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slab rollers, specifically the axner ones

updated sun 30 jan 11

 

Pam Cresswell on sat 29 jan 11


I am not at a place in my life where I can deal with a full size slab
roller, but want to in the very near future (next month) buy a small table
top one. The one axner sells is a whole lot less $ than the big name ones,
and it is in my range. Has anyone bought or tried it? I make small things,
charms mostly and an occasional cup or bowl, so it looks like a good size
for me but if it is a piece of junk I would be better off saving my pennies
longer. I would love to hear opinions, thanks
Pam

Steve Slatin on sat 29 jan 11


Pam -- Axner and Bailey make very similar appearing
small (16 inch) slab rollers. They are sold for similar
prices. The last time I checked, the Bailey was about
$15 higher, but included free shipping. So call them
the same in price.

They both work like an old wringer washer -- identically
thick top and bottom rollers, geared to each other so
there's no slippage, with the thickness of the slab
controlled by flat boards that act as shims (the gap
between the rollers doesn't change). Based on appearance,
I'd guess they work quite a bit alike.

I tried both at an NCECA a few years back. I thought
that the Bailey might be better, and I got it.
It works fine, I've got no complaints at all, and when
I'm done with it I can pick it up and store it on top
of the boxes of clay under my workbench.

These are limited in their flexibility mostly by the
16" restriction, but they are not toys. I can vouch for
the durability of the Bailey.



Steve Slatin --



--- On Sat, 1/29/11, Pam Cresswell wrote:

> I am not at a place in my life where
> I can deal with a full size slab
> roller, but want to in the very near future (next month)
> buy a small table
> top one. The one axner sells is a whole lot less $ than the
> big name ones,
> and it is in my range. Has anyone bought or tried it? I
> make small things,