I have an 8-shaft Mighty Wolf that I love and have no plans to replace, and then something else happened. I recently acquired a giant stash (nearly 100lb) of quilting fabric that has faded along its fold lines, perfect for rag runs. My Mighty Wolf, which so far has done everything I asked of it and more, is the wrong loom for rag rugs, so I need to supplant it. I am getting lots of conflicting advice about the sort of used loom I should be looking for. Some folks are adamant, and I mean adamant, that rag rugs can only be woven on counterbalance looms because of the need for high warp tension. Other folks (and that includes Janet Meany's wonderful book on rug weaving) suggest that either jack or counterbalance will work providing the loom itself is big and sturdy enough. I am not very tall and do not have loads of upper body strength, so I will need a loom with no more than a 45 inch weaving width and would really like a weighted beater. I am intrigued by counterbalance looms but my experience with the Mighty Wolf has left me very happy with jacks and easy tie-ups.
So I am asking this community of experts about your experiences and recommendations.
Thanks so much,
Agnes