[renee]

Next question, with longwool, would you card or comb? Bearing in mind that I have hand carders, but no 'combing' equipment.
 

Congrats on the wheel. Now, I don't know what condition your longwool is but if fairly clean and with locks that you can easily "tease" (seperate) by hand, you can flick card them on one carder. Just hold the carder in one hand, take a lock and, holding firmly, pull it through. Hold the part that has been nearest the sheep first,then reverse the process. I prefer spinning in the grease as I find it easier than with washed wool

[SallyintNorth]

Ooo, renee - I prefer spinning in the grease too, plus I really struggle to get washed fleece dried, but have been terrified of getting my carders all mucked up.  Do you wash your flick carder / carders?  And/or keep two sets, one for washed fibre and one for raw?

[renee]

I see your point. I do not use my carders. I have a carding bench and so far I have not washed it only card,comb greasy wool on it. In my past life when I used an industrial unit the wool had to be washed. Even then there was a lot of lanolin lest in it and twice a year I scraped the rollers..
By the way, why not cheat and blend your short wool with some longer fibres until you get the feel of spinning. You know that the best whisky is made from blended malt .