! I can't wait to clean it up and use it.

anna60

Hello,

 

I am now the proud owner of a Macomber loom...  I am interested in any history you may have for it.  The end plate is not rolled steel but a cast plate.  It says;

B5  4 I 5  Saugus, Mass. 

I have found out enough to know the "B5" means it is one of the 40" wide looms, but I am unsure as to what the "4 I (as in India) 5" means.... 

Can you give me any more information..

Thank you,

Anna

nanceeq

Hey Michael,

I own a 24" 8 harness and a 32" 10 harness Macomber.  I am looking for a 40" that has the capability to expand to 10 plus harnesses.  Do you have any suggestions or know of any for sale?  All I have found have been sold:(:(

Thanks for any help or suggestions you can offer.

Nancee

LauraSue (not verified)

I am Laura from Bakersville, NC (between Boone and Asheville). I just bought an old Mac. It is a B5, (don't remember the serial number) 40" weaving width, and 4 shafts with the capacity for 10. I am very pleased to be part of the Macomber family. With just an initial cleanup I can see that I have a few problems. The 4th shaft raises unevenly, one side raising higher than the other. Worse, though, is that the first shaft "sticks." I see that the jack mechanism for the first shaft is rubbing against the wooden bar and so raises with slight difficulty, but worse, doesn't lower easily. That is some pretty hefty hardware in there and is very tightly packed. Is there anything I can do about this? Anybody got ideas?

mom2swimkids

I recently purchased a B5 B with 12 shafts.  I'm loving many things about the loom but the shafts are sloped when lifted.  If I press on a treddle on the right the right side is higher, if I step on the left the left side is higher.  It affects all of the shafts but some more than others.  The result is a sloping shed that is not clean.

A couple of issues I have already noticed is that the metal bars connecting the lams to the jacks are bent on the left side and the pads the jacks rest on need replacing.  Could either of these issues be causing the harnesses to slope when lifted?  If not, any other ideas?

Any help would be appreciated.

Michael White

I first thing to do is clean and lubrcate everything. To fix the jack rubbing problem, Unhook and remove all the frames, On the jack rod loosen the set screws, using a large nail or screw driver (1/4 driff punch is the correct tool to use) we are going to tap the rod so it is out about 1/4 of an inch. You are going to put on the rod a 5/16 inch nylon washer. Work the rod back into the hole and tigthen all the set screws. Then do the other side. This will stop the rubbing. I am guessing you have the same number of chain links on all the chains? Are you using the old hooks or the new super hooks ( Does the hook go into a hole? If yes it is the old style hooks) With the frames still off push down on the jacks to see if the lamms move up and down easy?

 

Michael

 

Michael White

I hope the kids are swimming indoors right now. The jack pads are not going to effect the raising of the shafts (check to see if the jacks are sticking to the pads) A badly bend rod could be a problem. The same question as above, what type of treadles hooks do you have? Sometimes the new hooks catch on the lamm next to it. Remove the frames and move the jacks to see if the lamms move freely. Count the jack links. Clean the grooves on the lamms and the treadles. Try this and lets see what happens. 

Michael

Prairiemoraine

Folks, I foolishly passed on my 48 inch ad a harness to my daughter in law, perhaps not realizing how much it would cost to replace. Only need 4 harnesses but want width as I see that production of quality traditional overshot work has really declined. Anyone within a day of Mn willing to part with a good loom for under $ 1000 please conttact me. Yes, I do know that is unrealistic! I've revamped very old looms in past and woven on several of the older makes and models but in my mind nothing beats a Macomber. If anyone can guide me to a newer brand that works similarly but will cost less than trying to replace what,I've lost, please clue,me in!

mom2swimkids

Thank you for the ideas. I have the super hooks and rods. We will try all you suggested. After closer inspection at the jacks it appears to be that the pins are loose in the jacks, Most of them are pretty tight and raise and lower evenly but a few are loose. Our current plan is to remove the jacks and gently tap the pin in the hopes it will tighten them back up.

Michael White

Are you taking about the rod that go through the jacks. In which case you may need to add a other set collar to keep the rod from moving. On the super hooks sometimes the ends catch on other lamms. The fix, turn the hooks around on the lamm or cut off part of the end.

Michael

MeganMc

This is my second Macomber - my first is a B4-D with 16 harnesses in it and it came with parts to make 20.  More loom than I am ever likely to use but the price was right.

Yesterday a baby mac followed me home.  Appears to be in good working order - I put in all the shafts the previous owner had removed to make it lighter to carry, but I am stumped by the folding.  The treadles don't clear the lams when I want to bring them forward to fold them.  If I undo the little clips holding the treadle bar onto the metal bar at the bottom front, the treadles swing into the loom and up - but there are screws that stop them from moving out the front side.  How do I get them to clear the lams and come to the front to fold it up? Can anyone help?

Thanks,

-Megan

Silklinencashmere (not verified)

Hi!  Maybe you can help me!  I have a 4s Nilus Leclerc and I hear such good things about Macomber.  I have been searching Ebay and Craigslist.  I am willing to drive to pick up a good loom.  I'd like to pay less than $2k.  About 40" would be perfect.  Thanks for any leads!

Oh!  I'm in Pittsburgh, PA

Diane

katewaters

i recently obtained a baby mac  have opened it and there is a thin metal bar in front of? under? the pedals. How do I adjust this?  The amnual doesn't mention it!

katewaters

I have a relatively new baby Mac  when I unfolded it, there is a thin metal bar ?under ?infront of ??? the pedals.  How do I adjust it?  The manual doesn't say!

fahmahjim

I just discovered this forum and hope to participate often. 

I am a long-time weaver and now have two macs.  I bought the 16 harness in 1970 and the 4 harness in 2011, and I enjoy them both.  But as I get older it is harder and harder to put the hooks on the lamms, especially when doing a 16 harness pattern.  So, I am interested in learning about texsolv tie-ups.  I would appreciate any information.

fahmahjim

pbamfor1

I am looking at this loom today. Serial #445.  The owner describles it as beautiful, with some rust on the heddles, reeds in good condition.  She said it was owned by her mother in law and has not been used for more that 20 years.  She is asking $825.00 for the loom.  I will call Macomber tomorrow to reasearch history, etc.  Any thoughts on what I should look for, etc.

Thanks for the help

Peggy 

Michael White

A B5 can be a 24 , 32 or 40 inch loom. New they run from $1799 to $2464.  so I would say $825 is a fair offering. The amount of rust is always a big factor in pricing a loom. If the heddles are rusty and need replaceing you are looks at a couple hundred $ to replace them. Check for rust also on the lamms, heddle bars, heddle frames?  check the conditon of the finish of the wood, are all the treadle hooks there, handle for the warp beam, handle for the cloth advance? Does it have strings on the beams, condition? Are you getting any other equipment, like a bench, bobbin winder, etc.

Have fun looking over this loom.

 

Michael

Sherry Crum

When I first brought home my Baby Mac, I mentioned in this group that I would like to switch from the super hooks to texsol for the treadle tie-ups. I have not done that yet as there were a few responses warning me about people who have done the same thing and it resulted in damaging their looms. As an update, I just spoke with Eddie, the Macomber loom builder, about this. He said there is no issue with using texsol for the tie-ups. Where people run into problems is if they try to fold their looms without disconnecting the texsol tie-ups. This can put undo stress on the lamms and over time, cause them to bend. He did have a customer come in with this exact problem and had to straighten out the lamms for her. But for weaving, he does not have any concern about using texsol tie-ups and knows many Macomber loom owners who have converted to texsol tie-ups without any problems. Just have to remember to undo them before folding your loom. So, just thought I would update the group and, yes, I will be converting over to the texsol once I get my latest project off the loom. BTW, the folks at Macomber are awesome, so friendly and helpful! Do not hesitate to contact them if you ever have a question or concern. Eddie is the BEST and they all make me feel like I'm a personal friend.  smile emoticon

dragonflymeadows

Hi,

I have a 56" 12 harness Macumber loom that I bought used years ago.It has two backbeams, but honestly I only ever used one - the other is not hooked up right. I m looking for a 10 dent reed for it (hopefully stainless) that won't cost an arm and a leg.

Also, any advice on how to clean the accumulated  dust under the harnesses?

 

dragonflymeadows

Thanks for your reply. I will check out the sites you suggested, although I was hoping to find a used reed.

Love my Macumber too.

Michael White

used reeds from time to time. You just have to keep looking.

 

Michael

ajh44

Have 40 in, 8 harness Macomber loom for sale. $1,000.

Michael White

This loom is in LA. CA

 

Michael

weaving02

Hi,

I recently bought an old loom that doesn't seem to have any company name on it. It's an 8 harness loom (although it currently only has 4 harnesses with it), & it's about 45 inches wide. The most distinguishing feature about it seems to be that the treadles are set at the right of the loom instead of the middle like other looms I've seen. Also, some of the wooden pieces are numbered like it could have been a kit loom. The only loom I've seen that is a kit is a Harrisville loom but this doesn't look like any of theirs. 
Could it be an old Macomber? I can post photos if it helps but I just joined here so not sure how to do it.

Thanks!

Hearthsidehills

Hi, I just joined the group.  Just purchased a Macomber B5 with 8 harness and hubby and I are totally newbies.  I have a couple of rigid heddle looms I've woven with until now.  We have to get the loom cleaned up and then I'm sure we'll have many questions.  Is the group still active?  I've not seen any posts since 2011.

Kathy Sosnowski

I hope you can help me.

I have a 12 shaft 14T 45" Old Macomber.  I haven't found out the year, but it has copper wire instead of chains, and wooden shafts,

I can't seem to get the shafts to work properly.  When tied up with more than 2 or 3 if lucky, either all the shafts in use rise, or the ones that are tied rise, but none will fall back.  I have metal heddles.

Do I need to somehow weight the individual shafts, or put springs on the treadles? I hope you have some solution.

Thanks, Kathy

Kathy Sosnowski

I hope you can help me.

I have a 12 shaft 14T 45" Old Macomber.  I haven't found out the year, but it has copper wire instead of chains, and wooden shafts,

I can't seem to get the shafts to work properly.  When tied up with more than 2 or 3 if lucky, either all the shafts in use rise, or the ones that are tied rise, but none will fall back.  I have metal heddles.

Do I need to somehow weight the individual shafts, or put springs on the treadles? I hope you have some solution.

Thanks, Kathy

Michael White

Can you post a picture of this loom. I have a 1938 Reed-Macomber with wooden shafts. This loom has lead counter weights on the cords that control the shafts.
When you raise the shafts one at a time do they drop ok. To me it sounds like it needs a good cleaning and lub job. But pictures will help to see the lifting unit being used.

To make finding your post easier please start a new "create a group post"

Michael

 

warpedw

Hi Michael,

Can you point me in the right direction for some flat steel heddles for a Baby Mac?  Thank you in advance.

Lynda Bass

Michael White

I don't know about the flat heddles. Isell eye heddles for both size macs.

You can try asking here or on the Mac group on Ravelry.

Michael

Wander 21

 

i am  an artist   for   a long time.  i paint    and do some print making  i  have alway wanted to learn to weave  and   print making and weaving will be my new medium.  i love clay  and  paint.   but do not feel creative with paint right now.   i  found   paul klee s  work   very inspiring and  his work looks  like waving.   one work  ad  parasum   and  wanted to  learn to weave 

 

Michael White

I can sent you information about weaving guilds in your area.

 

Michael

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