Thoughts on a Wool Filter

[SeanD]

I have used an Orlon cone filter for years and decided to give a wool filter a try. I still have the Orlon, but it's been clogging more easily over the last couple of years. I've got another thread wondering about that. Besides, I've always wanted to compare it to a wool filter.

Wool Cone Filter Pros:
-Much thinner
-Much More flexible
-No seams = holds a lot less syrup in it after use

Wool Cone Filter Cons:
-Seems to need more time/liquid to get fully wet before use
-When it's wet, it smells like ...wet wool
-Seems to stain more easily than Orlon
-A lot more expensive

[jmq]

I have been using a wool filter for the last 15 years. I love my wool filter. I tried an Orlon filter, but did not like the thick seam. And after about one season it was hard as a rock. I rinse my wool filter with extremely "hot water", then put it in a white cotton towel and roll it gently to get out the excess water. (We have wood burner that heats our hot water.) Then, I let it dry on my heated floor. You cannot wring out the excess water, or the wool filter will shrink. Wool is a natural fiber and user friendly. I also use several paper filters inside the wool filter.