By means of the comb the fibre is still further straightened out, the
short stock and noil, or nibs, are removed, and when the sliver comes
from the combs most of the fibres are parallel to each other. A number
of the slivers taken from the comb are then put through two further
operations of gilling, and wound into a large ball, which is called a
finished top.
The next process in the manufacture of worsteds is carding. In this
process the wool is passed between cylinders and rollers, from
which project the ends of many small wires. These cylinders revolve
in opposite directions. The result is the opening, separating and
straightening of the fibres; and the wool is delivered in soft strands,
which are taken off by the doffer comb and wound upon a wooden roll
into the shape of a large ball, known as a card-ball or card-sliver, or
put into a revolving can. The sliver from a number of these balls or
cans is now taken and put through what is known as the gilling machine,
which to a degree straightens the fibres.
From the gilling machine the wool comes off in soft strands. Four
strands are then taken to the balling machine, where is made a large
ball, ready for the combing. It takes eighteen of these balls to make a
set or fill up the comb.
The dyeing is done in three ways--in the top, in the thread or skein
after being spun, or in the piece after it is woven. If the wool is to
be stock dyed--that is, dyed in the top--it is sent to the dyehouse to
be dyed the shade required, and afterwards returned to be gilled and
recombed ready for the drawing.
[Illustration: