Help! I have been badly bitten by the weaving bug and want to upgrade from my Louet Jane to a floor loom. I have the option of two very good second hand looms - a 12 shaft 90cm Spring I or an 8 shaft 110cm David III - or do I go all in and buy a new 110cm, 12 shaft Spring II?

This is a big investment so I want to get it right. The simplicity of the David III appeals but presumably once you have tied up the Spring a few times it all makes sense and I like to think that having an extra 4 shafts will open up lots of creative possibilities such as block weaving.

How do I choose!

Hi Jo - if you have room for a 110cm loom - I’d go for that! I have a 90cm David I that I love but I wish I had room for 110cm sometimes. Anyone owning a Spring loom sings their praises. I bought a David because the tie-ups are easier on my knees - but if you don’t have that issue - the Spring is Jane’s favourite 😉

I like my Spring 1--110cm . I prefer the castle on it to the spring 2 because I can access the harness without lifting up the shelf/platform. I also like the lipped shelf. I do wish it was the 12 harness and I am debating if I should buy the extension kit...kicking myself since they were more affordable way back then. It does have the newer harness clips. So if you decide to go used, check. They can be replaced but that will add cost to your used loom. I love the width of the 110 only because I can make a baby blanket without double weave BUT I am short so I don't often weave the width because it is fatiguing to stretch and twist.

Part of me thinks I should have purchased the David for easier tie up changes and it seems that skeleton tie ups are easier to do but maybe later down the line... or even the megado?

If you think 8 shafts will be enough I would go with the David 3, preferring the extra width above extra shafts. I have a David 3 and love it. Also, it's a current model making it easier to get replacement or extra components. There is a reason there is a newer model. For instance he Spring II has a different break. There is an upgrade for the Spring 1 but that will add to the costs so ask if it's already there. The David 3 has the newer break system.
I never used a Spring so can't comment but I find warping my David 3 surprisingly easy.