I may have an opprotunity to purchase a 10 shaft, 32 inch Macomber.  I'm fairly new to weaving but am intrigued by the more complex drafts and using finer threads.  To date I have woven on 8 shafts with 3/2, 5/2, 8/2 and 16/2 in cotton, tencel and bamboo.   I eventually would like to work with 30/2 and 60/2 silk. Would a Macomber be appropriate for the fine weaving?  Most of my friends who own them weave much heavier rugs and are not experienced with fine weaving on thier Macombers. 

Comments

Fri, 02/14/2014 - 15:10

mneligh

Macombers are totally appropriate for fine weaving.

Macombers are totally appropriate for fine weaving.  About once a year I do yardage for a new suit, blazer, etc., meaning 30 epi or so.  The only time I have had a problem with it was when I was using 10/2 bamboo for warp and had not replaced the flat steel heddles with inserted eye.  Interestingly enough, the problem happened with only one color of bamboo.  I have not had the same problem with other fibers, although I learned my lesson on my first rug warp in heavy linen, long ago.  I overtightened it before the first pick, and heard the warp go ping ping ping all the way across.  Lesson learned: use good sense when tightening the warp.

Since then, I have used all thicknesses and manner of threads in my warp -- slub linen, handspun and commercial wool, etc.  I also do lace with it, particularly leno, if that is where my mood leads me.

Again, I know nothing about baby Macs -- I only speak for the B types.

Sat, 02/15/2014 - 15:10

Michael White

First off a 32/10 is not a baby Macomber. It is a small "big" Macomber. Here are pictures of a 20/2 mercerized cotton scarf. If you are going to weave with 30/2, 60/2 silk I would recommend using eye heddles. This scarf is being woven on a 32/16 Macomber.

Michael

 

 

 

 

Wed, 02/19/2014 - 22:51

Sherry Crum

Thank you mneligh and Michael for confirming that a Macomber loom will handle the fine weaving I wish to accomplish.  And I will be sure to take your advise on the heddles.  Michael, you scarf is stunning!  I'm so glad you shared pictures of it. 

Now I just need to wait for the loom's owner to deciede he really  wants to sell.  He is begining to have second thoughts about letting go such a beautiful loom and I can't blame him!