I am looking at getting a good weaving jig and need some ideas. What are you guys using and give the good, bad and the ugly with them. I am looking for something that will not limit what I can do and grow into. I do not want to buy something more than once so I need to get it right the first time. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Well Glenn the way you worded this the is only one answer. Because there is only one weaving jig that you can do all projects on. That is the Wonder Weaver by Rensetti. It is the only jig that multiple axis weaves can be done on. Granted most of the weaves you will need to do wont be multi axis or 360 degree weaves but if you did that is the only one set up to do it. I make a fine jig too but it is designed to do one axis work. The WW is the most pricey though.
Hey Glenn, I started w/ Doc's 30 thread loom, but have moved up to his 80 thread. I build mostly light trout rods and use mostly 30-50 thread patterns. I temporarily renumber the loom w/ sticky dots to try to get an approximate even # of threads on each side. If I'm doing name or initial, I still pull out the 30 thread loom. I don't anticipate doing 360 degree weaves and these suit me. I hope some other respond w/ their ideas on looms. Jerry
Glen I use a hanging weight loom and I really like it. I have tried double sided tape, paddle looms and styrofoam circles. The only thing I haven't tried is the Wonder Weaver. I would have one if I could justify the price but I can do everything I need to do with my hanging weight loom. I built it myself out of scrap so the price was perfect-$0. Pat
With the ones Doc has I guess you can still do all of the multi level weaves and such. You just can not do a weave that goes 360 degrees. I know I used the word jig and that might not be the correct word to use as I was using it as something to hold the thread. Right now I am using masking tape and it works for doing initials and simple things, but I am starting to try more difficult weaves and this is not working out. So I am looking to get something to help out with the waste of time and thread. I was looking at the ones on ACID ROD of Doc's and think they are great and just not sure if that is what I need just out f lack of knowledge that is why I am asking. Sorry for my not spelling out more in the first post. I know I sound confused, there is a good reason..... I AM. To make a weave that would go all the way around the blank... I am not sure I have seen any like that, or have I and just not known it. As I have only been building rods for a short time (1year) I only want to continue with the addiction and this is an important step for me, so thank you in advance for all of the help to come and that I have already gotten.
I'll send you an email Glenn, I have an article on how to make a simple Loom I got from Doug Moore....I haven't built it myself yet, but looks great to get started. To do the 360 degree you need to get your checkbook out and buy a Wonder Weave.
I have a wonder weaver and I also have some of Doc's looms. Both have their advantages and shortfalls. Unless the weave is more than 80 threads I'd typically grab Doc's loom because I find it easier to "read". Doc's looms keep the thread closer to the blank, whereas the wonder weaver being about 3" in diameter angles them quite sharply. On the other hand, the wonder weaver has less tendency to angle the threads away from centre because it's not in a vee configuration. With either you are best served spacing them as wide as is comfortably possible to keep the angles smaller.
The wonder weaver is a fine tool, but serious dollars. You have to be committed to the art (which in itself means you should be committed).
I've been meaning to discuss with Doc a couple of mods I have in mind that would alleviate the only shortcomings I find in his design. When I can achieve both time and motivation on the same day I may knock up a prototype.
cheers, Owen
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I went ahead and bought one of Doc's looms with the 100 thread count. It should be here in a couple of days, hen I just need a little time o work on a few rods.....that thing called a job is getting in the way of building rods and fishing.
