BellaOnline Forums Hobbies and Crafts Spinning Carding - What to buy

I got 10 unwashed fleeces (free) off Craigslist from someone who had purchased them wanting wool for stuffing and had been trying to pick the burrs out by hand...

So, I spin (not a lot, and I have to admit I've probably used my wheel more to ply purchased yarn into interesting combinations than to spin per se), but I've pretty much always bought roving or spun in the grease. These sheep obviously lived somewhere with a lot of burrs, so the later is out. I've used hand cards, but I don't own any. I've never used a drum carder, but I'm sort of thinking that for this quantity of wool I might want to take the plunge. On the other hand, I can take a basket of wool and hand cards with me visiting; but drum carders aren't as portable. I know I sometimes wish I'd gotten a portable spinning wheel - it's more fun to work with friends.

What kind of carders do people have and what do you like about them?

Julie

I have a clemes and clemes, which is a brand no longer made. You can get them occasionally on ebay. I like mine because it is simple to use, gives a nice quality batt, and is easy to put new belts on when one breaks. It is a low maintenance tool with little fuss needed.
Beth
Spinning Editor

Julie - if you go to the articles section of this site, you'll find an article on drum carders that talks about the differences in various types and what you might consider as useful. Hope this helps.
Beth
Spinning Editor

I'd love a drum carder. I don't card much (which is because I'm not good at the hand cards!) but as I quite often spin from the raw fleece I just give it a quick flick and off I go.

A couple of years ago my DH promised to make me a drum carder for my birthday. I'm still waiting...!!

Kate

Thanks Kate and Beth! I did read the article about the drum carders and it was helpful. I'm still not really sure if I want to make the investment in a drum carder though.... The more I think about it actually, the more I think I might enjoy the portability of hand cards. The thought of carding 10 fleece with hand cards is pretty overwhelming! Maybe I'll start with a set of hand cards and see how it goes.

Julie

Wow - you are a brave soul. I think I have about that many fleeces yet to process, and I wouldn't dream of trying without my drum carder. Good luck to you!!! Beth

Well, to quote one of my dad's favorite sayings about life "It's not a race." Besides, I wouldn't feel bad about buying a drum carder when I already have hand cards, but the opposite WOULD make me feel wasteful!

Julie

I understand the "guilt" thing. I have hand cards, know how to use them, and am very happy that I have a drum carder. If you have good hands, no carpal tunnel and such, and are relatively comfortable with that much "work" - go for it!!!