So, you are interested in a Louët David 3 loom?
Everything you need to know to make an informed purchasing decision
The David 3 loom is an 8-shaft sinking jack loom. This means the shafts are pulled downward rather than lifted upward. There is a specific difference in tie-up for this type of loom, but we will cover that later in these articles.
LoftyFibers TempoTreadle is an excellent addition to ensure you select the right treadle , every time. See more about TempoTreadle here.
Why choose a David 3 loom?
The David and Spring looms share the same frame structure. In fact, the beater system, breast beam, warp and cloth beams, the entire back-beam assembly, the brake drum and handle, and the footrail are all interchangeable between these looms.
The unique feature of the David loom is the cam and spring system built into the castle of every David model. The cam is a mechanical device that assists in holding your shed open—a significant advantage for a jack loom and a major ergonomic benefit for the David.
On a traditional jack loom, you pull all shafts in one direction—typically upwards. As you lift the shafts, you stretch the warp threads vertically to form the shed. Physics tells us that the higher the shafts are lifted, the more the warp is stretched and the more force is required. The required force increases exponentially as you press the treadle deeper. You are also lifting the weight of the shafts and heddles. Holding a shed open on most jack looms can be heavy work—great for your legs, but tough on knees and hips.
On the David loom, when you begin pressing a treadle, you are still stretching your yarn and extending the spring attached to each shaft under the shelf. However, about halfway through the treadle stroke, the cam “tips over” and its mechanical advantage begins supporting the forces needed to hold the shed open. This means the last half of the treadle stroke is easy, and holding the shed open requires very little effort—you are no longer bearing the full weight of the system.
While the initial push of each treadle is not what we would call “light,” the overall treadling experience on a David loom is light when you consider the full motion.
In short, the choice of a David 3 loom comes down to ergonomics, engineering, efficient use of space, and a lower price point compared to the Spring—delivering a lot of loom in a compact footprint.
If you are interested in looking at prices or purchasing a David 3 loom, click the buy now button below
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