The design of the Wingham Handcarders has evolved over the years. Over 30 years ago we started to produce the carders and the design evolved and developed. Its a simple classic design that ensures the handling and carding action is easy.
Handcarders are an essential part of any spinner or feltmakers tool kit so its neccessary to have ones that are comfortable to use and function well.
The backs are made of birch ply, for strength. The turned handle is hardwood fitted at an angle that keeps your knuckles away from the card cloth. It allows a good natural surface to surface contact.The chunky contured round handle design gives a good comfortable natural grip in the hand. No angular edges. Like all good hand tools there are features of the design that dont look to be much but are essential to get comfort in use and give superior performance. Its interesting that we now see very "similar" designs to our long established product.
Since production began we estimate that we have made over 15,000 pairs. As we are not the only makers its would be interesting to know where they all end up.
Carding needs the wire to be flexible, the fabric and rubber backing allows the movement of the wire. This combined with the knee bend on each wire works on the individual fibres to tease them out and align them without stressing and breaking the fibres.
In general we recommend the Standard Carders for most wools and animal fibres. These have the card cloth set at 72 Points Per Inch (PPI): This is a good general purpose setting covering a broad spectrum of fibres.
For finer fibres such as cashmere and silk we offer the Fine Carders, with the cloth at 108 PPI.
Specification
Weight (single): 350gm
25 CWG (carder wire gauge)
Hardened and tempered steel
Birch plywood clear lacquer finish
Carding Surface Area: 18cm x 9cm
Chunky easy grip handle
For information on suggestions for washing fibres please see the notes on the drum carder listing.
