Recently my husband made me a warping stand. I had wanted one for a long time, but the store bought ones are very costly. I showed him some pictures and explained the function to him and he was more than willing to make me one.
When I showed the finished stand on social media, it received quite a response, and many of you wanted to know how to make one too. Being the wonderful man he is, my husband agreed to not only draw up plans and measurements to share with you all, but also to film a Youtube tutorial.
We only have very basic woodworking tools, but you can do a lot with a little elbow grease.
This is not a difficult or complicated project. It does not take a lot of experience or skill to complete, and it gives an excellent, functional warping tool that is sturdy and user friendly.
Along with the Youtube video, we wanted to provide some instructions here to help you understand the project.
Lets start with the tools we used:
*Electric drill (this drill kit is similar to ours, affiliate link)
*Drill measuring rod (ours came with the drill)
* Wood boring bit 13mm and 10mm
*Piece of rubber or non slip matting
*6 x eye screws, 23mm length, 2mm diameter
*8 x 10 gauge, 45mm screws (we used square head)
* Square drive drill bit, no.2 (ours came with the screws)
* Drill bit same size as screw body for pre-drilling screw holes
* Handsaw
* PVA glue (small amount)
* Ruler
* Sandpaper, medium and fine
*HB pencil
And the wood materials for the stand:
We used premium pine.
*Base piece- 30cm (11.8″) length, 19cm (7.3″) width, 3cm (1.2″) depth
*Side pieces (x2) – 34cm (13.3″)length, 4.3cm (1.6″) width, 1.9cm (.6″) depth
*Top piece (x1) – Same measurements as side pieces
*Dowel pieces thick (x3)- 17.7cm (7″) length, 12.7mm (.5″) thickness
*Dowel pieces thin (x3) – 17.7cm (7″) length, 9.5mm (.37″) thickness
Here are some little diagrams that my husband drew up that you can use alongside the video in case you get a bit lost.
He said that the measurements do not have to be exact and that you can always work around little inconsistencies, so definitely don’t obsess over the numbers, this is all more of a guide.
This is not a stand along blog post, you really do need to refer to the video as well, so please, use them together!
One of the best parts of this project is the overall cost comparison to store bought. If you already have some of the tools, as we did, the stand should come in at around $25 – 40, depending on where you are and the cost of materials.
If you already have the wood, tools and bits and pieces, you could be looking at a totally free project!
We hope that these instructions allow you to experience the satisfaction of making your own stand. If you have any questions, let us know!
This is perfect. Just a quick question – how did you attach the rubber/non slip matting?
There is no non slip matting and I haven’t found it necessary to have that. I guess you could purchase little rubber feet that would screw into the bottom, if that is important to you.
I noticed the rubber/non slip matting in the tools and just assumed it was for the bottom of the warping stand but I did notice in the video that your husband was using it during the building process. Brilliant make. Hubby and I just finished mine and now I’m eagerly awaiting the glue to dry. Thanks for the tutorial.
You’re welcome, you will get a lot of use out of it. My husband made 2 for me and I use both of them in different locations of the studio – so handy!
Just finished my warping stand. It looks great. I even put a handle on top to make it easier to carry. Thanks for the plans. They were easy to follow and I just used some scrap wood I had in the garage. Sorry I can’t send you a photo. Regards, David Burrous
I love your addition of the handle on top, very clever!
Thanks, Kelly! That’s super helpful. I’ve been wanting my husband to make me one, so this is great!
Fabulous, they are so handy!
Thanks so much. I don’t have a husband so will make this myself. Looked at buying one and it was so expensive.
Yes, they are really expensive! Best of luck with making your own, it’s really not complicated so I think you will be fine 😊
Thank you, looking forward to making it. Do you have a video on using pegs on my Ashford 32” to make an indirect warp? I think that is what it is called. Love that you are Australian, just across the ditch. Really valuable in getting supplies that you recommend.
Rigid heddle or table loom?
Thanks so much for the video, my husband is going to make one for me!!
Many thanks Kelly and husband for the plans. I had already asked my husband to make a stand for me, but I may see it sooner now that all the thinking has already been done for him!
That is wonderful! 😊
My husband took your husband’s plans and was able to make it! Thank you for sharing
I am so glad your husband is not a professional woodworker because I am able to follow what he is doing. Most times when I watch on hoe to build things it is way over my head and I can't copy it. It is also good that you don't have all the fancy tools, much easier for everyone to follow. The bit to drill holes into the base is called a spade bit in the USA and I don't think it is really necessary to convert the measurement because anybody could just buy a ruler or something with the metric system on it. Often times those measuring tapes or rulers come with both. So, thank you again.
Brigitte
I will pass that on, thanks very much!
This is just awesome Kelly, thank you very much and please thank your husband as well, he is great.