I’ve used Louët drum carders for over 20 years and would be happy to answer any questions you have about these tools and what I’ve learned from working with different TPI levels to help you choose a Louët carder with confidence.
I have experience using multiple brands of drum carders and the Louët is my favorite by far. It is the only carder on the market that comes in a 46 TPI option. This number means there are larger spaces between the metal teeth for every length and texture of fibers to sink into when blending. I tell people it is like a sponge, the fiber just melts into the carder.
If you are working with texture, 46 TPI prevents all your effects like nepps, noil, threads, and texture blends from getting stuck and floating on the top of the teeth of the carder and getting damaged. Some fiber artists work around this by "packing" their drum carder with a brush (pressing the fibers down into the teeth) which is a work-around - but I would rather work with a tool that doesn't need me to force it to do what I want it to do.
Email me to discuss your fiber, blending goals, and budget, and I’ll help you determine which Louët drum carder and accessories will best suit your needs. There are several carders to choose from that have 46 TPI. As a Louet dealer, I am able to order anything from their catalog, but my focus is their carding line.
Junior Drum Carder (46 TPI) - A narrow small entry level drum carder that can make 1-2 oz art batts.
Standard Drum Carder (46 TPI) - I have used this carder for over 20 years and it can make 2 to 6 oz art batts.
XL Drum Carder (46 TPI) - This is a wider version of their Standard Drum Carder that can make 3 to 8 oz art batts
Standard Electric Drum Carder (46 TPI) - An electric version of their Standard Drum Carder
XL Electric Drum Carder (46 TPI) - An electric version of their XL Drum Carder, I own this carder as well and it makes 3 to 8 oz art batts.
I am currently located in Florida but can order Louet carders to ship worldwide.
