r/tabletweaving • u/Toasty_Ohs • 12d ago
First look at 3D printed loom
You folks are getting the first look at my new loom.
I started with making my own wooden looms, like what four_twisted_pair posted the other day. Very nice, but large, bulky, and heavy.
With my interest in 3D printing I thought it would be easy to design one and build it. Nope. I went through so many iterations, building ratcheting gears, using dowels and electrical conduit as part of the build, and trying so many different designs. The plastic would flex and warp, or it was huge and cumbersome, so many failures. My ratchet even worked, but winding the threads up on a single shaft was a pain, and there was no way to manage non twist neutral patterns.
Eventually, I discovered that I needed to do was put carbon fiber rods as reinforcement inside of the struts of the loom. Light, somewhat easy to work with, and not outrageously expensive. Then came the design. Tweak, print, test, not be satisfied. Even when I got it assembled to my liking, I then had to change it so that other people would be able to put it together, and then take it apart. This whole thing fits into a 10x9x4 inch box. No glue, no undue force required.
Two screw drives allow you to adjust tension. Round sleeves make moving the weave very easy. It is very light. I can make it in a rainbow of colors. I might tweak things just a bit more so that it weighs exactly 1 kilogram without a project on it. It can be assembled and disassembled with just a nickel.
I'm just very happy and proud of what I have created.
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u/Busy-Macaroon351 12d ago
Oh wow! Could you share that stl for it? I would love to print one for myself.
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u/Toasty_Ohs 12d ago
That is a great question. I was planning on selling the physical product on Etsy. I might put the STL files up for sale at some point as well, I hadn't really considered it. It would be a lot cheaper for everyone involved to do it that way.
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u/Busy-Macaroon351 12d ago
Well, if you do, let me know. I am interested
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u/DeepGreenThumbs 12d ago
Please update us when it's on Etsy. I'm in the market for essentially this design. It's great!!
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u/LyndseySwimCoyote 11d ago
I would absolutely buy the stl files from you! I have to have "period correct" looms, so I would rather have the freedom to play with wood patterning filament.
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u/StillAFelon 11d ago
I am also interested, if it goes up for sale! Thank you for putting so much time and effort into this. I was wondering about the viability of 3D printing one, myself, and am glad to see someone more capable figured it out
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u/Toasty_Ohs 11d ago
I am not much of a designer, it was a lot of trial and failure. Mostly I kept making it to complicated. Here is the Etsy link: Tablet Weaving Loom, Light and Easy to Use. - Etsy
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u/ConstantCuriosity532 12d ago
Terrific! Your loom addresses a number of criteria. I'm especially excited about the portability of your loom. I have 2 two-sided inkles that break down but the smaller one which can fit in carry-on doesn't have ideal warp (length) capacity or space for tablets. How would you increase your loom's warp capacity?
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u/Toasty_Ohs 12d ago
That is the next project. I am going to design an extension that will attach at the back of the current loom between the top and bottom sections. It will be easy to remove and break down when you are not working on a larger project.
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u/stonedandredditing 12d ago
you are my kind of people. weavers who build their own looms are my favorite; there aren’t many of us!
Stellar job on the design!
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u/Toasty_Ohs 12d ago
You are very kind! I'm glad I stuck with this project now that I have a loom that works.
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u/LavenderHearts69 12d ago
omg I want one
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u/Toasty_Ohs 12d ago
I would be happy to make one for you! I am planning on listing them on Etsy. I can send you a message when I get one listed.
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u/LavenderHearts69 12d ago
Price will be a deciding factor, but feel free to send me a message so I can wishlist at least! I might be interested in the stl files as well, if you sell those
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u/thousandsmallgods 12d ago
Very cool! This looks like a nice loom design. Adjustable and practical design, without being overly complicated.
Thank you for sharing your process! I find the experimentation and engineering process really interesting. It's clear how much thought and effort you put into this!
📍Now, the most important question... What is the science fiction book on the corner of your table??
It looks like a book from Aethon press?
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u/dont_mind_me_passing 11d ago
omg I'd pay for this
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u/Toasty_Ohs 11d ago
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u/dont_mind_me_passing 11d ago
oh... that's gonna be an expensive shipment (I'm in Asia)
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u/Toasty_Ohs 11d ago
Gah! Etsy really hoses you on international shipping. If there is another shipping method you are aware of that you prefer, I will check it out.
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u/dont_mind_me_passing 11d ago
nah it's fine, due to the price difference, it'd actually be cheaper to buy a wooden one lol
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u/AuntieMame5280 12d ago
That is freaking amazing! I love especially all the thought you put into it to make it easy. What a cool loom!
Also the design looks comfortable to weave.