BLADE SHEARING

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CHAPTER 4
FIBRE HARVESTING TECHNIQUES

4.1.5 Blade Shearing Sheep

An expert blade shearer must master the following six important points.

1. Control of the sheep - get right down over the sheep and become part of it.

2. A positive hand - the shearing hand must be positive in its action, with control and finish.

3. A good wrist - the wrist of the shearing arm must be supple and flexible, able to work both ways, turning to keep the bottom blade on the sheep and bending forwards to finish every blow.

4. Return action - fast back and near the sheep but watch that the blade comes back only to the start of the blow.

5. Use the left hand to prepare the wool just in front of the blade. Try to control the sheep as much as possible with the legs.

6. Rhythm and timing are important keys. Actions should be smooth and the shearing of each section is run into the next so the sheep is shorn in an even flow.

The technique of a good blade shearer is to shear the sheep once only, and to leave the same wool length all over the body of the sheep.

 

Figure 4.5 Blade shearing

 

Figure 4.5 Blade shearing
A. Hold both front legs up under the left arm.
The shearer pull his legs back tight against the
sheep the stretch the belly.

Figure 4.5 Blade shearing
B. Right knee in front of the brisket.

   
Figure 4.5 Blade shearing


C. Right foot moves back when clearing over the tail.
Note: (Full blow over the backbone).

Figure 4.5 Blade shearing
D. Remove all the trimmings inside the leg.

   

Figure 4.5 Blade shearing
E. Blow 15 roll the head starting on the top side of the brisket. Finishing square under the jaw.

 

Figure 4.5 Blade shearing
F. Clear up behind the ears and top knot with
the sheep's head below the shearer's knee.

   

Figure 4.5 Blade shearing
G. Shear into the first shoulder, keeping points of shears down onto the skin.

Figure 4.5 Blade shearing
H. Shear around the first side moving left foot away from
the sheep to let the sheep lie down.
For blow 26 to commence the long blow.

   

Figure 4.5 Blade shearing
I. Put blow 27 in as the sheep drops down. Step over with the right foot, as blow 28 finishes.

Figure 4.5 Blade shearing


J. Complete a full blow over the back bone, as blow 29 finishes step forward with the right foot turning toe in.
( Denotes backbone).

   

Figure 4.5 Blade shearing
K. The last cheek is cleared before releasing sheep's right front leg.

Figure 4.5 Blade shearing
L. Step out with the left foot when blow
37 is completed.

   

Figure 4.5 Blade shearing                       
M. The sheep's head is bought forward of shearer's legs.

Figure 4.5 Blade shearing
N. Grip the loose skin in the flank, and roll the fist on
the firm part of the leg to keep it straight.

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

O. A Guide to Pattern Shearing

Figure 4.5 Blade shearing

Source: Wools of New Zealand

SEE ALSO:  BLADE SHEARING

SHEARING
 


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