Recently I made a new hackle (much larger than the first one) to blend wool on. I used 6 cake breaker heads on this one for 2 pitch hackle with a working length of about 10 inches.
We used a nice chunk of maple wood for the base.
We made custom clamps to hold the hackle to my desk. I was pretty excited about these clamps; they look so much nicer than bar or C-clamps. They are made from a 3/8 square U-bolt cut in half. That bolt is at this link: http://www.tractorsupply.com/en/store/national-hardwarereg%3B-2192bc-675-square-u-bolt-zinc
We also picked up 2 each of 3/8 washers and wing nuts for each clamp. We used 2 pieces of oak wood for the clamps’
pads
It works wonderfully for blending. I’ve been using it to mix some alpaca/angora to spin.
This hackle cost about $38 to make. Some of the supply costs are listed below, in case you are interested in making your own hackle.
- 6 cake breakers – $30
- Square U-bolt, washers and nuts – $6
- Maple wood – Free
We had the wood and epoxy on hand, and we also had the tools, such as a router, various saws, a power sander and a drill.
Thanks for reading!
HeartFelt Angoras 
You amaze me at how you can make your own tools and tell how to in such clarity!
Good job, Rebecca. Love, Peepa
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Lovely job! Are you interested in making one or more of these for profit?
If so, I am interested in descussing this. I would like one for myself and perhaps more to offer to my client/customer base. email me at mijejo@aol.com
Thanks for your interest! Lets continue discussing this through email.
Rebekah
how did you attach the cake breakers to the wood?
I routed a channel into the wood, and then filled it with liquid epoxy and set the cake breaker heads in.
How long and wide is your wood?
If I remember correctly it was about a foot long and four inches wide.
Hi, Can you be a darlin’ and tell me where you purchased the cake-breakers? Dont want to sacrifice my wedding gift one. Thanks, Anne
I believe I got them on Amazon… I think the link is on the blog post.