I've been looking at the new Macomber site, and can't see any information that references the models B4 or B5.   What is the difference between these two models?   I have a B5, but what is a B4?

Thanks,

 

Comments

Sun, 05/19/2013 - 14:37

mneligh

I may have this mixed up, but I believe the B4's are bigger & beefier than the B5's.  I am sure that the distiction comes from the sizes or timber & parts used on the two by the guys at Macomber when building them, but I am relying on memory as to which is bigger.  I have a B4.

Sun, 05/19/2013 - 16:18

Dena (not verified)

I am almost sure (but defer to anyone who is completely sure) that while the shape of the B4s and B5s if identical, the B4 classification is used for the wider ones (I think it's 56" and up, but it may be 48) and the B5 classification is used for the narrower ones (24" through 40 or 48").
Mon, 05/20/2013 - 04:53

JohannaSan

B5 is the smaller widths and B4 is the larger. Sarah Haskell explains the numbering on her blog here: http://macomberloomsandme.blogspot.com/2009/05/making-sense.html

I have a B4E which is a 56" weaving width.

B5 would be either 24, 32 or 40" weaving width.

Johanna

Mon, 05/20/2013 - 13:13

Michael White

The model number is defined by the size of the loom. The models numbers define the weaving width of the loom. B5 Looms are 24” , 32”, and 40”. B4 Looms are 48”, 56”, 64” and 72”.

The letter following the number defines the weaving width of your loom.

B5~
• A=24”
• B=32”
• C=40”
B4~
• D=48”
• E=56”
• K=64”
• L=72”

Here’s the scoop on the Portable Loom numbering system as well as the Extra Large Macs.
Portables (Baby Macs)that are older than about 1976 were all numbered as CP 11. After that date the models are labeled as follows:
• CP-F = 16”
• CP-G= 20” 6H frame
• CP-H= 20” 8H frame
• CP-J = 24”
And finally the Type B1 Folding Looms, or Extra Large Macs are the following models:
• B1 - M= 98”
• B1-N = 122”
• B1-O = 146”

Tue, 05/21/2013 - 01:42

gailc

My 16 shaft 40" is labelled as a B4.  I asked Eddie at the shop about this and he told me that the 16 shaft looms are built with the heavier wood that is found on the wider looms and are designated B4 even though they are narrower than 48".

Tue, 05/21/2013 - 02:05

SallyE (not verified)

There is a loom at a used / consignment place in New Hampshire.   It's a B5, and when I asked the width, I was told 36".   This guy isn't a weaver and doesn't know from weaving width, but I'm thinking it's a 24" weaving width if the loom itself is about 36".   Does that sound about right?

 

Tue, 05/21/2013 - 12:30

Dena (not verified)

The castle on my 24" is 32", the beater is 36".  It could be a 24" or a 32"...hard to tell without asking him where he is measuring.  Are you thinking about getting it?  If not, feel free to pass on the info!
Tue, 05/21/2013 - 20:33

SallyE (not verified)

I called about it and explained how to measure the weaving width to the nice lady on the phone.   It's a 4 shaft, will hold 8, and has a 24" weaving width.  It's listed on Ebay here:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/360658107452?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649

Right now it's listed at $600, but they'd go a little lower.

Murray's Home Again
3 Elm Hill Road
Corner of Rtes 101 & 123
Peterborough, NH 03458
603-924-6650