Device
How It Works: Process A Pound of Ribbon In Just Few Minutes
The handheld decorticator works by separating the fiber from the stalk by first splitting the stalk by pressure then passing it over using rotating drums to pull the outer bast from its woody core. Here’s how it works step by step:
- Feeding the Stalks: You feed the hemp stalks one at a time into the device by hand.
- Push Over Removable Blade: If the blade is kept sharp, passing the stalk stem first past the blade is easy.
- Grab both ends after splitting: Once both halves pass the drums, the split stalk is pulled backwards while the peeled hurd continues straight until complete separation occurs.
- Output: Finally, pull the fist-sized pieces of hurd from the outer bast & ribbon fibers come out clean and ready for use, while the waste material falls away.
It’s a straightforward process, but the results are impressive. In just a few minutes, you can process a pound of ribbon that would take hours to strip by hand.
Side-by-Side Comparison between Traditional Retting and Hempower's Method
Traditional Retting:
- Natural microbial decomposition of pectin in stalks to separate fibers using a handheld decorticator.
- Several weeks (2-6 weeks, depending on conditions)
- Labor-intensive, requires monitoring and manual effort
- Inconsistent fiber quality due to weather and microbial variability
- High water usage
- Can degrade fiber strength if over-retted
- Requires large fields or water bodies for retting
- Difficult to scale quickly due to time and space constraints
- High dependent on weather conditions
Hempower’s Method:
- Mechanical separation of fibers using a handheld decorticator.
- Immediate processing (within few minutes)
- Less labor-intensive, handheld device simplifies the process
- Consistent fiber quality due to controlled mechanical process
- No or minimal water usage
- Preserves fiber strength and quality
- Can be done on-site with minimal space
- Easily scalable with additional decorticators.
- Not weather-dependent; can be done year-round.
DIY Plans
Free Blueprint: Build the Tool Yourself (PDF with tool specs, diagrams, video guide).
Disclaimer: Basic welding/carpentry skills required.
Pre-Built Device
- Pricing: $30.
- Bulk Discounts: Order 5+ devices: 10% off.
- Shipping: Ships worldwide. Duties/taxes calculated at checkout.