Posted by Sharon on Saturday, 20 October 2007, at 10:29 a.m.:
In Reply to: WANTED 8-Harness Smaller Floor Loom posted by Faith C. on Friday, 19 October 2007, at 8:29 a.m.:
Faith,
Most people do not get rid of their 8 shaft floor looms that are that narrow because they are portable and people can always make room for them. If they have 8 shaft(harness)loom(s) that means they are fairly addicted to weaving.Harrisville makes a 22" 8 shaft in a kit that sells for 1480. (I generally don't recommend harrisville because they are the most cheaply made. If you can afford that you can afford the next step up the leclerc compact (24" weaving width) that sells new for 1500. The cadillac is the baby wolf (26") by schacht that sells for 1850. It of course is the most expensive but also has a good resale value and is the sturdiest of the smaller looms. No one is currently making a loom that is larger without being larger than 30". Leclerc used to sell at 29" but no longer so you would have to get it used and I don't see too many of them around. Usually they are 20-26" then the next size is 32 to 36 inches. The baby wolf has many accessories available (wolf trap that hangs on the front to hold shuttles, the stroller that makes it wheelable when folded etc. Many loom dealers sell more than one model and usually provide free shipping. Some also throw in accessories into a (package deal) that makes getting more than the loom a good deal. Benches are almost 300 for most looms these days, but some of the smaller ones you can weave from a standard chair or a short bench.Certainly if you can afford the schacht baby wolf that is the way to go. Ebay has them sometimes used, but they go for almost as much as a new one and of course you have to pay for shipping and there is no guarantee that the loom is not rusted etc. do a google search in your area and you may find a shop semi close that carries one or more of these models so you can check it out. Do a search ( I think it is bountiful that offers a package special) because it is cheaper to get the loom ordered from another state (no sales tax) than it is in your state unless the dealer can cut you a deal if you know what the price is without the sales tax. Hope this helps. If there is no shop close see if you can into a local weaving guild....they might know someone who has a used beauty for sale.
Good luck with your weaving endeavors.
Sharon