Note:
If you handle your wool gently, it will often remain in identifiable locks. These can be pulled
from the masses and opened before carding.
When feeding directly onto the main drum, grasp locks firmly by their cut ends. Allow the
teeth of the drum to tease the locks open before you let the fibers escape to be carded.
Note:
Here's a suggested grip for the crank: two fingers and a thumb. If you can't turn the handle
easily with this arrangement, you are probably trying to force too much fiber through at
once.
Stop and regroup.
If a clump of fiber escapes your hand, don't force it through the carder. Reverse immediately
and remove the excess.
If you feel the machine jamming, don't force the handle. After making sure the packing
brush is pulled out away from the drum, Reverse the drum until you see the offending clump
of fiber and pull it off.
Handy Note:
Be careful not to feed fibers in sideways, thinking they will straighten out. They eventually
will, but only after they have been torn by the teeth.
Handy Note
Working with thin layers of fiber facilitates thorough carding and prevents damage to the fi-
ber and the equipment.
Distribute fibers evenly across the drum, gradually adding layers until the drum is full.
Retard the fiber's entry slightly as you work. You can do this by holding the fiber gently and
giving quick little tugs to thin out any thicker portions. You can also slow down the fiber's en-
try by laying a hand lightly on it. You can also use a pet brush or blending brush to clean the
swift.
