Get Warped! Addendum

Since my purchase of a Nilus LeClerc 45" floor loom, some issues have come to light.

First off, I have noticed that many Nilus LeClerc looms for sale second- hand promote the idea that the 4- shaft model can easily be upgraded to an 8- shaft model. While it may be easy- labor wise- to upgrade from 4 to 8 shafts, it won't be cheap.

Unless the Nilus LeClerc in question comes with "back hinge treddles," one would look at paying around  $2,255.00 to upgrade from 4 shafts to 8 (45" model)- which is silly- because you could buy a new Nilus LeClerc 8 shaft Nilus for $4,280.00.

Now, don't get me wrong, 4 shafts allows for many patterns and options however, when someone is interested in the prospect of being able to upgrade at a latter date, it pays to understand what options one has and what price one will pay for such options.

Second, it is important to make sure that you are buying a "high castle" Nilus, make certain that it is a high castle you truly are purchasing. Another tactic used to sell a used Nilus is the fact that a high castle makes possible the conversion from 4 to 8 shaft.

I mention this because most "high castle" Nilus looms do not have a "high castle." No high castle, no convert. Click here for pictures of a high and not high castle Nilus.

I got my Nilus at a fair price. However, I expected to be able to upgrade from 4 to 8 shafts in the future and am a little upset that I didn't do enough research beforehand in order to learn what my options- due to my budget- really were. Hence, this addendum; I wish someone had told me what I am telling you now.

If you are looking at purchasing a LeClerc loom second- hand and you are a beginner, may I suggest looking into and seriously considering "Dorothy" model prior to deciding upon a Nilus?

While the Dorothy is "small, "with a weaving width of either 15 3/4" or 24," it can pack a bigger punch- sharftwise- than the Nilus and for a large fraction of the price. Instead of $3,000.00 to add 4 additional shafts, you'll only need $283.00 for the 15 3/4" or $361.00 for the 24" model. Really, that's not a bad price for all the creative wiggle- room offered by the addition of 4 more shafts. Being that I have seen a Dorothy with 16 shafts, the artistic possibilities could be endless for a reasonable price.

Another reason I have come to wish that I had bought a Dorothy is that, being a table loom, it is transportable. Thus, I'd have the ability to take a class away from home on my very own loom. Also, since the Dorothy can remain warped while folded, I could- theoretically- take my work with me.

It is so easy to get warped (weaving humor!) up in the supposed power of a huge floor loom but, in the case of the options LeClerc has to offer, financially, the best bang for one's buck seems to be the small Dorothy.

For information and options on/ for the LeClerc Nilus I, click here.

For information and options on/  for the LeClerc Dorothy models, click here for the 24"model  and here for the 15 3/4" model.