-
Vertical Warp Mills: Need recommendations
For those of you who use a vertical warping mill, what kind do you use? I am considering purchasing one and I am looking for advice and recommendations.
I currently use a warping board (14? meter Ashford), although I do not have any walls to mount it permanently. I am considering purchasing a vertical table top warping mill. My warps are not longer than about 10 or 12 meters, hence I think the table top model will suffice.
The Ashford table top model is the most affordable, although the reviews I’ve seen for it are mixed. The LeClerc table top model appears to get great reviews, although its price point is significantly higher.
My husband has offered to buy a new weaving tool for me, so any help from your experience will be graciously appreciated!
-
12 Replies
-
I have a LeClerc tabletop mill which I use regularly. It took me awhile to figure out the logistics, but it is much faster than a warping board. Even for short warps, I just use my mill. I have room to keep mine set up, but if you don’t have space for that it is easy to dismantle and set up. If you have other questions I can try to help.
-
I use one of the big Glimakra ones. At 3m floor model it is way larger than you need, but it does disassemble/fold nicely for storage.
One thing to keep in mind is that with tabletop models the estimates of how long a warp you can wind may be wildly optimistic. I bought a Harrisville (I think) thinking I could wind 18 yards on it (I think what they said was the max capacity, it’s been a while) and it was extremely tedious and fussy. At 10-12 you’ll probably be fine, but if you plan to go longer then consider how much the “practical capacity” is.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE my warping mill and hope you do too!
-
I have a Harrisville model and it works perfectly. However, I haven’t done warps longer than 10 yards, so I can’t comment on how it works for longer ones. I love the mill – it is so much faster and easier on my shoulders.
-
I have a LeClerc mill and I love it! I have a wall mounted warping board as well, but I now use it to hang things on rather than to warp yarn. I have warped 8 metres of yarn on it, but I think the capacity is 15 metres. Using the mill is so much quicker. It’s more fun too. I had to work out how to warp on it, but it is my preferred way to warp yarn now.
-
I also have the Leclerc warping mill. I have done 12 yards on it with no issues. I don’t have room to keep it set up, so I just remove a couple of the horizontal supports from one side so it can go somewhat flat.
-
I have a Harrisville warping reel that was gifted to me. The reel is much easier on my shoulders than a warping board. The square base can be a little unstable. I see them on Ebay for about half the price.
harrisville.com
Our Warping Reel / Warping Mill has the capacity to wind up to 20 yards of warp and is completely collapsible for easy storage. It is made of solid hardwood with a butcher-block maple base. Designed for table top use, … Continue reading
-
HI Katherine. I purchased the Ashford table top vertical warping mill for myself last Christmas. I, too, had been indecisive not having a chance to try them out in person first. I’m happy with the mill – I find it much faster with fewer errors than using a warping board. I choose it because I’ve never done anything more than 8 yards, and this really does fit on my dining room table without hitting the chandelier. It is at a height that I can stand at comfortably. The manufacturer says it can do a 15 meter warp, but I agree with Tien that that seems a bit optimistic. I’d estimate its limit closer to 14 or 15 yards. I think you would be OK with 10 – 12 meters. But if you anticipate doing anything longer than that, I would get a slightly larger model. Hope this helps and enjoy your new tool!!! Merry Christmas.
-
I am sorta in the same boat. I have a mill that is difficult to use. With a few modifications it may become functional but as is I do not like it. So I have a Schacht warping board I think I can get 10 to 14 yds on it, never really figured it out but I have no place to hang it. So it currently is hanging off the warping mill, along with a skien winder. I make frequent mistakes ones that would go away (I think) if I was going around in circles rather than going back and forth, top to bottom. Money is my other factor I need a mill that is functional but can be folded up and moved out of the way. But sturdy, Ashford makes good equipment but their vertical mill looks like it might collapse under the weight of a large warp, I think they say 14 yds. maybe its 18. So I am not sure what to do if I sell what I have then I can afford to replace it with better. But the Ashford is what I have been looking at. LOL No room for a table model.
-
I place my old 48 inch high vertical Swedish warping mill on a coffee table to raise it some. I love it, and it easily collapses flat by removing the cross bars. I’ve not used a warping board in many years. However, I have seen a demo somewhere of rotating a warping board 90 degrees so your arms move up and down while winding the warp rather than back and forth, which should greatly reduce arm/ shoulder stress. Good luck making a decision.
-
To all of you who shared your mill experiences with me, thank you so much. You’ve given me solid information to help me make my choice. I had not thought about using eBay yet, nor did I know anything about the Harrisville mill.
I lean toward the LeClerc table top model and will see if I can find a used one for sale, although one of my local weaving stores is closing soon and may have an Ashford mill at a reduced price.
Merry Christmas to all of you! Happy weaving!
-
Katherine , what did you choose? I sold the warping reel I did not like, (lost money but it’s gone.) and ordered the Harrisville, for the reason, of the brake system. The Leclerc is only about $100 more but the brake system is what sold me.
-
-
Hi Katherine,
I have a Harrisville Design vertical table top warping mill that holds 22 yards I believe. I bought it used and then once I got used to it I purchased the brake system for it and a weaing friend kindly helped intall it for. I really like having the brake on the mill.
I hope that this helps!
https://harrisville.com/products/warping-reel-kit
harrisville.com
Our Warping Reel / Warping Mill has the capacity to wind up to 20 yards of warp and is completely collapsible for easy storage. It is made of solid hardwood with a butcher-block maple base. Designed for table top use, … Continue reading
Log in to reply.