Sorting Table for Skirting Fleeces
Once the shearer finishes shearing, the fleece is gathered together and taken to the sorting table (also known as a skirting table). Often, the fleece is thrown onto the table such that it lands in a shape that the sorters can see each part of the fleece clearly. Throwing the fleece allows some of the vegetation and second cuts to fall out.
The best sorting tables are not solid! They are large enough to spread the fleece out in a single layer and have mesh or holes to allow debris to fall through. Even the best, cleanest, healthiest fleeces will have wool that needs to be removed and sent into the waste wool stream (e.g. for pellets or mulch). Having a sturdy table certainly makes that process easier.
Glen Beaton of StoneCroft Farm in Black Creek, BC, has graciously shared his plans for the table he recently built, pictured below.
- Top outside dimensions 107cm x 216cm (42”x82”).
- Table height 91cm (36”).
- Table top is made from 2.5cm x 5.3cm (1”x2”) welded wire mesh.
- Top ledge has a 2.5cm x 8cm (1”x3”) ledge to stop sorters outfits and wool from snagging.
- 5cm x 11cm (2”x4”) legs attached by 1.6cm thick, 40cm long (5/8” 15”) triangular plywood.