The Fibre Garden : fibre prep
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fibre prep
Ashford Blending Board – In Stock
May 14/22 - back in stock.
FREE SHIPPING within Canada! Canadian orders only. We have this item shipped directly from the Ashford Canada warehouse, generally within one or two business days. We also usually have several in stock at our store for you to see and try.
Ashford says: "So easy and fun to use! Makes perfect rolags for spinning and blends fibres, colours, and textures."
The Ashford Blending Board features:
- Rotating and adjustable keel (goes on the backside, to raise up one end of the board, or use without if you prefer)
- Large 30cm x 30cm (12" x 12") blending area
- 108 point card cloth
- Convenient carry handle
- Blending brush and two dowel rods for drafting, rolling and removing the rolags
- lacquered finish
NOTE: This item is set to ship separately, because of the awkward box shape and size.
PRODUCT of NEW ZEALAND
Ashford Packer Brush for standard drum carders
Canadian orders only. We do not usually have this in stock at our store. Please allow 7 to 10 days for shipping.
NOTE: this is the PACKER BRUSH ONLY, not an actual drum carder!
Designed specifically to fit the fine or coarse-cloth Ashford 20cm (8-inch) Drum Carder. This kit is simple to install and doesn't require any special tools nor holes to be drilled. It has two metal holders that fit over the small drum, with a nylon-bristled brush that fits in notches and can be swung down to brush the large drum or moved up and out-of-the-way when taking off batts.
We use a fine-cloth Ashford Drum Carder here in our shop, and we love this brush! It helps you to pack more fibre onto the drum by smoothing it as you go. Ashford suggests it also reduces fly-away of finer or no-crimp fibres such as bamboo. Neither of us has any notable handyman skills but it was really quite simple to install.
NOTE: As of summer 2013 Ashford now includes this packer brush on all of their various sizes of drum carders.
PRODUCT of NEW ZEALAND
Combs, Majacraft 2-row Comb System
FREE GROUND SHIPPING within Canada! Canadian orders only.
Majacraft supplies mini wool combs in either single or double pitch, but we generally only carry the 2-row Comb System, which our customers seem to love. These are lightweight, strong and attractively made from solid America Ash. The combs have stainless steel pins with polished points and are not super sharp. The design ensures they are comfortable in your hands with the comb angle being the most efficient for combing all types of fibre.
Instead of drilling the comb blocks, Majacraft has developed a new technique of bonding the pins into place with a very tough resin. The pins are positioned perfectly straight and perfectly even on every comb.
This is the double row version, and we can order in the single row as well, just inquire for current pricing and availability. This comb set is also available by itself without the comb holder, clamp and diz but we highly recommend it as a the comb system. This frees up your hands while combing, since the comb holding the uncombed fibre remains in place, clamped to the table.
Specifications:
- handle length, 6.5" (16cm)
- point length, 2.25" (5.5cm)
- comb width, 3.5" (8cm)
- the comb system includes: two mini-combs, comb holder, clamp, comb block, brass 3-hole diz and diz threader.
Double-row combs are great for finer fibres. They will help you to prepare a sliver/top that will give an excellent result when spinning worsted yarns. Colour and fibre blending is simple and effective. Try using a diz for taking the wool off the combs. The resulting sliver is a joy to spin and, as is often the case, the time spent in preparation is taken from the time spent in spinning later.
PRODUCT of NEW ZEALAND
Combs, Mini – Louet Double-row
These handy Louet Double Row Mini Combs are a unique device which can be used for de-hairing and fine fiber combing. After combing, the fiber can be pulled into a sliver or spun straight from the combs. Tines are not overly sharp, to help ensure safety.
These Double Row Mini Combs are similar to the Single Row Mini Combs but produce a perfect slubless sliver from extremely fine fiber. Both mini combs are light on the wrist. They are made of ash with a lacquer finish.
PRODUCT of HOLLAND
Combs, Mini – Louet Single-row
These popular Louet Single Row Mini Combs are a unique device which can be used for de-hairing and fine fiber combing. After combing, the fiber can be pulled into a sliver or spun straight from the combs. Tines are not overly sharp, to help ensure better safety. Made from ash with a lacquer finish.
PRODUCT of HOLLAND
Diz – Brass 3-hole
A gorgeous shiny brass diz, this features three different-sized holes and exactly the right concave shape to make pulling the fibre an easy task. Comes with a tiny little wood-handled hook to fish the fibre through the holes. By Majacraft.
A diz is used to pull prepared fibre into true top, which maintains a parallel fibre preparation wen pulled from combed fibre. Use it to pull the fibres directly off the combs or off a hackle. Some people also diz off fibre from the drum carder, though this is technically a roving. The combination of diz and hackles allows you to make amazing colour-blended top.
PRODUCT of NEW ZEALAND
Doffer Brush – Louet – Pre-order only
PRE-ORDER ONLY. Please allow 3 to 4 weeks for delivery. Available quantities show to allow our shopping cart to accept orders and do not reflect our on-hand inventory.
The Louet Doffer Brush is a handy tool used to clean drum carder drums between uses. This tool is included with all new Louet Carders and certainly works fine for other brands of carders.
PRODUCT of HOLLAND
Doffer Pin – Louet – Pre-order only
PRE-ORDER ONLY. Please allow 3 to 4 weeks for delivery. Available quantities show to allow our shopping cart to accept orders and do not reflect our on-hand inventory.
This Louet Doffer Pin is used to help remove a batt from the drum of the drumcarder or roving carder. This tool is included with all new Louet Carders.
PRODUCT of HOLLAND
Drum Carder, Ashford – Electric Wide 72 PPSI – In stock
May 30/22 - currently in stock.
FREE SHIPPING within Canada! Canadian orders only. We have this item shipped directly from the Ashford Canada warehouse, generally within one or two business days. We also often have it in stock at our store.
After production and Covid-related delays, Ashford's new e-Drum Carder is now available!
Fibre preparation made easy. This carder has two exceptionally powerful motors to enable fleece and roving/top to be carded easily and quickly. It features a 12-inch (30cm) wide carding width and Fine 72 PPSI (points per square inch) teeth, which can handle a wide range of fibres. Makes batts up to around 135 grams (4.75 oz). Includes a dandy feed-in/dizzing stick that may be used to pull roving right off the drum.
Features include:
- Infinitely variable speed control for both drums plus a ratio control to vary the in-feed speed.
- Acrylic safety covers over the drums and the drive belts, and a magnetic safety switch, for safe use.
- Stepped tooth non-slip drive belts with belt tensioners.
- Additional on/off foot switch allows hands-free fibre preparation and feeding-in.
- When in reverse, for fibre removal, the drums rotate at 10% carding speed.
- Carding drums can be removed to clean bearings.
- 72 PPSI on the main drum, but 36 PPSI on the feed-in drum, which helps prevent it being clogged up by fibre.
- Manufactured in beautiful Silver Beech hardwood with a lacquered finish.
- comes with packer brush, doffer, cleaning brush, feed-in/dizzing stick, on/off foot switch and 12-volt adapter cord.
PRODUCT of NEW ZEALAND
Drum Carder, Ashford – Fine 72 PPSI – In stock
May 18/22 - currently in stock.
FREE SHIPPING within Canada! Canadian orders only. We have this item shipped directly from the Ashford Canada warehouse, generally within one or two business days. We also often have one assembled at our store for you to try.
This is the carder we currently use here at the shop, and we love it! This FINE version is the most popular, with teeth on the main drum set at 72 PPSI (points per square inch), which handles a wide range of fibres.
Ashford recently did some rejigging to offer two carding ratios: use the 6:1 ratio to prepare your fleece. The controlled intake and carding will produce a smooth even batt ready for blending, spinning or felting. Use the 4:1 ratio to blend sliver, colours and different fibre types consistently into an open and airy batt.
The new carder retains the adjustable drum clearance - allows you to set the teeth distance for total control of your fibre. All-nylon bearings ensure it is light and easy to turn. The card cloth has wire teeth with a special protective coating and a flexible rubber backing for long life. The carder is strong and robust with the body made from Silver Beech hardwood. The carder has rubber feet as well as two clamps to prevent it from slipping, and the packer brush is now included. Card 50 gm (2oz ) batts quickly and efficiently. It comes assembled and lacquered ready to use. A short Awl/doffer (4 inches) and carding instructions are included. Batt size 55cm x 23cm (22ins x 9ins). Carder weight only 5kg (11 Lb).
PRODUCT of NEW ZEALAND
Drum Carder, Ashford – Super Fine 120 PPSI – In stock
May 18/22 - currently in stock.
FREE SHIPPING within Canada! Canadian orders only. We have this item shipped directly from the Ashford Canada warehouse, generally within one or two business days.
This is the SUPER FINE version of Ashford's popular carder, with teeth on the main drum set at 120 PPSI (points per square inch). Particularly suitable for carding fine fibres, such as alpaca, angora, dog hair, llama, fine Merino and Polwarth.
Ashford carders offer two carding ratios: use the 6:1 ratio to prepare your fleece. The controlled intake and carding will produce a smooth even batt ready for blending, spinning or felting. Use the 4:1 ratio to blend sliver, colours and different fibre types consistently into an open and airy batt.
An sdjustable drum clearance allows you to set the teeth distance for total control of your fibre. All-nylon bearings ensure it is light and easy to turn. The card cloth has wire teeth with a special protective coating and a flexible rubber backing for long life. The carder is strong and robust with the body made from Silver Beech hardwood. The carder has rubber feet as well as two clamps to prevent it from slipping. Card 50 gm (2oz ) batts quickly and efficiently. It comes mostly assembled and lacquered, add on the handle and it's ready to use. A short Awl/doffer (4 inches) and carding instructions are included. Batt size 55cm x 23cm (22ins x 9ins). Carder weight only 5kg (11 Lb).
INCLUDES: packer brush, cleaning brush, doffer, clamps
PRODUCT of NEW ZEALAND
Drum Carder, Ashford – WIDE Fine 72 PPSI – In stock
FREE SHIPPING within Canada! Canadian orders only. We have this item shipped directly from the Ashford Canada warehouse, generally within one or two business days. We also often have this in stock at our store.
The wider version of Ashford's classic Fine Drum Carder, featuring a 12-inch (30cm) carding drum for those that do a lot of carding. Teeth on the main drum are set at 72 PPSI (points per square inch), which handles a wide range of fibres. Makes batts up to around 113 grams (4 oz).
Features two carding ratios: use the 6:1 ratio to prepare your fleece. The controlled intake and carding will produce a smooth even batt ready for blending, spinning or felting. Use the 4:1 ratio to blend already-prepared top/roving and different fibre types consistently into an open and airy batt.
The adjustable drum clearance allows you to set the teeth distance for total control of your fibre. All-nylon bearings ensure it is light and easy to turn. The card cloth has wire teeth with a special protective coating and a flexible rubber backing for long life. The carder is strong and robust with the body made from Silver Beech hardwood. The carder has rubber feet as well as two clamps to prevent it from slipping, and includes a packer brush. Comes assembled and lacquered ready to use. A short Awl/doffer (4 inches) and carding instructions are included. Carder weight only 8.4 kg (18.5 Lbs).
PRODUCT of NEW ZEALAND
Drum Carder, Ashford – Wild Carder – In stock
May 18/22 - currently in stock.
FREE SHIPPING within Canada! Canadian orders only. We have this item shipped directly from the Ashford Canada warehouse, generally within one or two business days.
The Wild carder has been specifically designed for today's fabulous, fun and funky art yarns. The extra long 72 ppsi teeth allow you to include differing fibres, fabric, ribbons, feathers, paper and novelties to create unique blends. The packer brush is adjustable and will control fine, low-crimp fibres and increase the size of the batt. The drum clearance is also adjustable which allows you to set the teeth distance for total control of your fibre.
All-ylon bearings ensure it is light and easy to turn. The carding cloth has wire teeth with a special protective coating and a flexible rubber backing for long life.
The doffer and cleaning brush are stored on the carder. The carder is strong but lightweight with a hand hold for easy carrying. The carder has rubber feet to prevent it slipping. It comes assembled and lacquered, ready to use. A short awl/doffer (4 inches), cleaning brush and carding instructions are included. Batt size 60 x 15cm (24 x 6ins). Makes batts up to 40gm (1.5 ozs). Weight only 3.5kg (7.5 lbs).
PRODUCT of NEW ZEALAND
Flick Card, Ashford
Canadian orders only. Made of solid unfinished Silver Beech hardwood with a comfortable turned handle with ridges to fit the hand. The carding cloth is durable stainless steel wire teeth set at 72 points per square inch (ppsi), held by a red rubber backing. Carding head measures 4" by 2.5". An excellent value tool. Easily finished with a coat of urethane or varnish, if desired.
A flick carder (or "flicker") is used to open up locks of fleece before drum carding or spinning. Many spinners sit and do this on their lap, with a protective cloth of sturdy denim or leather. We prefer doing it on a high table on top of a piece of old vinyl flooring.
PRODUCT of NEW ZEALAND
Flick Card, Louet
Made of solid tulipwood, with a shaped handle to fit the hand. Nice firm stainless steel teeth on the carding cloth, the head measures 2" by 4". The head goes longways instead of crossways, which some people prefer.
A flick carder (or "flicker") is used to open up locks of fleece before drum carding or spinning. Many spinners sit and do this on their lap, with a protective cloth of sturdy denim or leather. We prefer doing it on a high table on top of a piece of old vinyl flooring.
Hackle, Majacraft – 2 row 320mm
FREE GROUND SHIPPING within Canada. Canadian orders only.
Double pitch hackle from Majacraft, 320 mm (12.6") comb width. The combs have stainless steel pins with polished points that are blunt enough to be much more pleasant to use and sharp enough to do the job well. Fibres are lashed on to the teeth and then pulled through a diz to prepare them into top for spinning. They can be used in much the same way as wool combs, for either preparing a single type of fibre, blending colours or blending a mixture of fibres.
Instead of drilling the hackle base, Majacraft has developed a new technique of bonding the pins in with a very tough resin. The pins are positioned perfectly straight and perfectly even on every hackle.
This is the double row version, and we can order in the single row as well, just inquire for current pricing and availability. It includes a wooden pin cover to protect you and the hackle when it is not in use. Also included are special Majacraft clamps. The clamp block is drilled at an angle and has a solid rubber top to ensure that the hackle is held firmly on your table and the rubber will prevent damage to the table. The clamps allow you to secure the hackle to a sturdy surface and carry out colour blending in conjunction with a diz. The hackle is also stepped at the end to provide an area to use an 'F' clamp if you prefer this to the included clamps.
The hackle dimensions are:
length, 470mm (18.5 inches)
width, 45mm (1.8 inches)
height, 35mm (1.4 inches)
comb width, 320mm (12.6 inches)
The double row hackle is great for finer fibres. The pins are at different heights so initial combing can be done on the higher pins before carrying out fine combing with both rows of pins. As is often the case, the time spent in preparation is taken from the time spent in spinning later.
Handcards, Ashford – 108 PPSI
Canadian orders only. Price per set of two cards. Fine handcards that will handle the very fine fibres such as Alpaca or cotton. For "average" fibres (such as most breeds of wool) we recommend the other Ashford carders with 72 ppsi.
Made of solid unfinished Silver Beech hardwood with a comfortable turned handle to fit the hand. The carding cloth is durable stainless steel wire teeth set at 108 points per square inch (ppsi), held by a red rubber backing. Carding head measures 8" by 5". The paddles have a nice curve to them, which makes for more comfortable and efficient carding. Minor assembly required, basically laying a strip of white glue and screwing on the two handles. Easily finished with a coat of urethane or varnish, if desired.
Handcards are used for preparing fibre for spinning or felting. Many spinners use these to prepare washed fleece into puffy rolags. Excellent for blending together different kinds and/or colours of fibre as well. When carding fleece it's good to do this over top of a drop sheet since lots of loose vegetation may fall out during the process, depending on the fibre.
PRODUCT of NEW ZEALAND