I havew a new-to-me JL Hammet counterbalance loom - the narrower one, I thiink it has about a 32 inch weaving width. Does anyone have any experience with these looms? This one is in great shape so I'm hoping that I don't have to make a lot of repairs, but I'd be grateful to hear from anyone who has had experience with these looms, especially for making rag rugs.

Thanks,

Agnes

Comments

Sun, 07/14/2013 - 22:03

sequel (not verified)

You'll really like this loom for rag rugs.  The shed is very tall to accomodate big rag shuttles, and the depth from front to back is nice and deep so you won't have to advance your warp every 3/4".  Just don't forget to release the tension at the cloth beam before stepping on the brake release for the warp beam or you will slingshot a yard or two of warp when you least expect it!  Stepping down too far on the brake release will cause the wooden lever to move up too high and interfere with the ratchet on the warp beam.  Just step down enough to release the pawl from the ratchet.

 

If the sectional pegs have been removed to substitute a canvas apron, all you have to do is get some dowels from the hardware store and cut off some pegs and stick them in the holes on the warp beam - should you decide to do some serious production weaving.

Sun, 07/14/2013 - 22:18

agneslionel

Thank you, Sequel, that is exactly the sort of expert opinion I hoped I would get. I'll be careful of the cloth beam and the brake release. 

The sectional beam is intact, which is a plus. The previous owner also gave me a very elderly tension box that had actual plastic hair combs for combs, much like the combs the photographer used to give us before taking our school pictures back, gasp, the 1950s. The tension box is equipped with an equally elderly but still functional yarn counter. I have a more modern version that I use on my other looms but I think I will keep this one as a weaving artifact.

I'm not so sure about production weaving but I sure am looking forward to some rag rugs.

Sun, 07/14/2013 - 23:10

khakijean

I've had mine (also the 32" weaving width) for about 6 months.  I don't have any advice since I've only made 4 rugs but it's been a great loom so far.  I wasn't warned about the "slingshot" effect, so I learned that the hard way, LOL.  Have fun with it!