It's a Structo Artcraft 600 4-shaft loom with a maximum weaving width of 20". The loom came with a 15-dent reed. If the reed is sleyed two threads per dent (for a sett of 30 ends per inch) the loom could accommodate 600 warp ends. It was made sometime around 1925 but before 1932 (when the next model was released). I was able to find an original owner's manual and product catalog on eBay. Click any picture below to enlarge.
I took the loom completely apart and sanded all the metal parts down to bare metal and spray painted them back to their original black paint. I decided not to sand the mahogany down to bare wood, instead I sanded the old finish off with steel wool and used Restor-A-Finish. This stuff is amazing.
Ta-dah... Here is the completed loom. I created cloth aprons with rods and ordered TexSolv heddles. I really didn't think I could get the rust off the 15-dent reed but I kept at it and it came out beautifully.
Here she is with her first warp. I used the Katie Reeder Meek method of using a trapeze. You can get a review of her book Warp with a Trapeze and Dance With Your Loom Using Live-Tensioned Weights here.
For the first project I put on a little over 5 yards of cotton warp for dishtowels.
I really enjoyed restoring this old loom. It's hard to believe it's the same loom.
An amazing transformation - congratulations!
ReplyDeleteWhat a terrific restoration!
ReplyDeleteI can't quite believe you used a trapeze with a Structo loom, but then again, why not!
Good to see you back to blogging - now, I need to do the same.
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ReplyDeleteOoops! I'm such a dope. I left a comment on my own blog.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful work with the loom! You've a courageous one, taking on rust. I keep admiring your trapeeze. Just great -- another project I have to tackle.
ReplyDeleteHey, Terri. Lovely to see you posting again. Amazing work on the loom - congratulations. Any time left over for Beadwork? Sympathies (empathies?) on the AAADD.
ReplyDeleteJust sent you an email and decided to mosey on over to check your blog. Lo and behold - you finished the tea towels/dish towels! They look great. As long as I've known you, you never cease to amaze me.
ReplyDeleteHello there,
ReplyDeleteI have a loom like that bought it in the Netherlands but it wasn`t in such bad condition. Nice work on the loom.
regards
Sylvia
Teri,
ReplyDeleteLove your restoration. Just aquired two of these from a school and will be starting to restore them in June. Missing a few parts (same parts on both looms). Any idea of a source for replacement parts? Lu
Terri, if you haven't joined us on all_things_structo on Yahoo, please do! Sounds like you have some good information to share with the rest of the "structo junkies" who gather there!
ReplyDeleteLove the work you've done! I have one old "Baby Mac" in pieces and awaiting re-assembly after sanding and polyeurethining (guess I just invented a word) and another one, a vintage 50 years old, awaiting attention. It came with a hex beam to accommodate Structo spools! Macomber used to supply those with their looms!
I also own about 25 structos, including one of just about every model. No, not nuts, but use them to teach! Long story.
Nancy C (admin for the group)
Hi Teri, I just found your blog and am amazed at what you did with that structo loom. I found it through a google search trying to figure out how to add cloth aprons to a dorset loom that I am restoring (not in as bad a shape as your structo). Since I have no loom with aprons I would love to know how you made and attached the aprons to your loom. My beams are wood, so I can attach with tacks or small screws, but did you need to put a rod on the beam end of the cloth, or was a hem enough to keep it straight. One more question - what type of canvas did you use for the aprons? I sure hope I can do as good a job as you did.
ReplyDeleteGail, I will be happy to share with you how I made the aprons. How can I reach you?
ReplyDeleteHi Terri:
ReplyDeleteIt's taken me a while to find your blog again (why didnt I bookmark it?). Thanks for offering your advice and expertise. You can email me at basketcat90@yahoo.com
Thanks so much.
Gail
Just wanted to know if you would be interested in purchasing a 1933 Stuco Loom?
ReplyDeleteThe thing is complete. Refering to the earlier question...Are you interested in puchasing?
ReplyDeletejrrycline@yahoo.com or call Jerry 740-972-5865
Hi Teri,
ReplyDeleteI too have a Structo 600 that has seen better days. Can you share what you paid for your manual from ebay. I need one and can't find a download so I hoped to find one and would like to know what I can expect to pay. Thanks-Allyson
btw the loom is beautiful!!
I just saw this today. (Aug 18 2010) What a beautiful restoration!
ReplyDeleteThere is a yahoogroup that has downloadable files.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/all_things_structo/
Have a good day!
Awesome restoration! I just received a Structo loom as a gift. It needs tons of work. Where do you get replacement parts for these things?
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing. Really inspiring.
Hi Moonysmom, There really isn't a place that I know of to get replacement parts. Mine was missing minor things like screws and a spring that were easily obtained from a hardware store.
ReplyDeleteHave fun with your "new to you" loom.
Terri
p.s. You might consider joining the Yahoo Group mentioned by the previous poster.
Terri - I have a Structo 600 that had sat in someone's basement for over 30 years! It took some major cleanup but now looks great! As a new weaver I am curious about the trapeez you used. Why did you choose to use it? Also, what material did you use for the aprons? Rebecca
ReplyDeleteI am amazed how you made this loom so beautiful. Wish I had that kind of talent
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteHi Terri,
ReplyDeleteI recently acquired the very same loom that you've restored in this blog. It as well needs aprons on the front and back beams. Would you be able to send me the directions to do this process? My email is thebranchesm.noble@yahoo.com
Thank you in advance,
Michele Noble
Hi there,
ReplyDeleteI came across a structo loom and am wanting to restore it just like you did.
I can't find any instructions still available to purchase.
If you have time coul you send me any resources or instructions on how to get it back to its former glory.
Thank you!
Katepastrana@gmail.com
I can't figure out any other way to reach you, but I just bought the same loom. I feel silly now. When I got home I realized that it's missing a beater bar! I think I can make one but the patent does not have measurements. Would you be willing to send me measurements of yours? I'm wondering if the beater for another model might fit.
ReplyDelete