I was wondering if anyone knew anything about the procedure Macomber uses to finish the wood on the looms. I'd like to know whether a wood primer is used, how many finish coats are applied, the actual finish they're using, and whether the finishing of the accessory wood pieces, like the blocks holding the bumpers or the lamm rod slots, is the same as the castle and other major wood pieces. I'm also wondering whether petroleum jelly is the best thing to be using on the bronze. My loom has a Maine label, and I was wondering if anyone knows when Macomber moved from Mass. to Maine. - Penn

Comments

Thu, 06/16/2011 - 17:14

Penn (not verified)

Sounds as if I've trespassed. If Sarah's blog had the answers, I wouldn't have asked here. I've already consulted Macomber, and received a snide and dismissive response about finishes. That's why I asked here. Apparently not a welcome topic. Feel free to delete the thread.
Thu, 06/16/2011 - 20:47

Michael White

Since you brought up the subject let me tell you about the "new" Macomber finish. I have restored 6 Macombers looms. Of the six two were made in Mass and had a good finish on them. The other four made in ME had finishes that were flakeing off or were just about gone. Out of respect for Macomber these looms were not well cared for. The old finish I believe was lacquer and the new one is a water base polyurethane(?) From taking these looms apart I will tell you the wooden parts of the looms were put together then sprayed with a colored finish.

There are a number of people here that have refinished Macomber looms and I welcome their input on this subject.

I have two papers I have written on the care of looms. One on the metal and one on the wooden parts. If you like I will email them to you.

Most people here will tell you I will answer any question. I sent you to Sarah's blog thinking you would be able to find a answer to your question.

My thoughts on petroleum jelly, This is what Macomber recomends but I think it is a dust collector. I like using a "Dry Slide" like "Blaster 50" it goes on wet and dries to a polymerized

finish.

Michael

 

 

Fri, 06/17/2011 - 17:28

andsewon (not verified)

Hi Penn, On my loom, the finish was dry and flaking. It was made in 1954. I just sanded it off and used the Min-Wax Fast-Drying Polyurethane product. It works wonderfully and it really easy to apply. The polyurethane gives it a nice hard finish to help ward off nicks and scrapes. I don't really like vaseline. They also tell use to use silicone spray on the rods.....makes a horrible mess on the wood and is impossible to remove. There are lots of better products out there for both of these areas. I like White Lithium grease for the jacks. I've not treated my rods with anything yet as they seem to be working just fine. The trite response you got from the guys at Macomber is just their personality. lol I've had that before and then other times, they've been really helpful. I just chalk it up to two old guys who really need a person to answer the phone and handle the orders so they can concentrate on building looms. LOL
Wed, 06/22/2011 - 00:52

TinaHilton (not verified)

Sarah Haskell is a great intermediary.  I've talke to the guys at the "factory" and they were helpful to me, but it was hard to get them on the phone.  I just ordered a new lamm from Sarah.  One of mine is bent and she discussed the alternatives with the Macomber guys anad this was their recommendation.  If I'd had to try to get them on the phone, I imagine it would have taken much longer than it did.  And it's really great to send her questions via email when you're not in a hurry.