I’ve been looking at Inkle looms on the internet since I made my first tablet woven strap. I was certain I could make one, but wasn’t sure if I would have the time. I found myself at the hardware store for sandpaper for a different project, so thought I would look around for Inkle loom parts. I walked out with a 1x12x24” poplar project board, 1/2” and 3/4” poplar dowels, a 6” carriage bolt, washers and wings nuts, oh, and the sandpaper.

I laid out the design by clasping the board between my knees and sketching with a pencil where the outer posts could go. I wanted a lap loom and thought it would be more stable with something to hold onto. I taped string where the warp threads would go to avoid interference between posts. Even though I intend on using it for tablet weaving, I included the heddle post in case I want to weave something that needs it. The outer edge I wanted to be wavy with an organic feel, rather than a straight lumber look.

I cut the loom out using a bandsaw with a 1/4” blade. I made a base piece so I could stand the loom up on a table if I wished. I sanded all the edges with an orbital spindle sander to smooth out the saw blade cuts.

Using a drill press, I drilled 1/2” holes for the posts, and 1/4” starter holes for the slot for the tension post.

I cut the slot with a coping saw, but was conservative on the guidelines, and needed to do quite a bit of sanding so the carriage bolt would slide easily along the track. I rounded all the edges by hand with sandpaper as well.

To be continued.