Louet XL Drum Carder

Louet XL Drum Carder – 46 or 72 TPI | Extra-Wide Carding Power for Fiber Artists

The Louet XL Drum Carder is a high-capacity, professional-grade carder for fiber artists who require large batt production and top-tier quality. Featuring a massive 11.75" (30cm) wide drum and available in your choice of 46 TPI (coarse) or 72 TPI (fine) cloth, this carder is the ultimate solution for preparing large volumes of fleece or specialty fiber blends quickly and effortlessly.

Designed with Louet’s signature quality, the XL Drum Carder features a curved hard birch plywood body and sturdy beech construction with a smooth lacquer finish. All gear mechanisms are enclosed, and the carder has a belt-driven system with sealed bearings for maintenance-free use. The adjustable feed tray and tension control make it suitable for a wide variety of fibers, from coarse wools to fine luxury blends.

Perfect for small farms, fiber processors, cooperative studios, felting artists, and adventurous home carders, the XL gives you the ability to create consistent, airy batts that spin or felt beautifully.

Key Features:

• Carding Width: 11.75" (30cm)

• Choose Cloth Type:

  • 46 TPI: Ideal for medium to coarse fibers (e.g., Romney, Lincoln, Icelandic)

  • 72 TPI: Best for fine fibers (e.g., Merino, Alpaca, Angora)

• Batt Output Size: Up to 100g (3.5 oz) per pass, depending on fiber type

• Construction: Solid beech and birch with lacquered finish

• Maintenance-Free Design: Sealed ball bearings, belt drive

• Teeth Shape: Curved carding teeth for minimal fiber damage

• Adjustable Feed Tray and Infeed Drum

• Comes with: Doffer pin, cleaning brush, table clamps, instructions

• Weight: Approx. 24 lbs (11 kg)

• Made in the Netherlands by Louet

Benefits:

• Huge Output: Produce larger batts faster, ideal for serious production

• Low Maintenance: No lubrication or tuning required

• Customizable: Select TPI based on your fiber type

• Built to Last: Premium materials and construction ensure decades of use

FAQs:

Q: Which TPI should I choose for my fibers? A: Choose 46 TPI for coarse or long-stapled fibers. Choose 72 TPI for finer fibers or delicate blends.

Q: How much fiber can I card at once? A: Depending on fiber type and preparation, up to 100 grams (3.5 oz) per batt is typical.

Q: Does the XL carder require lubrication or ongoing maintenance? A: No, the sealed bearings and enclosed design make this carder virtually maintenance-free.

Q: Can I card art batts with inclusions like silk, glitz, or locks? A: Yes, the XL is great for art batts. Just take care not to overload with sticky or matted fibers.

Q: Is this carder suitable for commercial use? A: Absolutely. Its wide drum and robust construction make it ideal for farm-scale or studio production.