Restoring a Union Loom - The Reed

I started the disassembly and removed the heart of the loom. I removed the beater bar and reed to sand and clean. I also added a Poly Stain to the wood for a good look. Now that I have decided to sand and refinish the wood I will continue this process on the entire Loom. Please join me as I finish this project in the following videos.
wire wheel: amzn.to/2VF0Irv
Thank you for viewing!

[@kasandramckenna3250]

I just had this same debate with a loom that has been kept in a garage for several decades. I made the same choice.

[@caddywampus]

Thank you for your restoration videos, gives me more confidence about restoring an old loom I've been meaning to purchase

[@ziolove]

Love your loom videos. Thank you. I've got my grandmother's Union Loom Works loom--in pieces. I've been intimidated by the task of assembling it, but it's not going to assemble itself. Have to get after it. I am so excited at the prospect of weaving on it.

[@JSCRocketScientist]

Thank you SO much for these. I’ve got a nearly 100 year old 4-shaft Hammett loom that a friend saved from being BURNED for firewood when new owners found it in their barn. The friend has had it in her garage for 30 years. Very worn but incredibly sturdy if restored. I wanted to save the original Reed. No corrosion but a light sprinkling of rust, heavier on the ends. I’m looking forward to seeing how you replace the heddles. Mine are a bit bent and rusty. Not sure if I can save them.

[@karendoyle7999]

Whoa! Pretty finish!

[@tamaradixon7486]

You can soak the rust off reed by soaking in a vinegar bath overnight. I’ve done it successfully.

[@MdSumon-gt7sl]

Nice

[@daostrander4691]

Hi - thanks for sharing your journey. Can I ask you what you used to clean the reed? I just received an old school loom which needs drastic cleaning, but otherwise looks to be in good shape. Thank you!

[@monicafrederick5880]

Nice work I want to buy reed and I don't know where they sell it Can you please show me where to buy reed

[@NorthernGardensChannel]

It looks like there are several suppliers you might choose from. I would suggest going to Google and do a search for Weaving Loom Reed and you will see several sizes and types you could choose from depending on your loom. Good luck!

[@pelewarnock927]

I just got a vintage swedish reed and it smells like smoke, I think it survived a fire. The rust I can clean, but I'm worried about the binding wood, especially as the metal slats are sticking out of the ends. After sanding it down what would you recommend I seal the too and bottom bars with? Wood glue or epoxy? Thank you!

[@danettecross8608]

I could explain how you save a warp, but too late.

[@gladysmiu]

After your sand the rust off the reed, does it need a coat of something to protect it from rusting again?

[@NorthernGardensChannel]

There are several things you can purchase to seal the steel, but I use SC Johnson Paste Wax

[@Rena6323]

How did you end up finishing the bottom, the part that the wires sit in. You stated you might use wax... Your finished loom looks gorgeous!

[@NorthernGardensChannel]

Thank you for the nice comment. I did put a layer of wax on the reed and the bottom. There may be a better solution, but at least this will help stop the deterioration from happening faster.

[@Rena6323]

@@NorthernGardensChannel Thank you for the additional information!

[@aprilberg2554]

how did you remove the rust?

[@NorthernGardensChannel]

There are multitude of ways to remove the rust. In this instance, I used WD40, sandpaper, and wire brushes. You could used chemical strippers if you want, but I don't think it is necessary. The more you use a tool that has or had rust, the less rust you will have and less rust will form

[@GrandmaY]

@@NorthernGardensChannel Thank you!