Loom Restoration: From Trash to Treasure

http://rigidheddleweaving.com
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Here's the progress of fixing up the loom we got at the second hand store for $75.00. It's been a LOT of work and there's still much more to be done. I removed all the metal parts that I could remove including the little hook things in the shafts and soaked them over night in vinegar to remove the rust. I used ketchup to polish the brass.

Then I used toothbrush and sandpaper to remove any stubborn rust. Even the heddles had rust on them! They are all now nice and shiny.

There's much more to be done, but I wanted to get this loom to, at least, a point where I'd be able to start weaving on it. Almost there! I can hardly wait!

If anyone has any information about this loom I'd appreciate it. It could be either a Murphy or an Allen, we're not sure. I think it was made for a classroom setting as it has inventory like numbers on it. No sticker or plaque or hint of any missing.

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• murphy
• allen
• loom
• restoration
• weaving
• weave
• woven
• heddles
• counterbalance
• bicycle
• chain
• rigidheddleweaving

[CeltinBirks]

Hi!

It's me again. My Allen loom came with a 30 in. 12 dent reed that is rusted. Has your reed come clean after soaking in vinegar overnight? Did you sandpaper or toothbrush it? Reeds must very smooth or the yarn will catch. If you got yours clean and smooth, I might be able to restore mine. I ordered two custom reeds for my loom from a guy on eBay and they turned out great. I haven't been able to find a pre-made reed that is 30".

GOD bless you!

Celt

[rigidheddleweaving]

Hi CeltinBirks

I soaked the reed in vinegar over night and then used a toothbrush. There's still rust on it but it's not so bad. I mean, this reed was so badly rusted you have no idea. The next thing I want to try is aluminum foil (I've used this successfully for cleaning BBQ grills) or a Brillo Pad or steel brush. If that still doesn't work, I'll use sandpaper between each tooth. Haven't gotten to that part yet but I'm planning to since I can't afford a new reed, even from the guy on Ebay.

[rigidheddleweaving]

I was saving my money for a reed for my rigid heddle loom frame and had finally got enough to get one from the guy on Ebay when a friend called and told me about this loom which cost about the same as the reed I wanted, I jumped at the opportunity, so that put me out of funds for a new reed, so I'll be saving my pennies again.

[rigidheddleweaving]

If I ever get the reed all clean and shiny like a new one, I'll probably spray it lightly with a clear polyurethane to keep it from rusting again.