Is Strauch fiber equipment still in business?
In 2019, Otto and Joanne retired and sold the company to Mike Gallagher, a woodworker located in Hickory, North Carolina. Click here to learn more about Mike’s commitment to continuing the Strauch tradition of quality. Our fiber milling and fiber processing products are Proudly Made in the USA.
Which drum carder is best?
Strauch “Finest” Drum Carder Made in America, the Strauch brand has emerged as one of the most popular for fiber artists in the USA and around the world, rivaling more well-known brands like Ashford and Louet. The Strauch “Finest” Single wide, chain drive carder is the company’s flagship product.
What is the best drum carder?
What is TPI drum carder?
The Classic Drum Carder is available in 48, 72 and 120 point cloth. Card cloth is measured by the amount of teeth per inch (tpi). The more teeth per inch, the finer the carding will be. The number of wires per inch is also referred to as ‘points per square inch’ (or ppsi).
How close should the drums be on a drum carder?
The teeth on coarser cloths are a bit thicker/stiffer, so you don’t have to worry about them bending/needing to replace the cloth as often. Some drum carders allow you to adjust the spacing between the licker and the swift. You will want more spacing, about 1/4″ for a coarser cloth, such as 72 or lower.
What TPI is carding wool?
around 72
For most uses, including carding most wool, carding cloth with a tpi measurement around 72 is a happy medium. It can accommodate a range of fiber diameters, create somewhat textured fiber preparations, and blend and smooth moderately fine batts.
What kind of drum carder do I need?
You can usually use a fine or extra fine carding cloth on most clean/processed fibers. If you will be doing a small amount of blending or are just getting started, then a small hand crank drum carder will suffice. Generally speaking, when it comes to drum carders, you get what you pay for.
How do you wash wool carders?
Alternately, spray the rubbing alcohol directly on clean wool and card it with the handcards. A small amount of rubbing alcohol goes a long way. After carding, discard the carded fiber, and then card again using clean and dry scrap wool.
Can you card merino wool?
You can card prepared fibres and you can turn yarn into feltable fibre. As an example, to blend a colour that could be called ‘heather’, pull off tufts of purple and pink merino wool top/roving and lay them on one carder as shown. Don’t overload the carder – it will make it difficult to blend.
How do you store hand carders?
Store hand cards with fleece in the teeth to prevent rust and keep the backing supple. New cards may turn the wool slightly grey. Don’t worry—this will stop after the first few ounces, and washes out of the wool. Hand cards are not made to brush out heavily- matted, dirt-caked fleece.
How do you take care of a drum carder?
The best way to clean the drum carder is with warm soapy water. Wash the carder teeth carefully with an old toothbrush and some mineral turpentine. You should also check to see if there are any fibers wrapped around the shafts.
Why choose Strauch drum carders?
The many improvements they’ve made to the original drum carder design have been so well received by the fiber arts community that the series of Strauch drum carders have become “The Standard of the Industry”.
How do I contact the drum carder shop for assistance?
If you don’t find exactly what you want, or would like assistance with a drum carder part or accessory, please call the shop directly at 800-441-9665 or contact us for assistance.
What is a Louet drum carder?
This Louet Drum Carder has an eight inch wide drum for large carding capacity that makes a big batt of about 8 by 30 inches. and intermeshing teeth for great performance. The enclosed gearbox assures smooth operation, while the extra high, flexible, teeth allow for a heavier batt than other drum carders as well as a high carding efficiency.
What is a drum carder used for?
Most carders have two drums. The smaller drum is designed to draw the fibers in, transferring it to the larger drum thus creating a batt for spinning and felting. Drum carders can also be used to blend different fibers and creating your own colorful batts.