In order to enjoy using your combs for a long time, you should take note of some tips for use and care:
- Do not put too much wool on the combs, since this will make work harder and might put too much strain on the tines and your own joints. This is especially important when working with heavily felted or lanolin-rich wool. About half to one third of the tine length should remain visible. After 1-2 comb passes the wool will get very fluffy and needs more space.
- Wool combs are not carders! If you don't know how to handle them, you may find tutorial videos on youtube (e.g. https://youtu.be/Ae6aZwswrWs)
- It takes awhile to get the right working movement internalized well. It's worth combing slowly and gently so that the pointed tines do not damage the sides of the combs and your own fingers. Experience has shown, however, that the combs will someday be forced to look a little bit "pitted"; you might want to smooth the comb's edges with sand paper from time to time.
- The wood wants to be treated with wax oil, vegetable oil (for example, linseed oil, olive oil) or beeswax so that it does not get damaged when wet, especially if the combs are new. The area between the tines is difficult to access, but a lanolin veneer will gradually build up during use.
- If you plan to not use your combs for a long time, it may be worthwhile to oil the tines first, because they are not made of stainless material. If after being exposed to moist conditions you encounter rusty patches, use fine sandpaper (grain 400, 800) to polish it away.