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Online Catalogue > SHEEP > Carders

The Fleece Carder

There are three essential tools for the preparation of the fleece of show sheep - mainly those of the lowland breeds - breeds such as the Southdown, Suffolk, Romney, Dorset Hampshire, Ryeland, Lleyn and Jacob to name but a few.

The "Carder" is the first, the "Trimming Shears" the second, and the third, and these days not much used sadly, the "Flatten Board" All more or less used in that order.

Essentially a carder is a block of wood with some wire with the tips slightly bent fixed to it. However it is not quiet that simple. The old flockmasters of the early part of the last century would tell you it must be a bit of seasoned pine, elm or ash, of a certain measurement and weight, either curved or straight. Whatever the size it was important that it might be held correctly - cupped in the hand!

The wire in the early part of the 1920's was broader that that available today and the ends were slightly arrow shaped. The backing or pad was leather and it was usually fixed to the block with small nails, tacks or in the case of an "Estate made" carder brass pins might be used. Often the reverse side had the owners name engraved into the wood.

The task of the carder, with the right application, is to "raise" the wool staple slightly and without damaging the natural "crimp" of the staple, so that the fleece can then be trimmed level and flat as well as be shaped.

Carding is an action of the wrist, a simple twist of the wrist, at which point the wire of the carder face "bites" the fleece and the hand creates a gentle outward pull. Never card in a downward manner - always card upward and in the case of a full wool two shear such as a Romney being shown in full wool, card each layer upwards and separately.

There are two carder styles - the straight flat type or the curved block. An expert can work either, but two are often used as the flat style can be very effectively used on backs, and necks as well as some rear ends. "Patting" is the action for the back, neck and rear. The curved style is used for the body and often the neck as well. As I have already stated in expert professional hands both do a perfect job, but I did find both had certain advantages.
The County The County
Ref: 1524

The "carder" together with the trimming shears are the two most important tools used in the preparation of show sheep!

In the early 1900's the cream of the nations famous show flocks travelled by special trains to various showground's - senior shepherds in first class, junior stockman second or third class. On arrival sheep, the all important show boxes and their stockmen duly alighted to prepare for the extremely serious business of showing.

The "carder" was a highly specialist tool often personally made and used by the master shepherds involved in the showing of the Estates Flock. The balance, size and weight were all important. Ash was a popular wood - and readily available on most estates. In those early days the carder wire was mounted on leather backing, the pins forged from steel and remarkably sharp to touch. The leather would be oiled to preserve it.

Having shown sheep at all the major show grounds in the UK PEASRIDGE has for four decades sought to reproduce the carder style of those days. Fully appreciating the need to follow the same criteria, which those old flockmasters knew was important to achieving that award winning finish of the show animal, today many hundreds of exhibitors prepare their sheep using a Peasridge carder.

The PEASRIDGE Carder range is made to a high standard and following were possible the old traditional style of design and construction. Only the best quality seasoned timber is selected for the blocks and the handles.

Carder blocks are cut, fashioned and shaped, both by hand and machine and handles duly turned and polished in our workshops. Once assembled each carder block is carefully balanced to suit the task required. Every carder is waxed and given a polished antique finished. Special pins to fix the wire pad are used so as to combat any coat preparation, which might otherwise corrode them. All carders in the range are fitted with 7-ply wire with an offset bent hook.

Carefully looked after a PEASRIDGE Carder will give years of service and hopefully prepare many a champion for you!

Our most popular selling carder - The "County" is identical to the "Royal" carder but has a slightly smaller block, measuring about 13.5cm x 11cm. A popular and high favoured carder ideal for used on the smaller sheep breeds, and much liked by lady exhibitors due to lightness and ease of handling.

Average weight: 300grams

!IF YOU FEEL YOU NEED TO DISCUSS YOUR REQUIREMENTS OR WANT FURTHER ADVICE

please contact us on Tel: 01424 882900

Telephone lines are open for product enquires from 1030 to 1230 hrs and from 1430 until 1630 hrs Monday to Friday.

Please note:
Our offices are shut on Saturday, Sunday and all Bank Holidays
 


Price: £52.01 (Including VAT at 20%)

The Champion The Champion
Ref: 1537

The "carder" together with the trimming shears are the two most important tools used in the preparation of show sheep!

In the early 1900's the cream of the nations famous show flocks travelled by special trains to various showground's - senior shepherds in first class, junior stockman second or third class. On arrival sheep, the all important show boxes and their stockmen duly alighted to prepare for the extremely serious business of showing.

The "carder" was a highly specialist tool often personally made and used by the master shepherds involved in the showing of the Estates Flock. The balance, size and weight were all important. Ash was a popular wood - and readily available on most estates. In those early days the carder wire was mounted on leather backing, the pins forged from steel and remarkably sharp to touch. The leather would be oiled to preserve it.

Having show sheep at all the major show grounds in the UK PEASRIDGE has for four decades sought to reproduce the carder style of those days. Fully appreciating the need to follow the same criteria, which those old flockmasters knew was important to achieving that award winning finish of the show animal, today many hundreds of exhibitors prepare their sheep using a Peasridge carder.

The PEASRIDGE Carder range is made to a high standard and following were possible the old traditional style of design and construction. Only the best quality seasoned timber selected for the blocks and the handles.

Carder blocks are cut, fashioned and shaped, both by hand and machine and handles duly turned and polished in our workshops. Once assembled each carder block is carefully balanced to suit the task required. Every carder is waxed and given a polished antique finished. Special pins to fix the wire pad are used so as to combat any coat preparation, which might otherwise corrode them. All carders in the range are fitted with 7-ply wire with an offset bent hook.

Carefully looked after a PEASRIDGE Carder will give years of service and hopefully prepare many a champion for you!

Many of the old professional showmen of years ago would have considered both a curved and flat carder essential for the complete preparation of their exhibits. The flat would have been especially used to bring the backs of the in wool sheep to "table top" evenness and very likely used in conjunction with the "flattening board - another essential bit of kit of the day! Popular also for use on the back ends and tails.

The "Champion" is similar in its design to the "Supreme" but smaller and lighter, with a block size 13.5cm x 11cm. Popular for the smaller breeds and especially lambs.

Average weight: 300grams
 


Price: £49.99 (Including VAT at 20%)

The Royal The Royal
Ref: 1533

ROYAL

The "carder" together with the trimming shears are the two most important tools used in the preparation of show sheep!

In the early 1900's the cream of the nations famous show flocks travelled by special trains to various showground's - senior shepherds in first class, junior stockman second or third class. On arrival sheep, the all important show boxes and their stockmen duly alighted to prepare for the extremely serious business of showing.

The "carder" was a highly specialist tool often personally made and used by the master shepherds involved in the showing of the Estates Flock. The balance, size and weight were all important. Ash was a popular wood - and readily available on most estates. In those early days the carder wire was mounted on leather backing, the pins forged from steel and remarkably sharp to touch. The leather would be oiled to preserve it.

Having show sheep at all the major show grounds in the UK PEASRIDGE has for four decades sought to reproduce the carder style of those days. Fully appreciating the need to follow the same criteria, which those old flockmasters knew was important to achieving that award winning finish of the show animal, today many hundreds of exhibitors prepare their sheep using a Peasridge carder.

The PEASRIDGE Carder range is made to a high standard and following were possible the old traditional style of design and construction. Only the best quality seasoned timber selected for the blocks and the handles.

Carder blocks are cut, fashioned and shaped, both by hand and machine and handles duly turned and polished in our workshops. Once assembled each carder block is carefully balanced to suit the task required. Every carder is waxed and given a polished antique finished. Special pins to fix the wire pad are used so as to combat any coat preparation, which might otherwise corrode them. All carders in the range are fitted with 7-ply wire with an offset bent hook.

Carefully looked after a PEASRIDGE Carder will give years of service and hopefully prepare many a champion for you!

The "Royal" is very typical of the traditional size of carder used during the 1900's especially just after the war. The native breeds shown were often predominately large, and the large carder was ideal for fetching out the necks for that "bull neck" effect, or setting in shoulder and rear leg shape. A wonderful carder to use on the side flanks once you have master the knack of rolling the wrist as you card. Used almost always with the flattening board for that final touch! Compliments with the "Supreme"

The "Royal" is the largest in the range of curved carders, measuring about 15cm x 11cm with off set angled handle. The "Royal" carder is ideally suited for all large long wool breeds and can be also used on the larger meat breeds.

Average weight: 400grams.

 


Price: £59.99 (Including VAT at 20%)

The Supreme The Supreme
Ref: 1536


The "carder" together with the trimming shears are the two most important tools used in the preparation of show sheep!

In the early 1900's the cream of the nations famous show flocks travelled by special trains to various showground's - senior shepherds in first class, junior stockman second or third class. On arrival sheep, the all important show boxes and their stockmen duly alighted to prepare for the extremely serious business of showing.

The "carder" was a highly specialist tool often personally made and used by the master shepherds involved in the showing of the Estates Flock. The balance, size and weight were all important. Ash was a popular wood - and readily available on most estates. In those early days the carder wire was mounted on leather backing, the pins forged from steel and remarkably sharp to touch. The leather would be oiled to preserve it.

Having shown sheep at all the major show grounds in the UK PEASRIDGE has for four decades sought to reproduce the carder style of those days. Fully appreciating the need to follow the same criteria, which those old flockmasters knew was important to achieving that award winning finish of the show animal. Today many hundreds of exhibitors prepare their sheep using a Peasridge carder.

The PEASRIDGE Carder range is made to a high standard and following were possible the old traditional style of design and construction. Only the best quality seasoned timber is selected for the blocks and the handles.

Carder blocks are cut, fashioned and shaped, both by hand and machine and handles duly turned and polished in our workshops. Once assembled each carder block is carefully balanced to suit the task required. Every carder is waxed and given a polished antique finished. Special pins to fix the wire pad are used so as to combat any coat preparation, which might otherwise corrode them. All carders in the range are fitted with 7-ply wire with an offset bent hook.

Carefully looked after a PEASRIDGE Carder will give years of service and hopefully prepare many a champion for you!

The "Supreme" is nice carder to tackle a large sheep with. Worked correctly and with a smooth action it allows for effortless carding and is popular with many exhibitors who have several pens being exhibited - resulting a lot of carding! Great carder for the long back of many of our natives and several of the new breeds imported from abroad!

Compliments well with the "Royal" and together in experienced hands can produce devastating results!

IF YOU FEEL YOU NEED TO DISCUSS YOUR REQUIREMENTS OR WANT FURTHER ADVICE

please contact us on Tel: 01424 882900

Telephone lines are open for product enquires from 1030 to 1230 hrs and from 1430 until 1630 hrs Monday to Friday.

Please note:
Our offices are shut on Saturday, Sunday and all Bank Holidays

 


Price: £57.50 (Including VAT at 20%)

Online Catalogue > SHEEP > Carders