Clipper recomendations

[Rip_Some_Lip]

I am looking at buying some clippers for my Springer. I have searched the web and found a pretty large spread in price. I realize that you probably get what you pay for, but how much do I need to spend on one to ensure it will last? What brands do you guys use? Any info would be appreciated. Thanks.

[onlyspringers]

I use the Oster Golden A5. Have had both clippers since the early 90's with no problems. Only thing I have had to have done is blade sharpening. If I had it to do over again I would get the 2 speed version.

[FISHINGFARMER]

My wife grooms dogs and I asked her what she thought and she has used also the Oster A5 and highly recommends the 2 speed version. She said the durability and handling is untouchable. She gets some pretty matted pups in and she say her Oster walks right through them, yet does a great job with a final cut. She also told me to have you google Pet Edge. (no unauthorized links) they are a great company to work with and they have the best prices. Their Oster A5 comes with a blade, oil etc...

Good Luck !!

Farmer

[Rip_Some_Lip]

Thanks again for the recommendations. I bought the Oster A5 2 speed clipper. It is supposed to be delivered today. Now its just a matter of figuring out how to clip her...lol. My wife is a beautician so hopefully she can assist me and it wont look as bad. I checked out a couple of websited for tips on clipping a Springer. I am wondering how short to clip her. If anyone with experience clipping a springer wants to throw out any tips, it would be great. Thanks again.

[springerspeed]

I clip all my springers and I use a 1/4" gaurd in the spring and again in the early fall about a month before hunting season. I do that so the hair grows back just about at the same rate as it gets cold.

I start on top of the head and clip about 4 inches at a time as I work my way to the back.

It is all a personal preference and you will get the hang of quickly as you go. If I can do it, anyone can.

[FISHINGFARMER]

Checked with my wife who grooms dogs. She agrees to use the 1/4" comb that clips on the blade of the clipper with an 8 1/2 or 10 blade (clipper should come with a 10 blade she said) and start there. Start at the head and go to town. She says remember you can always take it shorter if you want, and also that it is only hair and it will grow back if you go to short. She mentioned scissor are great also to blend the hair of the legs and ears. She said if you do not want to buy professional shears (scissors) that can be quite expensive, some good sharp sewing shears work nice. Also, a touch up in the fall is great, but as before mentioned, don't go to late in the fall so she will grow a nice winter coat back in time.

Good luck and post a pic. of the new hair cut if you can.

P.S. Another tid bit the wife had is to remove with scissors any mats before bathing or using the clippers as they will tighten on you during a bath.

Good luck - Glad my wife clips my dogs for me.

Farmer

[Rip_Some_Lip]

Thanks for the tips. We went with the 1/2" for most areas and a 1/4" on the head area. I held her while my wife (who is a cosmologist) clipped her. It was a struggle getting her to sit still. About half way through, she finally realized that she wasn't getting away and she laid there great the rest of the way. Here are a couple of before and after pictures. We need to touch her up a little on the ears and legs because the mosquito's were getting us at the end and we had to hurry a little. I was happy with the first time, its all downhill from here!

[FISHINGFARMER]

Showed my wife the pics. Thanks for posting them. She thought she looked great ! She mentioned that at first dogs that have not been clipped are always up and down and wanting to know what the heck you are doing, but being patient yet firm and persistant, they learn this is not so bad and they accept the clippers. The vibration is alittle scary to them. She also said the next time should go smoother and before you know it, you'll be an old hand at grooming her.

Farmer