(135) A further consideration in connection with this question is the problem of adjustment after the cylinder bearing has worn so as to alter the position of the centre of the cylinder. In this case the cylinder can be followed by the flexible bend and concentricity re-established, whereas, in the case of other arrangements which are based upon an unyielding surface attached to the framing, no such practice is possible. In this case it is necessary to provide a means by which the cylinder centre can be restored to its original position. The methods of doing this will be touched upon at a later stage.
(136) Before leaving the question of setting, it may be stated that the distance between the licker-in and the dish feed-plate is regulated according to the quality of cotton treated. Ordinarily the thickest gauge ·013 is used by Messrs. Platt, but if the cotton is deficient in strength the distance is increased by the thickness of the medium gauge, or in all is made ·024 inch. The licker-in is set by the medium gauge ·011, which is slipped easily between the licker-in teeth and those on the cylinder. The space left between the doffer and cylinder teeth is smaller, the finest gauge ·007 being employed in this case.
(137) In paragraph 132 it was stated that setting was mainly conducted by means of a gauge and by ear. It is often desirable to ascertain during work how the flats and cylinders are set relatively, and it is highly desirable to do this without disturbing the flexible bend. Up to quite recently this could only be done by gauging at each end in the ordinary way, and in the centre by the ear. Messrs. Platt Brothers and Company have, however, devised a method by which the setting of the flats can be instantaneously ascertained, and power is thus given to a spinner or overlooker to check the setting. In the flexible bend, at four points, narrow oblong slots are formed by casting, and are made of such a width that the carder’s gauge can be easily slipped between the cylinder and flat teeth, whatever may be the condition of the wire. The slots are, during work, stopped by plugs, which can be instantaneously withdrawn. The makers state that they have made careful tests to ascertain whether the presence of the slots affects the deflection of the bend, but do not find any ill effects. This is an extremely simple but very valuable improvement, and affords an opportunity of checking the setting, which cannot but be beneficial.