[Shnoowie]

Hello everyone!

I've been looking at getting a drum carder for a while but haven't been able to justify the cost - even on ebay!  Today my mum has said that she will buy me a carder for my birthday/christmas   Very lucky!
We keep Ryelands, so that is the fleece that I work with most often and I use an Ashford wheel.

Do I stick to Ashford, or do I go down the Louet or Barnett route?  What would you suggest?

(Aiming to buy the carder to use as a display at a craft fair on 15th October).
 

[Fleecewife]

I use an Ashford drum carder because that is what was available and what I could afford at the time.  It has a medium pin size and spacing on the carding cloth which works well for me but might not be fine enough for your Ryeland fleece ( I have not spun pure Ryeland so I can't say for sure).  Ideally you would want to see the carders which would mean visiting a SHOP  but hopefully someone on here will have a firm recomendation for you so you can buy online.

[Shnoowie]

I rang.. a SHOP 
The nearest shop is about an hour away, so I picked her brains about what she would recommend for spinning Ryeland fleece. 
She recommended a 36ppi Ashford (http://sarastexturecrafts.com/products/2798--ashford-drum-carder-72ppi-fine.aspx).  I thought most people used 72ppi, but have been told that those are better for pre-carded and finer wools.  She also said that some people use two carders, a 36 and 72 for ease.  If I had the money...

Opinions?

[Anke]

Try www.classiccarder.co.uk - a new company, very good service over the phone and it is cheaper than Ashford, and made in th UK !!!! I bought one and it works very well!

[Fleecewife]

Those are beautiful Anke - I really love the oak one..........

[Fleecewife]

I gave in and bought one    It arrives on Friday (hobbit present as it's my OHs birthday  ).  I chose an ash one in the end because I wanted one with plenty of grain detail in the wood. 

If I like it then my Ashford drum carder will be for sale........

Anke - what ppi did you get?  Mine is 72, for mostly Heb fleece and I am hoping that will be ok.

[Fleecewife]

My new Classic Carder has just arrived and looks well made and attractive. I will start using it later today and let you know how it performs.

[Anke]

Anke - what ppi did you get?  Mine is 72, for mostly Heb fleece and I am hoping that will be ok.

I also got the 72 one, it works well for my mostly shetland and shetland x fleeces, I haven't tried the Gotland X texels on it yet.

Well pleased with mine - also I wanted it because of the reduced airmiles.... it is so rare that you can buy a "Made in Britain" product nowadays

[Fleecewife]

yes, and one where you can speak with the craftsman who made it    Thank you again for your recommendation 

[spad]

I have just found this forum researching drum carders, and i am  wondering which to go for, i am new to spinning and my next purchase will be a drum carder any information gratefully received .

[Fleecewife]

Hi there    I would now recommend Anke's suggestion of a classic carder   www.classiccarders.co.uk .  They are well priced, well made and of course British so no import overheads.  You can speak with the man who makes them and discuss exactly what you need.  His wife is a spinner so he understands just what you are trying to say and is really helpful, as well as proud of his product.

I sold my Ashford and bought a classic carder and I love it.  As well as traditional wood, he also paints some - which makes for a modern look (although for me the wooden ones fit in better)

Otherwise, it really depends on how much money you have.  Ashford carders are cheap (ish) and cheerful but not elegant, whereas some of the other makes are better designed, but all do the job.  It's a great opportunity to shop around and spend some time on the internet   

[FiB]

I love coming accross new-to-me threads on this forum!!!  I will be buying a carder this year and will have beulah lamb fleece from my new flock.  It seems quite fine to me (on the sheep - I have been longingly feeling their fleeces everytime I brinmg them in to have a check of them!!!), compared to what I have been spinning - does anyone have any thoughs/experience on which guage cardeer would be most suitable?  Will call the man if not.  Great to have found a UK craftsman Thanks.

[SallyintNorth]

Hi there    I would now recommend Anke's suggestion of a classic carder   www.classiccarders.co.uk . 

I think that should be www.classiccarder.co.uk ?  I couldn't get anywhere with the pluralised one, and this one looks like the guy you are talking about.

[Fleecewife]

oops - thanks Sally 

[spad]

thank you for the info on classic carders , i am all for buying British,   they do look  fairly sturdy, some  others i have seen do get jammed up with wool round the mechanics , do these come apart  easily ?