I have a new to me tableloom and need to get a warping board or reel. I've seen videos of each and would like opinions particularly from those of you who have used both - especially in regard to the learning curve. The reels look neat but I wonder if getting the "rows" to lie nice and flat is difficult - which looks easily achieved with the boards. Thank you chris

Comments

sally orgren

and a beginner, a warping board is probably a better choice to hone your skills. Reels are designed for winding long warps for floor looms. Table looms have small circumference beams, and they don't have the capacity for lots of cloth to be accumulated on the front beam. A warping board is also more common, so if you change your loom and warping tools in the future, you will most likely find another weaver who will want to purchase a warping board from you.

Joanne Hall

because there was one in the room where I taught weaving classes. It was a large floor model. So, I never had to use a warping frame. I got really spoiled and when I left there, I got a reel. I have replaced it with a larger reel that I use now. If you really like weaving, plan to keep weaving and have s little space for it, you might consider the reel. Joanne

sally orgren

but my warp board takes up far less space than the reel, which lives in the garage most of the time. (The reel is nearly as tall as I am.) I believe my warp board can accommodate up to 11 yards. The reel isn't infinite, but it can hold a lot more than eleven yards. When not in use, the warp board can be mounted on a wall to hold other things. I probably use the reel less than once a year, because I average about 5-8 yards on most projects. When I have to do a longer warp, the reel is more efficient, along with winding off from numerous packages, regardless of which tool I am using. What kind of reel do you have, Joanne?

Joanne Hall

I have an old Glimakra reel, about 25 years old. I got it new It is a floor reel, 3 meters (10 feet) around. Being that size, I seldom have to reach above my shoulder or below my waist, so it is very comfortable to use. I don't have much space for it, but it is there in the studio set up all the time and I use it for all my winding. I have a warping frame for when I teach beginners, but I don't use it to wind my warps. I know I am spoiled, but it just makes sense to use the reel. Joanne

Oregon Weaver

Hi, I'm a big rug/blanket weaver and also considering a reel. My guess is that if you are weaving warps of 8 yards or more on a regular basis, then reels are a good investment, correct? Thanks, Kathryn

Joanne Hall

I agree. I feel that my reel has saved me a lot of time over the years and my warps are also more accurate, meaning all the warp ends are the same length. Joanne
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