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tile press

updated thu 7 apr 05

 

Dan and Joanne Taylor on sat 10 may 97

Date: Fri, 9 May 1997 08:07:45 EDT
From: Sherry mcDonald Stewart
Subject: Giorgini's tile press

Has anyone made this press. I'd like to know if anyone has experience
with it. Sher

Sher,

My son has made and used this press successfully and I am in the process of
making one. It's such a simple, inexpensive, and easy to build design
that I can't see why it wouldn't work. Besides, Giorgini demonstrates most
adequately in his book how well it has worked for him. I think it's worth
a try.

Dan Taylor

Terry At Kaleidoscope on wed 21 may 97

To the person who listed where to get the directions on the tile press,
will you please repeat the post. Something hiccuped and the post wasn't
saved to my hard drive and I lost the whole thing.

Thank you very much in advance.

Terry

To err is human, to really foul up you need a computer.

Sherry mcDonald Stewart on fri 20 jun 97

Hi Everyone! This is Sherry, and I have received my tile press from the
local highschool where I had it made. I have a report on that. It isn't
beautiful...it wasn't done according to directions...(doubt they read
them) It was welded , pipe was used, and I ran around to get it. I had a
hard time finding it, but it cost me 4.00, only. They had some at the
school. It was not the pipe recommended in the book. It isn't on the
platform as shown in the Giorgini book, and I haven't used it yet to
know if it is going to work. Some of the pipe is not fitting well into
the other pipe to allow fluid movement, but I think oiling will fix the
problem. It took about a month to have it done, it was finished the last
day of school. They lost my book, it ended up...guess where? In the
ceramics room! Across the hall from the woodshop. So I did get it back!
And, it was free! Good price! I will keep you posted. If anyone else
does this, I recommend that you copy directions from book (I knew I
should do that, but didn't listen!) All in all, I think it will work out
fine. S

John H. Rodgers on sat 21 mar 98

-- [ From: John H. Rodgers * EMC.Ver #2.5.02 ] --

I need to build a setup to do pressmold tile work. I have some never
problems in my hands so need to mechanize the process as much as possible.
Plan to build a hydraulic press so I am looking for three things
specifically to go into it. So I am looking for sources. I don't want to
spend the family fortune on this so I am into scrounging parts. I am looking
for sources for the following: (1) Hydraulic cylinder, with two way
actuation ,(2) hydraulic pump - motor driven, (3) three position, two-way
valve.

I have looked at Grainger, and MSC, and they want to much. I know there are
certain surplus operations out there that must have this kind of stuff. Have
seen them in the past, but a long time ago.

There may be companies that can help with lower prices, but I don't know
where to look. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,

John Rodgers
In Alabama

Bjorn Straube on sun 22 mar 98

Hi John,
I do a lot (lot ) of garage saling. A while ago I came across a home built
hydraulic press. It used a power steering pump and dryer motor. The guy
selling it said it worked great. I find used hydraulic cylinders frequently at
reasonable prices, for a power steering pump try a salvage yard, and look for a
dryer that is being thrown out (lots of times the heating elements are just
burned out, the motor is still good). Unfortunately I don't recall what was
used as a valve, but there is a good chance you can get the real thing together
with the cylinder. I must say though, the performance rating was given to me by
a person that I do not know who was trying to sell me something so... However
there is no reason I can see that it can't work though.

Best of luck
Bjorn Straube

John H. Rodgers wrote:

> ----------------------------Original message----------------------------
> -- [ From: John H. Rodgers * EMC.Ver #2.5.02 ] --
>
> I need to build a setup to do pressmold tile work. I have some never
> problems in my hands so need to mechanize the process as much as possible.
> Plan to build a hydraulic press so I am looking for three things
> specifically to go into it. So I am looking for sources. I don't want to
> spend the family fortune on this so I am into scrounging parts. I am looking
> for sources for the following: (1) Hydraulic cylinder, with two way
> actuation ,(2) hydraulic pump - motor driven, (3) three position, two-way
> valve.
>
> I have looked at Grainger, and MSC, and they want to much. I know there are
> certain surplus operations out there that must have this kind of stuff. Have
> seen them in the past, but a long time ago.
>
> There may be companies that can help with lower prices, but I don't know
> where to look. Any help would be appreciated.
>
> Thanks,
>
> John Rodgers
> In Alabama

Paul Monaghan on sun 22 mar 98

Hi John,

There are many surplus sources such as A-1 Surplus, Harbor Expresss,
etc. Many of them probably have websites. One great source for info
and surplus here in Dayton, Ohio (They do ship) is Mendolsohn
Electronics and there website is http://www.meci.com. Just type in this
URL and you can do an inventoryu search.

Good Luck,

Paul

John H. Rodgers wrote:

> ----------------------------Original
> message----------------------------
> -- [ From: John H. Rodgers * EMC.Ver #2.5.02 ] --
>
> I need to build a setup to do pressmold tile work. I have some never
> problems in my hands so need to mechanize the process as much as
> possible.
> Plan to build a hydraulic press so I am looking for three things
> specifically to go into it. So I am looking for sources. I don't want
> to
> spend the family fortune on this so I am into scrounging parts. I am
> looking
> for sources for the following: (1) Hydraulic cylinder, with two way
> actuation ,(2) hydraulic pump - motor driven, (3) three position,
> two-way
> valve.
>
> I have looked at Grainger, and MSC, and they want to much. I know
> there are
> certain surplus operations out there that must have this kind of
> stuff. Have
> seen them in the past, but a long time ago.
>
> There may be companies that can help with lower prices, but I don't
> know
> where to look. Any help would be appreciated.
>
> Thanks,
>
> John Rodgers
> In Alabama

Ross Hartman on tue 24 mar 98

John;

I'm not sure if they are still around but there used to be a company
that made exactly what you are looking for.

The device is called a ram-press and was manufactured by the RAM
Division of Wallace-Murray Corporation in Springfield, Ohio. The device
is hydraulic and the small one had a 12-30 ton capacity with a maximum
working area of 2'X3'. It used USG Hydrocal or Hydrostone (Denscal for
you GP people) dies and I believe that it used an air pressure/ vacumn
setup to release plastic clay from the dies.

It was widely used to make stuctural clay products but I think it was
used in some situations for high production flatware type items
(obviously this would include tiles).

I would suggest that you might find one of these things lying around in
the warehouse of a new/used ceramic manufacturing equipment distributor
(or the like).

I guess I would check the Ceramic Source buyers guide (published by
ACerS (American Ceramic Society) or at least it used to be) there would
be plenty of these types of companies in there.

HTH...

L8R/Ross

cprart on fri 19 jun 98

When doing tiles, is it a must to press the tiles or can one get by with
rolling them out on a slab roller, cut them and dry them slowly? I
haven't done much with tiles and would like to know more. I guess I'm
rather dumb on the subject, but would like to know more.

Thanks for any info.

Cindy
cprart@xit.net

Cheryl Sculley on sat 20 jun 98

Cindy,
It is not a must to use a tile press. Doing them one at a time just takes
longer. Unless you use a "cookie cutter" tile cutter you cannot be sure
they will all be exactly the same size. I have had good luck with the slab
roller as well. Remember to turn your clay 1/4 turn with each rolling to
help reduce chances of warpage. If I can help in any other way just let me
know. Cheryl , cjsculley@mindspring.com
P.S. I had my "cookie cutter" tile press made at a local sheet metal shop.
It is made out of aluminum and is sized to account for my particular clay
shrinkage. It works fine and is light weight to boot!
-----Original Message-----
From: cprart
To: Multiple recipients of list CLAYART
Date: Friday, June 19, 1998 9:45 AM
Subject: tile press


>----------------------------Original message----------------------------
>When doing tiles, is it a must to press the tiles or can one get by with
>rolling them out on a slab roller, cut them and dry them slowly? I
>haven't done much with tiles and would like to know more. I guess I'm
>rather dumb on the subject, but would like to know more.
>
>Thanks for any info.
>
>Cindy
>cprart@xit.net

Vicki Katz on sat 20 jun 98

I think part of the problem with tiles drying is 'lifting' them. Remember,
clay has a memory & things are mis-shapen when we move them. I have had THE
BEST LUCK with the tile cutter I bought from Georgie's & drying the tile
between sheetrock. It's cheap, easy & Great Results.
My teacher ( he is so nice to this OLD woman - said those were the best tiles
he has seen ) not only is this guy nice, but he is a WONDERFUL & experienced
potter.
Vicki Katz
Katz Creek Pottery

tmartens on sat 20 jun 98

I have sucessfully made tiles by just cutting them. I find that one
of those wheel pizza cutters causes less 'drag' than a knife, and gives me
cleaner straighter edges.
Toni Martens, Durban South Africa where my agro is soaring with the
darn Morgage rate.....second hike in a week to the mid twenties.
Ouch!

> ----------------------------Original message----------------------------
> When doing tiles, is it a must to press the tiles or can one get by with
> rolling them out on a slab roller, cut them and dry them slowly? I
> haven't done much with tiles and would like to know more. I guess I'm
> rather dumb on the subject, but would like to know more.
>
> Thanks for any info.
>
> Cindy
> cprart@xit.net
>
>

Joy Holdread on sun 21 jun 98

> When doing tiles, is it a must to press the tiles or can one get by with
> rolling them out on a slab roller, cut them and dry them slowly? I
> haven't done much with tiles and would like to know more.
>
> Thanks for any info.
>
> Cindy
> cprart@xit.net

What do you mean "get by" with rolling them out on a slab roller, cut them and
dry them slowly? I've made extensive layouts of tile using only rolling pins
& slab rollers, what the big deal am I missing something?
Joy in Tucson

William Moody on mon 22 jun 98

While I have not attempted tiles myself, I do work in hand building. I
prefer to wire-cut my slabs to thickness. This prevents the build up of
stress in the clay which more than often causes warping. I learned this
trick from Tim Proud a visiting artist who is from Scotland. He hand builds
and raku fires the pieces so it benefits him to have as little stress as
possible in his pieces.

cprart wrote:

> ----------------------------Original message----------------------------
> When doing tiles, is it a must to press the tiles or can one get by with
> rolling them out on a slab roller, cut them and dry them slowly? I
> haven't done much with tiles and would like to know more. I guess I'm
> rather dumb on the subject, but would like to know more.
>
> Thanks for any info.
>
> Cindy
> cprart@xit.net

Milton Markey on mon 22 jun 98

Cindy,

I make most of my creations by slab rolling clay into large slabs, then
cutting small tiles from the slabs. I "cure" the tiles to a leather-hard state
by carefully transferring the tiles to an old refrigerator shelf (the metal
wire type). Since I live in the desert, where clay can dry out too quickly, I
place the tiles in an old disconnected refrigerator to cure. The refrigerator
is sealed and insulated--a big plus for "damp drying" clay ware. I check the
progress of the tiles several times in the day, and carefully turn the tiles
over, to help prevent warpage. Once the tiles are sufficiently leather hard, I
can then transform the tiles into boxes, cylinders, or whatever shape suits my
fancy. And the magic begins!

Happy clay work to you!

Milton MiltonsLin@AOL.COM
Yucca Valley is bathed in the hues of summer. The cats I evicted from my patio
are back! Hopefully, there are fewer rodents roaming the ranch as a result of
their work!

Carolynn Palmer on thu 8 oct 98

The tile press I use is an "arbor press" purchased from Minnesota Hydraulics
Co about 15 years ago for $19.95. I made a few modifications to it and have
used it for years. I no longer receive their catalog, but someone else on
this list posted their address not long ago, so I know they are still in
business.

Carolynn Palmer, Somerset Center, Michigan

Ann Hunter on sun 16 jul 00


Millie, I have a press made to the Giorgini design. I traded for the
labor, but the bill for the materials was $60. I haven't used it
much, yet.
-Ann in Wichita Falls, TX , where it was 108 F. today.

M.S. Flood on tue 18 jul 00


My uncle made the Giorgini tile press, and it does not work very well for me. He
was very careful to follow the specifications. The press requires a great deal of
strength, and does not compress the clay well, in my opinion. I have been using a
rubber mallet, and that works much better. Some of my designs are quite detailed,
and the pounding with mallet method has been very successful. The tile press takes
up space, and was a real disappointment.

Bridget McDermott Flood
fireworks studio
St. Louis, MO

Ann Hunter wrote:

> Millie, I have a press made to the Giorgini design. I traded for the
> labor, but the bill for the materials was $60. I haven't used it
> much, yet.
> -Ann in Wichita Falls, TX , where it was 108 F. today.
>
> ______________________________________________________________________________
> Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>
> You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
> settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
>
> Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at melpots@pclink.com.

Jonathan Kaplan on tue 18 jul 00


We have a semi-automatic 5 ton Weiland hydraulic press for sale with a load
of rings. This is an ideal machine for a small studio for tile production
or small hollow ware pieces. It has removeable legs so it can be used on a
sturdy table.

The press is practically brand new and ready to use.

Contact me off the list for particulars.

Jonathan



Jonathan Kaplan, president
Ceramic Design Group
PO Box 775112
Steamboat Springs CO 80477
voice and fax 970 879-9139
jonathan@csn,net
http://www.sni.net/ceramicdesigin

Plant Location:
1280 13th Street Unit 13
Steamboat Springs CO 80487
(please use this address for all deliveries via UPS, comman carrier, FEd
Ex, etc.)

Lizanne on mon 23 feb 04


I have read alot of the questions and opinions about tile presses.
I am interested in getting a tile press.
My rubber mallet is wearing out too.
I need to make about 200 tiles for an order some plain flat and some relief.
I have read alot about the Giorgini press pros and cons and I am not
convinced it would work for me and My tile sizes.
Has anybody purchased a tile press from a clay supplier that they love and
recommend and can handle making tiles atleast 6x6 inches.
thanks!

Nicol on tue 24 feb 04


I have a "table" top unit that works just fine - I got through e-bay. It is
apparently the same unit a sold by J&J Mold Company in Florida. After
having used presses at the Moravian Tile Works that are well used and follow
an early 1900's design, I was very concerned with true vertical movement of
the press head, and ease of use. Having reviewed Giorgini's design that
seems to be a slightly updated version of the presses at Moravian, I would
surmise that it would be reasonable true, but you will still have fairly
large unit with a looong handle for leverage. I would highly recommend the
type from J&J ( if you can get one at a reasonable cost.)

-----Original Message-----
From: Clayart [mailto:CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG]On Behalf Of Lizanne
Sent: Monday, February 23, 2004 11:09 PM
To: CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG
Subject: tile press


I have read alot of the questions and opinions about tile presses.
I am interested in getting a tile press.
My rubber mallet is wearing out too.
I need to make about 200 tiles for an order some plain flat and some relief.
I have read alot about the Giorgini press pros and cons and I am not
convinced it would work for me and My tile sizes.
Has anybody purchased a tile press from a clay supplier that they love and
recommend and can handle making tiles atleast 6x6 inches.
thanks!

____________________________________________________________________________
__
Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org

You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/

Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
melpots@pclink.com.

Nicol on wed 25 feb 04


My largest mold to date is about 6.5 X 6.5. I tend to work the mold several
times with a "press board" that is about 1 x 3 x 12. For my ~4.5 in molds
its seams to be no more effort to "pull the handle" than a 'traditional'
design - and I am still standing at my bench, not backed up a couple of
feet to pull on a long handle. The short handle (about 24 in.) is geared
and works real well in my congested space. J&J advertise the unit for 495
retail and 295 wholesale. I was going to buy a bunch of them and resell
them (to cut my cost), but the e-bay( search = tile press ) unit showed up.


http://www.tilemold.com/press.html
-----Original Message-----
From: Clayart [mailto:CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG]On Behalf Of John Rodgers
Sent: Wednesday, February 25, 2004 10:59 AM
To: CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG
Subject: Re: tile press


Do you have any contact information on J&J Mold Company? If not, can you
tell us where in Florida they are located. I've never heard of them.

Thanks,

John Rodgers
Chelsea, AL

Nicol wrote:

>I have a "table" top unit that works just fine - I got through e-bay. It
is
>apparently the same unit a sold by J&J Mold Company in Florida. After
>having used presses at the Moravian Tile Works that are well used and
follow
>an early 1900's design, I was very concerned with true vertical movement of
>the press head, and ease of use. Having reviewed Giorgini's design that
>seems to be a slightly updated version of the presses at Moravian, I would
>surmise that it would be reasonable true, but you will still have fairly
>large unit with a looong handle for leverage. I would highly recommend the
>type from J&J ( if you can get one at a reasonable cost.)
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: Clayart [mailto:CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG]On Behalf Of Lizanne
>Sent: Monday, February 23, 2004 11:09 PM
>To: CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG
>Subject: tile press
>
>
>I have read alot of the questions and opinions about tile presses.
>I am interested in getting a tile press.
>My rubber mallet is wearing out too.
>I need to make about 200 tiles for an order some plain flat and some
relief.
>I have read alot about the Giorgini press pros and cons and I am not
>convinced it would work for me and My tile sizes.
>Has anybody purchased a tile press from a clay supplier that they love and
>recommend and can handle making tiles atleast 6x6 inches.
>thanks!
>
>___________________________________________________________________________
_
>__
>Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>
>You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
>settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
>
>Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
>melpots@pclink.com.
>
>___________________________________________________________________________
___
>Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>
>You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
>settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
>
>Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
melpots@pclink.com.
>
>
>

____________________________________________________________________________
__
Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org

You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/

Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
melpots@pclink.com.

John Rodgers on wed 25 feb 04


Do you have any contact information on J&J Mold Company? If not, can you
tell us where in Florida they are located. I've never heard of them.

Thanks,

John Rodgers
Chelsea, AL

Nicol wrote:

>I have a "table" top unit that works just fine - I got through e-bay. It is
>apparently the same unit a sold by J&J Mold Company in Florida. After
>having used presses at the Moravian Tile Works that are well used and follow
>an early 1900's design, I was very concerned with true vertical movement of
>the press head, and ease of use. Having reviewed Giorgini's design that
>seems to be a slightly updated version of the presses at Moravian, I would
>surmise that it would be reasonable true, but you will still have fairly
>large unit with a looong handle for leverage. I would highly recommend the
>type from J&J ( if you can get one at a reasonable cost.)
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: Clayart [mailto:CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG]On Behalf Of Lizanne
>Sent: Monday, February 23, 2004 11:09 PM
>To: CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG
>Subject: tile press
>
>
>I have read alot of the questions and opinions about tile presses.
>I am interested in getting a tile press.
>My rubber mallet is wearing out too.
>I need to make about 200 tiles for an order some plain flat and some relief.
>I have read alot about the Giorgini press pros and cons and I am not
>convinced it would work for me and My tile sizes.
>Has anybody purchased a tile press from a clay supplier that they love and
>recommend and can handle making tiles atleast 6x6 inches.
>thanks!
>
>____________________________________________________________________________
>__
>Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>
>You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
>settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
>
>Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
>melpots@pclink.com.
>
>______________________________________________________________________________
>Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>
>You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
>settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
>
>Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at melpots@pclink.com.
>
>
>

Diane Winters on wed 25 feb 04


>Do you have any contact information on J&J Mold Company? If not, can >you
tell us where in Florida they are located. I've never heard of them.
>

I suspect you didn't try Google - The J&J Mold website came up quite
easily. The address is in St. Augustine, FL.
Here's a link to the tile press page: http://www.tilemold.com/press.html

LOOKS quite impressive - and they say it can handle a 10 x 10 tile. If
true, that's a LOT of power for a table top press.
Nicol, what size tiles have you been making on yours??

Diane
in now sunny Oakland/Berkeley, where we seem to have gotten through last
night's awful gale force storm unscathed - and with an astonishing number of
blossoms left on the plum trees despite it all
diane@winterstileworks.com

RHONDA FRIED on sat 28 feb 04


I just want to add, that I recently purchased the Georgie's model tile =
presses, and they are really a breeze to work with
Rhonda

Edy Lynn on fri 26 mar 04


I am not usually mechanically inclined but I was just thinking if the
hydralic press of a garbage compactor could be used. I see them in thrift
shops all the time at a good price. This may not be what you had in mind but
just wondering if feasible. I have 2 -one for which I cannot find the
container to hold the trash and another i use to crush aluminum cans to take
back to the recycler.
If not feasible then please ignore.
Edy Lynn from Ohio

----- Original Message -----
Subject: Tile press


> Im going to build the tile press in the Georgini book and i have a
friends
> Georgini press here now.. my question is,, how much does it cost to get a
> hydralic press?? I found a press that has its own electric motor.. Can any
press be
> used??? Its a industrial press.. ..
>
> Mark
>
>
.

ASHPOTS@AOL.COM on sat 27 mar 04


Im going to build the tile press in the Georgini book and i have a friends
Georgini press here now.. my question is,, how much does it cost to get a
hydralic press?? I found a press that has its own electric motor.. Can any press be
used??? Its a industrial press.. I remembered seeing presses at Stephanie
Stevens place last year in California..

Mark
www.lookoutmountainpottery.com

pdp1@EARTHLINK.NET on sat 27 mar 04


Hi Mark,



I do not know...

But I do know, that at used Machinery dealers, and
scrappers, or sometimes 'recyclers', one may find servicable
or rebuildable Hydraulic push and pull Cylinders at a minute
fracion of their cost otherwise.


And similarly, with Electric Pumps and controll switches as
make or distribute the Hydraulic pressure and so on...

But as I do not know the design of the Press you refer to, I
am only thinking generally...


Phil
Las Vegas


----- Original Message -----
From:


> Im going to build the tile press in the Georgini book and
i have a friends
> Georgini press here now.. my question is,, how much does
it cost to get a
> hydralic press?? I found a press that has its own electric
motor.. Can any press be
> used??? Its a industrial press.. I remembered seeing
presses at Stephanie
> Stevens place last year in California..
>
> Mark

Stephani Stephenson on sat 27 mar 04


Hi Mark
I think you are wise to research the topic. there are some smaller and
midsize RAM presses out on the market. the sites below give some info
on the history, etc.

http://www.ramprocess.com/TableTop/
http://www.ramprocess.com/Articles/history.htm


I hand press all of my tile but Laird RAM presses, especially useful
for his basins and larger tiles.
A press does give phenomenally consistent and high compression to the
clay, which allows for these large, 24 + by 30" in some cases, pieces
to dry and fire without warping or cracking.
I learned at the robust clay body session, that my observations are
correct, that compression of clay body is very important in the tile
making process, just as it is in throwing process.

One of the studio presses here is an old world war 2 era metal
stamping machine... it was once used for stamping metal bowls and is
now used for tile. The other 2 presses were also gotten at salvage
equipment places or second hand. they are hydraulic. There was some
conversion involved, also for the electrics. Others I know have bought
them second hand. The studio also has a large electric slab roller
which was converted from some kind of old metal sheet roller.
there is no question that RAM pressing can produce consistent and good
results for field tile and decorative tile.
However there are also factors to consider, especially in a small
studio.
the very small presses may not be able to offer greater or faster
output than hand pressing, extruding, etc.. They may also have size
restrictions which may severely limit what you can do.
As you move into the medium and larger size presses the weight of the
mold becomes a factor. Also the presses can be noisy.
The molds are encased in heavy steel jackets with reinforcing bars. it
quickly becomes a two person job lifting and getting these molds into
place on the press...and sometimes a 3 person job, even with
assistance of an E-Z lift, the weight is considerably more than a
plaster mold by itself. the molds must be made to greater precision to
withstand the force of a 100 ton press, so you will find yourself
involved with a great deal more time spent on plaster work, and also
the making of models, or originals to make molds from, if you get into
it on any scale. Molds crack, sometimes on the first run through the
press. If you just want to pop out some 4X4 on a small hand press like
Georginis, ot the smaller hydraulic presses it is not such a big deal.
but it is a factor.

So the main thing I would say, is ,consider the scale of your
operation, ask what you want from the press, etc. Learn what each size
and style can give you and what it cannot. Research the cost of mold
casings, the space in your shop and also how much time and space and
money you want to devote to the process. Ask around at your suppliers.
They will often hear about presses for sale. Especially near the cities
with industrial areas. I am not an expert in this area, though I have
observed and have worked with the process as I say I have continued
the hand press methods for my own work.
Stephani Stephenson


Stephani Stephenson
steph@revivaltileworks.com
http://www.revivaltileworks.com
ph/fax 760-730-9141

Des & Jan Howard on wed 6 apr 05


Linda
Get hold of the 'cheapie but a goodie' booklet by Reid Harvey
"Pressing Ceramics With Air Release", Gentle Breeze Publishing, FL
I seem to remember Axner's carry it.
It has plans for making a bottle jack press.
Des

Linda Stauffer wrote:

> Hi,
> I recently built the Tile Press in Frank Giorgini's book. Arthritis is
> starting to effect my shoulder strength and I would like to modify it
> to use a hydraulic bottle jack. Has anyone done this? Any suggestions?
>


--
Des & Jan Howard
Lue Pottery
LUE NSW 2850
Australia
Ph/Fax 02 6373 6419
http://www.luepottery.hwy.com.au

Mark Pitney on wed 6 apr 05


Hi Linda,
A few years ago we built the Giorgini tile press but we found that we had
certain problems mostly it took a lot of strength to press. We had heard of
getting a 6-ton metal press which we converted to a tile press it works great
and it takes no effort at all. If you are interested let us know and we can give
you all the details
Good luck

Mark and Cindy
The Mudpit
228 Manhattan Ave.
Brooklyn,NY. 11206
_www.mudpitnyc.com_ (http://www.mudpitnyc.com/)
718-218-9424
mudpitnyc@aol.com