Hello again,(posted 9638 days ago)Thank you all for your advice. Yes, my wool is clean before I card it. You can read about my washing process in the other posting about spinning. I also do use a doffer pin to break the wool off of the drums. Both drums have a groove in which to do this with. I only cut the batt off of the licker drum when I didn't know what else to do about it, but I have learned patience by just taking it layer by layer and pulling it off with the doffer pin. My drum carder came with a doffer pin and the 'brush' to clean it off with. Yes, I do tease the wool out by hand before putting it through. Apparently, I was doing everything right, with the exception of cutting it off of the licker drum, but was just stressing over the buildup on the licker drum. But, apparently that is normal and I will no longer stress over this.
It doesn't seem to make any difference what type of fiber I use on the carder. The wool builds up on the licker drum in the same manner, as I have carded Romney and Alpaca. The carder did a wonderful job on both fibers. Thankfully, I had enough sense not to cut through the Alpaca fur on the licker drum. I broke it with the doffer pin and now have some more than I can use up.
Yes, I have had an opportunity to watch some friends use the combs. They are wonderful tools, but deadly looking things! They do a tremendous job and I may get myself a pair someday. However, there is no rush, as I can use my friends. I meet with a group of ladies at least once a month to spin. It is just an enjoyable thing.
Thank you all for your wonderful and prompt advice.