Molly Ayala
Drum carders are an expensive investment, with prices ranging from $300 to $4000. However, you can build your own drum carder for a fraction of the cost. Spencer has posted a set of detailed plans in his Etsy store, which includes a 20-page PDF file with instructions, photos, and sketches. The supplies and tools required for this DIY project can be purchased for $100-$200. Additionally, you can motorize your drum carder by purchasing an Eletricarder base or using an electric motor from your collection. Building an electric drum carder is a cost-effective way to create your own equipment for spinning wool and other fibers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cost of a budget drum carder | $300 |
| Cost of a Pat Green Super Carder | $4000 |
| Cost of a Clemes Crankless Elite | $3200 |
| Cost of a Little Tom drum carder | Not mentioned |
| Cost of building a DIY drum carder | $100-$200 |
| Cost of supplies for a DIY drum carder | $20 |
| Cost of carding cloth | $30 |
| Motor requirements | A small motor |
| Availability of plans | Available on Etsy |
| Availability of parts | Etsy, Howard Brush, home improvement stores |
| Maintenance tips | Available in the plans |
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What You'll Learn
Sourcing parts and plans
In addition to these online resources, one may also consider purchasing a pre-owned drum carder and motorizing it. This option can be more cost-effective than buying a new, motorized drum carder. For example, one could acquire a used drum carder for recarding and motorize it with an electric motor, which may be sourced from a collection of garage items or through auctions.
When sourcing parts, it is essential to consider the cost, durability, and repairability of the components. While some individuals prioritize brand names, others focus on frugality and the ability to DIY as much as possible. It is also worth noting that drum carders can vary in price, ranging from $300 for budget models to $4000 for high-end options. Therefore, it is beneficial to evaluate one's budget and level of involvement in the building process when sourcing parts and plans.
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Building the frame
Building an electric drum carder can be a fun project, and it can save you a lot of money compared to buying a pre-built one. The first step is to build the frame, which will serve as the foundation for the rest of the carder. Here's a step-by-step guide to building the frame:
Planning and Gathering Materials:
Before you begin construction, it's important to have a clear plan and gather all the necessary materials. You can find detailed plans for building a drum carder online, such as the ones available on Etsy, which include step-by-step instructions, supply lists, and maintenance tips. These plans can be a great resource to guide your build. Make sure you have all the required materials, including wood, carding cloth, threaded rods, nuts, washers, and any tools you'll need for assembly.
Cutting and Drilling:
The next step is to cut and drill the wood to create the frame. Determine the dimensions of the frame based on the size of the drum carder you want to build. Cut the wood to size, making sure the pieces are straight and even. Drill holes in the wood for the threaded rods that will hold the carder together. "Wobble" the drill a bit to make the holes slightly larger, ensuring the threaded rods can turn easily. The height from the bottom of the wood to the holes should be at least 3 inches.
Assembling the Frame:
Now, it's time to assemble the frame. Thread the nuts, washers, and handle holders onto the threaded rods, following the instructions in your chosen plan. Tighten everything securely. Cut a strip of wood to serve as the handle connector, and attach it to the frame using a shorter threaded rod. The length of the handle should be at least 3 inches to prevent your hand from hitting the board when cranking. You can use a small paint roller as the handle.
Attaching the Carding Cloth:
The carding cloth is a crucial component of the drum carder. Cut the carding cloth to the appropriate size, allowing for a seam. Spread a thin layer of silicone adhesive on the back of the cloth, and duct tape it tightly to the frame. Leave the assembly aside for at least a day and a half to cure. Test the adhesion by gently poking the seam with a knitting needle. If necessary, apply additional adhesive and allow it to dry.
Finalizing the Frame:
Once the frame is assembled and the carding cloth is securely attached, it's time for final adjustments. Ensure that all components are tightened and secure. Test the frame for sturdiness and make any necessary adjustments. Now, you have a basic frame for your electric drum carder, and you can move on to adding the mechanical components, such as the motor and crank.
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Motorizing the drum
Motorizing a drum carder can be a cost-effective alternative to purchasing a pre-built electric drum carder. The process involves acquiring an electric motor and integrating it into the drum carder mechanism.
Firstly, it is important to source a suitable electric motor. This can be purchased new or, as some have done, sourced from second-hand items or a personal collection. The motor should be powerful enough to drive the drum carder effectively.
Next, the motor needs to be integrated into the drum carder. This typically involves mounting the motor securely onto the frame of the drum carder, ensuring that it can drive the drum mechanism. The specific process will depend on the design of the drum carder and the motor being used. It may be necessary to modify the frame or mechanism of the drum carder to accommodate the motor.
Once the motor is mounted, it needs to be connected to the drum mechanism. This may involve using a drive belt or chain to transfer power from the motor to the drum. The drive belt or chain should be properly tensioned to ensure efficient power transfer.
Finally, it is important to test the motorised drum carder to ensure it is functioning correctly. This involves powering up the motor and feeding fibres into the drum carder to ensure they are being processed effectively. It is important to follow the standard operating procedures for drum carders, including feeding fibres in slowly to avoid jamming the machine.
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Testing and troubleshooting
Before using your electric drum carder, it is important to test it to ensure it is working correctly. This involves checking the various components, including the cables, pads, module settings, and more. Start by inspecting the cables and pads for any signs of damage or wear and tear. Disconnect and reconnect the cables, ensuring they are inserted securely and correctly. If you encounter issues with drum or cymbal pads not triggering, try connecting the cable from the faulty trigger to a functioning pad. If the pad triggers, it confirms that the cable is functional. Verify that each cable is connected to the corresponding pad, and if your module features 1/4-inch I/O connections, ensure proper connection to the appropriate trigger input and output. Some cymbal pads have multiple zones, allowing for different sounds like bell, choke, and crash.
If you're experiencing problems with your electronic cymbal not choking, make sure the logo is facing you, as the edge trigger is typically located opposite the logo. In addition to physical components, pay attention to the module settings, especially if you've confirmed that the cables and pads are functioning correctly. The key settings to focus on are sensitivity, threshold, and crosstalk (x-talk). Refer to your module's manual for instructions on adjusting these settings, as navigation can vary between manufacturers.
Additionally, consider your playstyle, as different playing styles can affect the performance of the electronic drum set. If you continue to encounter issues, the problem may lie within the module's firmware or other internal settings. To maintain your electric drum carder, avoid striking the pads too hard, as it can damage the internal trigger. Use a plastic or rubber bass drum pedal beater to prevent premature wear and tear, especially if your bass drum pad has a mesh head. If your module has 1/4-inch connectors, utilize balanced TRS cables for optimal connectivity.
To enhance your experience, place the drum set on a carpet or drum rug to minimize vibration and keep it from shifting during use. Take the time to adjust the settings according to your preferences to ensure optimal performance. If you encounter any persistent issues or require further guidance, refer to online resources or seek assistance from experienced individuals or communities familiar with electric drum carders.
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Maintenance and cleaning
Maintaining and cleaning your electric drum carder is a straightforward process. The first step is to regularly check for stray fibres that have gotten caught over the sides of the drum. These fibres can end up wrapping around the shafts of the drums, affecting the ease of cranking. Use tweezers to pull out a few trapped fibres. If there are a lot of fibres trapped, you may need to take the carder apart to remove them. While you are doing this, you can oil the shaft before reassembly.
To clean the drum carder, use warm soapy water. Wash the carder teeth carefully with an old toothbrush and some mineral turpentine. You can also use a stiff boar-bristle hairbrush to brush the stuff out. If you are switching colours or carding an all-white batt, it is important to ensure that your carder is very clean. You can also use a can of dust remover to blow any dust out.
If you have a motorized carder, read any directions for maintaining the motor. Make sure not to overload the motor’s capabilities by feeding too much fibre at a time or by manually slowing the drums down.
Do not use greasy fleece on your carder unless that is all you plan to use.
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Frequently asked questions
Building an electric drum carder can save you money, as the cheapest electric drum carders on the market start at $500.
You will need a small motor to run the carder, as well as carding cloth, a 2" PVC pipe, 2" PVC end caps, threaded rods, nuts, lock washers, a small paint roller, a tube of silicone adhesive, and a slicker brush.
You can find detailed plans for building a DIY drum carder on Etsy. These plans include step-by-step building instructions, maintenance tips, and more.
The cost of building an electric drum carder can vary depending on the materials used, but it typically ranges from $100 to $200.
It is important to consider the safety hazards associated with electrical products. Additionally, you should be careful when introducing fiber to the carder to avoid jams.
