As temperatures rise, shearing sheep becomes a priority. But when dusting off your handpiece, what do you need to consider before shearing your first sheep?
We got some tips from Heiniger’s Hefin Rowlands:
“There is no substitute for good maintenance when it comes to a shearing handpiece. Checking combs, cutters, greasing, oiling and tensioning are all vital to making sure you get a close, clean cut,” says Hefin.
1) Checking
“After last year’s hard work, your handpiece is likely to need a thorough check over. Start with the chicken feet at the top and make sure these are loose and free moving. Take the tension knob off and make sure the sliding sleeve is also free moving. Take out the fork body and give it a good clean before greasing the tension pin cup and fulcrum cup. However, beware not to change the fulcrum post height. This should be left in its factory position,” he says.
2) Cleaning
“Some parts of a handpiece can be cleaned with just hot water. Make sure to channel water down the barrel of the handpiece so that water doesn’t get into the bearings. There are two bearings at the back of most handpieces, and these are better cleaned with an airline to blow out any dust and dirt. After this, a good regrease and oil will help to lubricate the moving parts,” he says.
3) Cutters and combs
“It goes without saying that any comb and cutter need to be sharp. Heiniger offers free shipping for routine maintenance and we have a UK based facility to resharpen combs and cutters. It is important to check the lead is not going over the scallop. Align the cutting edge
of the cutter and the cutting edge of the comb, both should always be touching each other at the same time. It is worth checking the gap at the back of the comb to allow for a small space, but also check that the comb is straight and not biased to one side which will leave an uneven gap from one side to the other,” he adds.
4) Tension
“It is common to see handpieces that have been over tensioned. Rather than turning the tension knob, I like to use the weight of the handpiece to help find the right tension. By holding the tension knob and allowing the body of the handpiece to fall, the weight of the handpiece will be sufficient to apply the tension. This is a good starting point and you can always apply a little bit more tension if required. Rather than starting off with an over tensioned handpiece,” he says.
5) Oiling
“Oiling the handpiece is essential. Release the tension to enable oil to get into the fulcrum cup and post, most handpieces will have a small hole located underneath the handpiece to allow oiling. It is also good to put a dab on the cogs, down onto the ball race through the oiling hole in the middle of the handpiece and another down the ferrule. And lastly, a small amount across the face of the comb and cutter,” he explains.
No substitute for quality
“We have seen an influx of lower priced clippers and handpieces hitting the market in recent years. Whilst these may be a seemingly attractive option for some, I would preach caution and suggest that over time it will be more cost-effective to invest in a better quality
handpiece. Heiniger takes pride in being a premium option, but, in my opinion, you get what you pay for, and the longevity of a good handpiece will make it more cost- effective over time if it is well serviced and kept sharp,” he concludes.
