Build Time is currently about 8-10 weeks
Magic drums
The Fusion Engine drums use a unique new design that offers several
benefits, the most obvious being the prominent edges that keep the fiber
on the drum, so there is no clogging or tangling of material around the
axles. The special shaping of the edging actually helps to draw the
fibers onto the drum, almost to the point of appearing as though it is
‘sucking’ the fiber in. This in turn significantly reduces the
maintenance and cleaning required.
Switching drums
A major feature of the Fusion Engine is the ability to change drums.
There is no need to purchase multiple carders to work with different
kinds of fibers as we offer drums with different carding cloth
densities. Your carding becomes considerably cheaper and your single
machine far more versatile. There are just three grub screws holding the
main drum in place, and it is possible to swap the interchangeable
drums in a couple of minutes! In addition to the standard 72tpi cloth, we are offering 96tpi and
128tpi cloth drums. Dependent upon demand, we will try to increase the
range of cloth sizes available.
Gearbox
The fusion engine has a gearbox – with real gears! This was chosen as
it could offer multiple benefits. Firstly it makes the mechanism for
converting the ratios between the main drum and licker-in much more
compact, small enough to be embedded into the side of the carder. This
consequently will keep your carder cleaner as the gears are hidden away
and will not get clogged with fiber and other debris. A gearbox also permits running a much greater ratio in a compact space.
Typically carders have between 3:1 and 4:1 gearing ratios. The Fusion
Engine has a ratio of 8:1 which will produce a more evenly blended batt.
Adjustable feed tray
The feed tray position is different to most other carders. Our
experiments demonstrated that the more time the fiber spent on the
licker-in, the more effectively the carding process worked. This is why
the feed tray is positioned so high relative to the licker-in drum. Majacraft also made the feed tray adjustable. Underneath the tray is an
easy-grip wooden nut that lets you position the feed tray close or far
from the licker-in. The ability to adjust the tray lets you card
anything from washed fleece to combed tops.
Easy to adjust
The licker-in drum is mounted on the two actuators which can be very
simply adjusted by unscrewing the locking JCB bolts – the gearbox cover
does not even need to be removed for this. What is a tricky job on other
carders is elementary on the Fusion Engine.
Folding handle
Majacraft have used a folding handle with the Fusion Engine. This allows the
carder to fit into a more compact space but more importantly, no more
whacking your hips into the handle as you walk past the table! The
handle length is short enough that you can card in the center of the
table as well, it does not have to overhang the edge.
Great for lefties and righties
Majacraft have designed the Fusion Engine so that it can be used in left or
right handed configuration. The axle on the main drum has been specially
drilled to allow it to be inserted on either side of the carder. By
unscrewing three grub screws you can slip the handle and axle and then
then put it in from the other side.
Packer brush
Majacraft have added a brush to the Fusion Engine so that more fiber can be
packed on to your drums. Their design differs in that the brush is
positioned near the back of the main drum so as much of the drum is
exposed as possible. This makes it easier to remove the batt after
carding. It also leaves a clearer space to work if you wish to lay fiber
elements directly on to the main drum or diz from the drum. The brush is secured in place using a ratchet mechanism so once you set
the pressure of the brush, it will not slide out of place which can
happen with brushes held by nuts and bolts. It is also easier to
position by simply clicking the gears on the ratchet rather than having
to tighten nuts as firmly as possible – only to have them move when you
don’t want it.
Cleaner brush
A Cleaner Brush is included and it is super lightweight. They have made their own cast and
powder coated handles that put your hand directly over your working
area for less wrist strain and more control. It has a thin curved bamboo
laminate mounting plate that is both light and very strong . The
carding cloth is finished with plastic caps that make the cleaner brush
have clean and elegant lines with no cloth ends cloth showing.
The working area of the cloth is 95mm x 55mm (3.75″ x 2″) and uses 72TPI cloth.
Gentle picker
The picker for this brush does not have a sharp point so you will not
have the concern of damaging your cloth when removing the batts from
the drum.
Details and Specifications
The Fusion Engine carder comes with:
- Fusion Engine carder
- Picker tool
- Two bench clamps
- Cleaning brush
- Allen T wrench – 3mm
- Allen T wrench – 4mm
The Fusion Engine specifications:
- Length-width-height: 450mm (17.7″) x 340mm (13.4″) x 270mm (10.6″)
- Weight: 8.25kg (18.2lb)
- Main drum diameter: 187mm (7.36″)
- Cloth width: 210mm (8.2″)
- Cloth pitch: 72tpi standard (128tpi available)
- Batt size (approximate): 210mm x 570mm (8.2″ x 22.4″)
NOTE – following is an accessory component that is available separately.
Direct injection tray
Because this carder is so effective at blending fibers, it can be
difficult to do techniques like the Art Batt (also known as the “Fiber
Sandwich”). We included provision for the Direct Injection Feed Tray
that supplies the fiber to the licker in much later.
Applying the fiber to the licker-in later means it is broken up less
and not opened up quite so much. Hence more texture is left in the batt
which is a critical element in Art Batts.
A pair of screws secures the Direct Injection tray onto the main brace.