[andywalt]

 Had another go today with a polled dorset wether, (thick fleece) I have to say I did just start to get a feel for it this time, the handling of the shears the shape of the sheep and when he relaxed I got a few "blows" in, still took me over 40mins, maybe a glimmer of hope, when my back started to hurt, I changed over to those new self sharpening hand sheers, which I cant rember the name of, amasingly sharp, then went back with my car battery shears with my new wider combs which I did find easier. I did get it off in more or less one piece!!

I do have a question for philip (singing shearer) or anyone that shears, If you look at the photo, ive left the fleece a little long maybe on top? its about 3cm,  is this ok? would this be acceptable or would it cause any problems? please let me know any comments or experiances  

cheers

[ellisr]

Well done Andy, my shearer is going to teach me how to shear this year so we can compare results I am sure mine will be worse

[SingingShearer]

Hi Andy,

It shouldn't be a problem some people like more fleece on anyway for shows or to stop the sheep from getting sunburn.

Thanks,
Philip

[OhLaLa]

Had a go for the first time today - gave up and have called the man in. £25 for the lot inc travel and I get a lesson into the bargain - and boy do I need it!!!!!!!

    

[andywalt]

I was very surprised at how hard it was, yesturday I did my 4th it was a polled dorset, v  thick fllece and as you can see i left a few cm on the top which evedently doesnt matter but  for the first time it did feel a bit easier and I did get it off in one lump ish .....  my shearer is coming this saturday, I have 3 more shetland wethers that I can do if I want for practice.....see how i feel .....who did yours ohlala??

[Bionic]

Andy,
It looks a great improvement on your first try and virtually in one piece rather than a 1000 

Well done

[andywalt]

yes ha ha, more than a thousand pieces the first time,......  cheers

[andywalt]

Ellisr

Have you not sheared before? i thought that you could have done them in minutes 

[OhLaLa]

Well the chap has been and sheared (ended up charging me just £15 - Brucie bonus!). He brought everything he could need, and was a pleasure to watch. So therapeutic, could have watched all day. Very addictive, I've gotta learn to do it myself  , almost asked if he needed an apprentice        How sad am I.

I came to the conclusion my blades are as blunt as bugg@r (that's ahemBay for you although I did get a bargain, I shouldn't have assumed the blades were ready to go).

Your chap been yet Andy?

 

[Madcow]

the sheep look like fuzzy wuzzies !! very good effort, I've only ever done our Angoran goat and that took ages, but she was very patient and I was very slow !! think she couldn't wait for it to grow back as the alpines did seem to laugh at her !!
We've just had our 6 sheep sheared by a pro, and know what you mean about watching all day, its looks so easy 
anyway well done and you know what they say practice makes perfect so keep at it, as long as your back will stand anyway

[ellisr]

Ellisr

Have you not sheared before? i thought that you could have done them in minutes 

Nope my friend always shears mine as I have been quite ill for a while but I think I have enough strength now to give one a go by myself. I had to go through detailed instruction last year and shear aided by him as I couldn't hold the weight of the sheep myself.
Roll on next week so I can give it a go apparently I am doing a shearling

[andywalt]

Ahh sorry ellisr I didnt realise !!

yes all done on saturday, all went well and they all look pleased to get rid of there jackets !! have a look at my romney tup with no jacket 

But its a strange thing when I am checking them everyday, I have to take my time as I cant reconise them !!

[andywalt]

also spy my dog loves to help !!! Had to be careful not to put him in wiith the fleeces !!

[OhLaLa]

also spy my dog loves to help !!! Had to be careful not to put him in wiith the fleeces !!

  A panting fleece!

[andywalt]