Comparing a Spring 2 and David 3

This is often where most people arrive when choosing between Louët floor looms: The Spring or the David? Why choose one over the other?

As previously noted, these two looms share much of the same structure and frame. The back beam, beater, warp and cloth beams, and brake system are all identical between the David and the Spring.

In our opinion, the differences come down to:

• Price

• Number of shafts

• Tie-ups

• The weight and feel of treadling

The David loom is less expensive than the Spring—that is simply a fact. The Spring offers up to 12 shafts, while the David maxes out at 8.

The countermarch system of the Spring requires tying every shaft to every treadle. The David, being a jack loom (with a sinking jack style), requires tie-ups only for the shafts that need to be lifted or lowered. In general, this means the David requires approximately half as many tie-ups as the Spring.

The weight and feel of treadling is difficult to convey in words—you really need to experience it. But here is an attempt:

Imagine stretching the spring on a screen door—though lighter than that, it gives you a reference. On the David, each treadle is connected to one of these springs, so when you press a treadle, you begin by stretching that spring.

On the Spring loom, you are only moving the weight of the shafts, assisted by cords running over ball-bearing pulleys. There is very little resistance.

Treadling on the Spring is lighter. However, as mentioned earlier, treadling on the David is not heavy—just different.

We hope this helps :)

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