We did some research on what equipment was available and
found quite a few options. The price tag also reflected the
various choices out there. The first machines we looked at was
kind of expensive for our pockets but it was exactly the kind of stuff we
needed. So we made an appointment for a visit and see the
machines. The next night we did another web search and found some
more machines, but this time they were cheaper and they had a whole line
of textile equipment. The battle plan was set....check out the
first company. Learn the language. Then go to the second, cheaper
one and buy the machines. Like all well laid plans........they
flopped! The first company’s equipment was good......not just
good, but really good. We ended up not even checking out the other
option’s equipment. So what machines did we buy?
LOL......well the McDermott’s M26 of course!
This
machine turns itself on and runs the wool, getting it ready for us the next day
to ship out......LOL......I only wish!!!! All joking aside though,
it is really a great set of machines. There is practically no fiber loss.
It’s so finely tuned that it just can’t run wool with any grease in it.
If we try to run greasy wool, the roving we get looks more like lumpy oatmeal
than a fuzzy snake. If there is small VM (vegetable matter) in the wool,
it seems to just kick as much out as it can. There is still some VM in the
wool...........but as the saying goes.....you can’t make a silk purse out of a
sow’s ear, only a velvet one! So keep this in mind! We can’t get
it all out. Well we probably could if we give it an acid bath like some
mills do, but we won’t. So don’t even think about begging ....LOL
Ok
next question is usually how small of an amount can you do....or what about
partially felted fleeces. The answer to both is ‘It doesn’t matter.’
We were given 4 bags of cashmere by a friend to play with. the bags were
around 4 to 6 ounces. We ran one bag through several times just
‘playing’ with it. Yep, you read it! We ran upwards of 6 ounces
several times. Guess what..... we still have about 3 ounces left! So
I would say there is NO minimum amount we can run. Now about the
felting......if it’s not one big ball.......we can probably run it ok.
Can’t guarantee the results though.......it’s that sow’s ear thing again.
All
this wonderful machinery is located in an old 50’s gas station. It still
needs some renovating, but that will come with time. It’s really great
for our needs. The equipment and washing areas are in the mechanic’s bay
side and the office and store will be located in the other half. The fancy
store and state-of-the-art office( LOL maybe more like state-of-the-pocket), is
still a work in progress. But one day!
