Comments on wood and looms
by
Tim Rumbinas, fine furniture maker and weaver in Sutton, Vermont.
Graduate of College of the Redwoods Fine Woodworking Program
Six months ago, I had the opportunity to purchase a thirty-year old Glimakra Standard surplus from a university. Time and use had not been kind to the loom, now christened “Gunnar” in honor of his maker. He sat ignored as a poorly assembled pile of parts in a corner, uncomfortably sharing space with a new computer dobby. As with many of us, Gunnar’s college experience had been more one of experimentation and reckless living than considered use.
With Joanne and Ed’s gracious assistance, I began the process of rebuilding my loom. I am certain that with a few more clients such as myself, they would gladly file bankruptcy. Although they made very little profit on the transaction, they were always helpful and generous with their time and resources.
Although the loom’s refit took considerable time and labor, it gave me valuable insight and great respect for its makers.
In one of my initial conversations with Joanne, she spoke glowingly of the properties of Scandinavian Pine, the material of which the bulk of a Glimakra loom is constructed.
There is nothing mystical about Scandinavian Pine. Unlike the same tree in the US, Scandinavian Pine grows slowly, and is stable and light for its strength. As with many other materials in traditional craft, it was chosen because it was available and easy to work.
Foremost, a loom is a machine. Whether it is made of pine or a more exotic wood, it needs to function smoothly, and to maintain that function throughout its life. It does not take a particularly skilled maker to construct something that looks like a loom, however elegant it may be as furniture. Knowledgeable weavers want more: a precise and adaptable tool to assist them in their work.
The craftsmen who make Glimakra looms know their material thoroughly, and understand how to select and shape it from a pile of boards to assure each part functions correctly. Only a small percentage of any tree is suitable, and must be handled judiciously throughout the process or it is no better than kindling. I have seen a great deal of wood in my career. The stuff grows on trees. It is the maker’s hand that makes it exceptional.
Tim Rumbinas is a graduate of the College of the Redwoods Fine Woodworking Program who weaves and makes furniture in Sutton, Vermont