Getting Started with Sheep Shearing

Shearing sheep efficiently and humanely begins with understanding how to choose, assemble, and maintain your handpiece. A well-set handpiece, matched comb and cutter, and correct tension not only improve the quality of your shear but also extend the life of your equipment. The following guide walks through how to interpret comb and cutter designs, set them up correctly, and manage tension and wear.

Choosing the Right Comb

Combs vary in tooth number, width, and shape. Most beginner shearers start with a 13- to 16-tooth straight comb because it balances speed, control, and safety. With more teeth, beginner shearers are less likely to cut the animal. Fewer teeth, such as 9-tooth combs, are designed for thick or matted wool, while 25-tooth shattle combs and surgical/fine combs can be used for crutching, dagging, or shearing very close to the skin. Producers who show their animals often use these 25-tooth combs when grooming their animals for a show. This is called slick shearing.

Combs that 'flare' have teeth that angle outward and are designed to gather more wool per stroke. This type of comb has a flare on the right or left, depending on which hand a person shears with. It is ideal for faster shearing, particularly with fine-wool sheep.

The list below offers further descriptions of common comb types.

Common comb types and general descriptions

9-Tooth Comb: Wide gaps allow the comb to cut through tough, dirty, or long wool/fiber more easily with less effort. Experienced shearers often prefer this type of comb,  but it requires more skill to avoid nicking the skin. It is popular for shearing range ewes, feeder lambs, alpacas, and for shearing during the winter. This comb leaves a longer amount of wool after shearing.

13-Tooth Comb: This is a very common and versatile comb, widely used for most shearing situations for sheep, alpacas, and llamas. It provides a balance of speed and a relatively smooth finish. Specific 13-tooth "cover combs" leave a 6-10mm layer of fleece for protection, which is ideal for alpacas and early- or late-season shearing of sheep.

16-18 tooth: The extra teeth on this comb reduce the risk of nicks and cuts, resulting in a smoother finish. It is perfectly suited for the fine hair of Angora goats and is a safer option for beginning shearers. Some also use it for llamas and alpacas, particularly crias and those with very fine fiber.

20+ tooth: This comb has the most teeth with the smallest spaces, making it the safest for first-time or inexperienced shearers, as it is the least likely to cut the animal. It cuts slower and is used on clean, short wool or for finish trimming on show sheep to achieve a smooth, ridgeless result.

The thickness, bevel, and profile of the comb affect performance and the way it enters the wool. A flatter, wider comb glides under fine fleeces while a deeper-profile comb works better for high-yield breeds with tight wool. Most combs are 3.5–4 mm thick.

Understanding Cutters

Cutters are the four-point blades that run back and forth across the comb to cut the wool. A new cutter should match the curvature and grind of your comb. Keep cutters sharp, clean, and free from burrs. Typically, shearers use 3–5 cutters per comb before they require sharpening, depending on their skill level and wool cleanliness. A new shearer may need to sharpen the cutters and combs after using 2–3 cutters, while experienced shearers can extend use to 5–6 cutters with proper shearing techniques.

Setting Up the Comb and Cutter on the Handpiece

Proper setup ensures smooth cutting and prevents overheating. Follow these steps:

1. Mount the Comb: Place the comb on the comb screws and make sure the comb points align evenly. The comb points should protrude just slightly beyond the cutter tips when properly assembled, about 1.5–2 mm. Ensure the cutter tips are behind the bevel of the comb or the shears will not cut properly.
2. Align the Cutter: Center the cutter so each corner travels evenly across the comb’s outer teeth. If the cutter rides too far to one side, it will cut unevenly and wear prematurely.
3. Tighten the Comb Screws: Tighten the comb screws loosely, allowing for slight movement to adjust the combs. Then, firmly tighten the screws without overtightening.
4. Install the Tension Knob: Begin with minimal tension and increase the tension gradually until the wool cuts cleanly without pulling. Proper tension will allow the cutter to move smoothly without excessive drag.

Tension and Heat Management

Tension is one of the most misunderstood aspects of shearing. Too much tension creates friction between the comb and cutter, causing heat buildup that can dull blade edges and even burn the wool. This not only shortens cutter life but can also lead to mechanical wear in your handpiece.

Signs of excessive tension include:

• Cutters become hot to the touch.
• Burn marks or smoke near the handpiece.
• Increased vibration or drag.

To avoid this, set tension just tight enough to achieve a clean, smooth cut. Most shearers test by listening. If the handpiece hums evenly and doesn't drag through clean wool, the tension is correct. Reapply oil every few minutes to keep the friction low and temperatures down.

Maintenance and Efficiency Tips

• Oil Frequently: Apply shearing oil to the comb and cutter every few minutes during use. If you are less experienced, you may find you need to apply oil after every sheep. As you gain more experience, and shear faster, you may only need to oil after every few.

• The Edge pro oiling clipper blades. This reduces friction and extends longevity of blades between sharpening.
• Replace Dull Blades Early: For a beginner, one comb may last 3–5 cutters; experienced shearers may stretch to 5-6.
• Avoid Dirt and Sand: Avoid penning the sheep on dirt or sand before shearing to preserve blade life.
• Grind Properly: Match the bevel angle at the tip of the comb (usually 3–5 degrees) and cutter to the profile of the grinder plate. Be sure to clean the cutters and combs with soap and hot water before sharpening. If using a grinding wheel to sharpen combs and cutters, be sure to use consistent pressure as you move the blade across the sharpening disc. Also, be sure to sharpen the combs and cutters as a pair.

• Cool Between Sheep: Allow the handpiece to rest if it becomes hot.

Summary

Selecting and correctly setting up your comb and cutter are critical first steps for new shearers. Proper alignment, tension, and maintenance ensure cleaner cuts, cooler operation, and longer equipment life. Understanding how tooth number, width, and comb style affect your results will help you tailor your equipment to the season and your sheep's fleece type. Start with quality tools, stay patient as you learn, and maintain equipment properly. Additional information on shearing tools