Light Livestock Equipment - Shearing Combs & Cutters

Light Livestock Equipment
By AuSable Valley Alpacas
Supplier of high quality, lighter weight livestock equipment
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Last Updated: September 04, 2008

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	Combs & Cutters See below for valuable tips on purchasing Combs & Cutters For quantities greater than 100 pieces, please call for price.	Looking for a Shearing Service? Click Here
	Shearers

Alpaca Shearing 101 DVD
DVD Cover Presented by Matt Best of Best Shearing Service	Matt has been a professional shearer for 30 years starting with sheep and now alpacas Jay Ward of LLE $69

Beiyuan Combs & Cutters Beiyuan brand combs and cutter are made in China. LLE imports them directly from the manufacturer and passes the savings on to our customers.

Beiyuan is a respected brand in the shearing industries world wide with a strong presence in large shearing markets such as Australia and New Zealand. Pro shearers in the US and around the world use Beiyuan combs and cutters with great success.

All Beiyuan combs and cutters are hollow ground at the manufacturer so that are ready to use out of the package. To maintain best performance be sure to hollow grind all combs and cutters.

Premier Combs & Cutters All Premier combs and cutters are high quality products. Demand for Premier combs and cutters continues to increase with each passing year. There is no stronger proof of user satisfaction, product quality and value.

Our Beiyuan & Premier brand combs and cutters will fit our Heiniger/Andis LG-S 68000 and Premier 4000S shearing hand pieces as well all 4 point 3” hand pieces such as Oster, Lister, etc.

The gentleman that sharpens my blades told me the Beiyuan combs were not as hard as some of the premium blades and therefore would not last as long.

I subjected a Beiyuan 13 tooth comb and a Premier Phantom 20 tooth comb to hardness testing at the base of the teeth, in between the retaining screw slots and on the polished face. Testing was done on a calibrated hardness testing machine. Results showed that each comb was uniformly hardened and in the range expected for this type of cutting tool. Of the two specimens the Beiyuan was harder by 3 points on the Rockwell C scale. Bear in mind that this is single point data and cannot be used to make general conclusions about the larger population of Beiyuan or Premier shearing combs. I will state that the material used in the Beiyuan comb, when properly processed, can produce a comb well within the hardness range required for a durable comb. The same can be said of the Premier comb.

I did not plan on any additional testing since my experience with both combs has been acceptable in terms of performance and durability. 60-63 Rockwell C is pretty darn hard!

Let me know if you have any other questions and good luck at the rest of the spring shows.

John
Vicki & John Askew
Sunset Ridge Alpacas
Valley Falls, NY
www.sunsetridgealpacas.com

Tips From The Pro

Matt Best

Q - How do I minimize shearing cuts?
While a nick or two is normal and acceptable over the course of a day's work, responsible shearers should strive to minimize skin cuts. There are several ways to accomplish this. I'll speak in general at first then get specific.....(Read More)
Q - How often should I oil my shears?
The goal is to provide adequate lubricant to keep things moving along (literally) but not so much as to be wasteful or incur fiber contamination. One should always obey manufacturer's recommendations in literature provided with.....(Read More)
Q - How can I reduce second cuts?
Good shearing can be broken down into about four principles.....(Read More)
Have a question? Ask Matt!

Short Bevel

Medium Bevel

Long Bevel

Short Bevel: 3-4mm / 3.5 as usual

Principally used when the shearing is at its best and the stock is in top condition.

Medium Bevel: 4.5-5.5mm / 5 as usual

The most widely used comb for the majority of crossbred shearing.

Long Bevel: 6-8mm / 7 as usual

Particularly suitable for fine wool sheep when the wool is dense and sticky.

9 Tooth Combs For quantities greater than 100 pieces, please call for price.
92MB9	A medium beveled 9 tooth comb with concave flared end teeth 92 mm in width. Designed for fast shearing of sheep in tough conditions. Also used to shear camelids. The wide tooth spacing allows easier tapering of leg and head fiber. Similar to the Premier Apache. Should be used by experienced professionals only. Compare to the Competitors: Premier's Apache	$13 each Sold only in 5 packs for $65	$12 each when purchased in five packs of 5 for $300
94MB9	Similar to Heiniger's Mach 9, the 94 mm width of this 9 tooth comb results in higher tallies while the medium bevels ensure ease of entry. For fast shearing of sheep in tough conditions and a popular choice of professional camelid shearers. Compare to the Competitors: Heiniger's Typhoon or Mach 9	$13 each Sold only in 5 packs for $65	$12 each when purchased in five packs of 5 for $300
Premier Apache	Fewer teeth means less resistance and faster shearing. Preferred by "pros" because they push through the wool easier. Extra wool that it leaves protects sheep from cold & sun. 9 teeth. 3.6 mm thick, 92 mm wide.	$17 Each
96LB9	Similar to Heiniger's Mach 9, the 96 mm width of this 9 tooth comb results in higher tallies while the long bevels ensure ease of entry. For fast shearing of sheep in tough conditions and a popular choice of professional camelid shearers.	$13 each Sold only in 5 packs for $65	$12 each when purchased in five packs of 5 for $300
99LB9	Similar to Heiniger's Mach 9, the 99 mm width of this 9 tooth comb results in higher tallies while the long bevels ensure ease of entry. For fast shearing of sheep in tough conditions and a popular choice of professional camelid shearers.	$13 each Sold only in 5 packs for $65	$12 each when purchased in five packs of 5 for $300
9 Tooth Cover Combs For quantities greater than 100 pieces, please call for price.
94MBCC9	High tooth runners provide after-shearing protection from the elements. A popular choice for late season of feedlot shearing or summer cria clips. 94 mm width and medium bevel tooth profile enable easy use of this 9 tooth comb. This cover comb compliments bolt on risers such as sold by Heiniger and others. Should be used by experienced shearers only.	$15 each Sold only in 5 packs for $75	$14 each when purchased in five packs of 5 for $350
92MBCC9	This 92 mm wide medium beveled comb features risers designed to leave a protective cover for early or late season shearing or any time exposure could be an issue. A 9 tooth concave flared comb to be used by experienced professionals only.	$15 each Sold only in 5 packs for $75	$14 each when purchased in five packs of 5 for $350
10 Tooth Combs For quantities greater than 100 pieces, please call for price.
92MB10	10 tooth comb	$13 each Sold only in 5 packs for $65	$12 each when purchased in five packs of 5 for $300
13 Tooth Combs For quantities greater than 100 pieces, please call for price.
76MB13	A 13 tooth General purpose shearing comb. This 76mm wide convex comb features straight teeth and medium bevels for ease of entry into many types of fleeces and fiber. An all around comb for sheep, goats, camelids and blocking show cattle. Similar to Premier's Spirit, Heiniger's Ovina or Sunbeam's Pacer combs, the 76MB excels in it's versatility. Sold in packs of 5 Compare to the Competitors: Premier's Spirit - $15.00 Heiniger's Ovina - $16.75 Sunbeam's Pacer Oster's P1082	$13 each Sold only in 5 packs for $65	$12 each when purchased in five packs of 5 for $300
Premier Spirit	Fewer teeth means less resistance and faster shearing. General purpose 13 tooth comb similar to Heiniger's Ovina, Sunbeam's Pacer and Oster's P1082. Popular for shearing alpacas & llamas, dagging sheep, fly strike treatment. 13 teeth. 3.2 mm thick, 77 mm wide.	$15 Each
70310	Andis - Ovina Comb 77 mm wide / Medium bevel comb Multi purpose comb. General purpose for sheep, cattle, llama and goats	$23.95 each
85MB13 Available Spring 2009	85mm Medium Bevel 13 Tooth Comb Sold in packs of 5.	$13 each Sold only in 5 packs for $65 Available Spring 2009	$12 each when purchased in five packs of 5 for $300 Available Spring 2009
92LB13	A concave 13 tooth comb 92 mm wide. It features long bevels and straight bottom teeth for ease of entry into fine wool sheep in all conditions. Also a popular comb for camelid shearing. Similar to the Heiniger Awesome. Sold in packs of 5. Compare to the Competitors: Heiniger's Awesome	$13 each Sold only in 5 packs for $65	$12 each when purchased in five packs of 5 for $300
92MB13	A concave 13 tooth comb 92 mm wide. It features medium bevels and straight bottom teeth for ease of entry into fine wool sheep in all conditions. Also a popular comb for camelid shearing. Similar to the Heiniger Awesome. Sold in packs of 5.	$13 each Sold only in 5 packs for $65	$12 each when purchased in five packs of 5 for $300
Premier Blackhawk	Great comb for blocking show animals. Preferred by "pros" because they push through the wool easier. Extra wool that it leaves protects sheep from cold & sun. 20 teeth. 3.6 mm thick, 92 mm wide.	$17 Each
94MB13	Medium bevels combined with bent top and bottom teeth make this 94 mm wide 13 tooth comb the choice for general shearing of open-wooled merinos through crossbreds. Similar to the Heiniger Reflex, this comb is also a popular selection for camelids. Sold in packs of 5. Compare to the Competitors: Heiniger's Reflex	$13 each Sold only in 5 packs for $65	$12 each when purchased in five packs of 5 for $300
96SB13	13 tooth short bevel comb. Flared top and bottom teeth (96 mm wide) provides high tallies in crossbred and open fleece conditions. Similar to the Heiniger Warrior. Sold in packs of 5. Compare to the Competitors: Heiniger's Warrior	$13 each Sold only in 5 packs for $65	$12 each when purchased in five packs of 5 for $300
13 Tooth Cover Combs For quantities greater than 100 pieces, please call for price.
77MBCC13	A 77mm wide 13 tooth convex comb with medium bevels and straight end teeth designed to leave approximately two weeks fiber growth. Similar to the popular Heiniger Camelid comb. Ideal for early season shearing, summer shearing of cria, lambs and kids; or any time a little protection is desired. An easy entering comb also useful for beginner shearers. Compare to the Competitors: Heiniger's Camelid comb - $28.50	$15 each Sold only in 5 packs for $75	$14 each when purchased in five packs of 5 for $350
70140	Andis - Camelid / Camel shearing comb Specially designed to shear llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, guanacos and camels. Leaves cover of 6 to 10 mm of wool.	$39.95 each
ALPACACOMB	Wide 76mm convex cover comb for camelids. 6mm thick – 7/10mm bevel. Use with any wide cutter. Removes the upper layer of the coat, leaving the lower layer for protection from cold or sunburn giving a professional finish. Compare to the Competitors: Heiniger’s Camelid Comb	$28 each Sold only in 2 packs for $56
ALPACAPRO	Wide 94mm concave comb with equally flared top and bottom teeth – for the expert camelid shearer. 6mm thick – 7/10 bevels. Designed to leave the lower layer of coat for protection from cold or sunburn and give a professional finish. Similar to the Heiniger’s Camelid Comb BUT in a 94mm wide concave comb for more production	$29 each Sold only in 2 packs for $58
17 Tooth Combs For quantities greater than 100 pieces, please call for price.
91SB17	91mm Short Bevel 17T Mohair Comb Sold in packs of 5. Compare to Andis Mohair at $39.95 & Heiniger at $35	$17 each Sold only in 5 packs for $85	$16 each when purchased in five packs of 5 for $400
70145	Andis - Mohair / Goat shearing comb 90 mm wide / Short bevel comb Specifically intended to shear mohair goats.	$39.95 each
MOHAIR	For Angora goats, llamas and alpacas. Extra teeth reduces risk of nicks and leaves smoother result. Made by Heiniger. 17 teeth, 3.5 mm thick, 90 mm wide.	$35 each
20 Tooth Combs For quantities greater than 100 pieces, please call for price.
77MB20	A 20 tooth convex comb designed to be used for sheep, goats, camelids, horses and show cattle. It's close tooth spacing and medium bevels provide a smooth finish ideal for beginner shearers or the show ring. Comparable to the Premier Phantom or Oster's 7112 comb. Sold in packs of 5. Compare to the Competitors: Premier's Phantom R comb - $17.00 Compare to the Competitors: Oster's 7112 Compare to the Competitors: Sullivan's Beveled Comb	$16 Each Sold in Packs of 5 Only for $80	$15 each when purchased in five packs of 5 for $375
Premier Phantom	• Great comb for beginners and those doing a few alpacas, llamas or sheep per year. • Rounded tips & long shearer's bevel reduces nicks. • Similar to Oster 7112 & Sullivan's Beveled comb. • 20 teeth. 3.4 mm thick, 77 mm wide.	$17 Each
25 Tooth Combs For quantities greater than 100 pieces, please call for price.
70305	Andis - Shattle / Cattle clipping blade To clip cattle on an electric or mechanical shearing handpiece with a standard cutter. For cattle and slick shearing of sheep	$25.95 Each
Cutters For quantities greater than 100 pieces, please call for price.
A45	Full thickness (4.5mm) 4 point cutter with straight gullets. Additional width of cutter teeth and heel designed for use with winter or rake combs and better performance with extra wide 3" combs. "A" style, there is an arc on both sides of the base of each tooth that forms an extra space for cut fiber to flow more easily. Compare to the Competitors: Heiniger's Storm - $4.85	$3 each Sold only in 10 packs for $30	$2.20 each when purchased in ten packs of 10 for $220
B45	Standard 4 point full thickness cutter (4.5mm) for use on all 3" wide combs. "B" style, all straight teeth, stronger at the bottom of the tooth, helpful for heavy shearing. Compare to the Competitors: Premier Spitfire - $5.75	$3 each Sold only in 10 packs for $30	$2.20 each when purchased in ten packs of 10 for $220
BB45	Standard 4 point full thickness cutter (4.5mm) for use on all 3" wide combs. "BB" style, Compare to the Competitors: Premier Spitfire - $5.75	$3 each Sold only in 10 packs for $30	$2.20 each when purchased in ten packs of 10 for $220
70300	Andis - Cobra 4 Point Cutter Standard 4 point full thickness cutter (4.5mm) for use on all 3" wide combs.	$5.95 each
Premier Spitfire	• Standard 4 point cutter. • Works on all 13, 17, 20, 22, 23 tooth combs. • Fits all 4 point 3 in. hand pieces. • 4.0 mm thick	$5.75 Each
Comb Lifter
LIFTER	For use on camelids, goats, sheep and other hair species. Tricky to use at first (must be held level to achieve a consistent fiber length). But nothing else works as well. Now made of a durable plastic with a lower price tag.	$19 Each
Clipping Oil - #10 White "I had used motor oil for lubrication since I started shearing. After a few comments a couple of seasons ago I purchased some of this clear clipper oil and had happier shearing clients. And the price is similar enough to motor. Oil is clear to reduce risk of stain to fibers. Proven to keep blades cooler than other oils. Apply 3 - 5 drops to teeth every 2 - 3 min. Available in 8 oz. applicator bottle with flip-spout and self-closing lids as well as a 1/2 gallon refill plastic jug." Jay
OIL8	No 10 White clipping Oil 8 oz		$7.99 Each
OILHALF	No 10 White Clipping Oil 1/2 gal		$15.99 Each
OILCAN	6 oz Trigger Type Oil Can		$14.29 Each
SHEARGREASES	Grease for Shearers for use on all shearing and clipping heads, 1.25oz squeeze tube	$4.99	.5 LB
SHEARGREASE	Grease for Shearers -for use on all shearing and clipping heads, 180g/6oz squeeze tube		$9.09 Each
Hand Tools
SHEARS	Hand Shears		$27.00 Each
SHEARHOLSTER	Holster (for shears) Only		$9.00 Each
SHEARCOMBO	Holster & Hand Shear Combo		$34.00 Each
NIPPERS	Toenail Nippers		$17.00 Each
NIPPERHOLSTER	Holster Only (for Nippers)		$12.00 Each
NIPPERCOMBO	Holster and Nipper Combo		$27.00 Each
FLEECEBAG	Fleece Bags – 20 x 30 Clear Bag (25 bags/roll) Great for collecting and storing fleeces. Don’t tie them shut with fresh fleeces in them, the fleece may contain moisture and it will spoil. Add a dryer sheet to keep out small insects.		$3.90 Each
Instructional Videos
SHEARINGDVD	Shearing DVD Produced by Light Livestock Equipment Featuring - Matt Best Presenting		$69.00 Each
ALPACACAREDVD	Alpaca Care DVDThis DVD covers many different subjects and was filmed for over 2 years to get the best possible footage. The shearing and birth portions are particularly comprehensive. These DVDs also make great gifts for your new customers!		$89 Each

Some valuable tips on ordering combs and cutters & shearing:

Purchase 2 cutters per comb, the cutters generally wear faster than the combs
     1-2 alpacas on a comb & cutter isn’t unusual for a new shearer
    While there are other factors the biggest culprit for new shearers is usually “shearing too much air” rather than fleece.
     The hardware dulls less quickly in the fleece verses heating up while out of the fiber.
     My suggestion is to be as consistent as possible with you strokes and shut the hand piece off when not in the fleece as much as
    possible.
    I get 3-5 alpaca on a comb on a good day & I know a few other that get more.
The 20 tooth comb is a safe comb to start with for one’s first time shearing.
The 20 tooth comb has small spaces between the teeth and therefore is less likely to cause nicks.
However a 20 tooth comb is a lot of comb to push through dense fleeces or as your shearing speed picks up.
The 13 tooth comb is a good all-around comb for the shearing of alpacas and llamas.
It has fewer teeth to push through the fleece and therefore the shearer can move more quickly.
I suggest a first time shearer purchase one or two 20T combs to start and the balance 13T combs.
Both combs use the same cutters.
Our Beiyuan & Premier brand combs and cutters will fit our Heiniger/Andis LG-S 68000 and Premier 4000S shearing hand pieces as well all 4 point 3” hand pieces such as Oster, Lister, etc.
A small amount of oil is helpful to break the friction to help the comb and cutter get started, after the shearers are running the oil is gone quickly.
The Premier brand oil is clear & doesn’t create the mess sometimes created by the typical motor oil.
Be sure that the combs & cutters are sharpened on a beveled wheel only. See the Sharpening on a flat wheel will not provide as good a job and may frustrate the new shearer in particular.
I use and recommend Dave at Surprize Acres in MA for sharpening in the North East area.
His telephone number is (413) 569-5354 and his e-mail is surprizeacres@yahoo.com
Figure 12-15 sharpenings per comb or cutter.

Some tips for cria shearing:

Cria fleece is fine as you know, therefore fresh, sharp gear and a bit of extra tension is in order
Also because of the fineness, the fleece needs to be as dry as possible to prevent it from “mushing” between the comb and cutter
I shoot for a 9-11am window after any morning dampness has dried and before they get sweaty from the summer heat
Any chasing of the cria may cause just enough sweating to make the cria fleeces harder to shear

A couple of tips for reducing the chance of the dam rejecting the cria:

I like to let mom watch right over my shoulder or very close by
I use limited amounts of oil to reduce the chance of the cria smelling really differently
I don’t shear much of the tail to again reduce the impact on the mom’s perception of the baby’s smell

Please call me with any questions or for advice. 866-999-AVA1 (2821)
Jay Ward

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