Sarah,(posted 9633 days ago)Thank you for your thorough advice. Yes, I do wash my wool and I do it much the same way you do, with just a few exceptions. I do use the five gallon buckets. But, instead of putting the wool in loosely, I put it in onion bags and put the bags in the hot, soapy water to soak like you do. After the thorough soaking process, I pull the onion bags out and let the dirty water drain out and then I put the onion bags into a bucket of rinse water and then, yet again, into another clean bucket of rinse water. I then take the onion bags out and let them drain as much as I can while holding them. I then put them into a plastic dishpan and bring them to my washing machine and put them in and spin the remaining water out. I then take the wool out of the bags and lay them out as you do, but I am going to pick up an old screen door or something and prop that up on a couple of chairs or sawhorses and spread my wool over that to dry.
I found, by calling Louet, that I was doing everything properly. I, too, do several batts at once and then take the batts and put them through for a second carding. I have just learned to stop stressing over the buildup on the licker drum - I guess that's the nature of the beast with the Louet. It is a very efficient carder and very versatile. I do have a doffer stick to remove the wool from the drums and, yes, both drums have a grove to slit the wool apart in. I have learned that on the licker drum where the wool builds up so, that I just have to take small portions of the wool, layer by layer, and break it apart with the doffer pin. But, because I was unsure at first, I did cut it a few times and then couldn't really use it to spin. I plan to use the first few cut remains from the licker drum as stuffing for pillows, or I may learn how to felt it or something. I would never throw it out.
Again, thank you for your help.