I finally decided that I would have to get a picker if I am to continue processing all of these raw fleeces. As a starter I decided on the Kaydessa Box Picker and purchased it off the etsy site for $136. Granted it is a lot smaller than most pickers and can only handle small amounts at a time, but I found that it is quite efficient in helping to pick through the locks.
The picker has a series of 10 penny nails situated in alternating directions. The lid also has these staggered nails. As you slide the lid back and forth over a small amount of locks at a time it fluffs them up and lets the VM fall to the base of the picker.
Within a few minutes you have a nice fluffy pile of fiber. If it is still too compact it goes back through a second and maybe a third time. You have to take care not to be rough on the fiber as you can break it and really ruin your fleece.
So the rule of thumb is to put in very small amounts (small handful) at a time and be patient. There is nothing worse than discovering that you have chopped up your fiber into unusable pieces!
Also, take care if you are picked a very fine fiber. Go slowly until you can see how it handles the fiber and be sure you are happy with your end product.
I love this as an adjunct to hand picking.
Off to Maryland Sheep and Wool in the morning! Let's hope I stay on budget! No promises...
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