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extruder question

updated mon 8 mar 10

 

Janet Tamulevich on sun 1 nov 98

Hi Everyone,

My birthday (the big five-0!!) is coming soon and I thought I'd ask for a
clay extruder. Although I have lots of ideas for its use, I've never used
one and I don't know anyone who has one. Please help me out. I welcome your
advice/guidance regarding which brand you recommend with regard to material
design(is it well made), ease of use and maintenance, availability of dies,
etc. All your comments will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Janet Tamulevich in Bedford, NH who'll be spending the day raking Autum
leaves.

Kathi LeSueur on mon 2 nov 98


In a message dated 11/1/98 4:27:09 PM, you wrote:

>My birthday (the big five-0!!) is coming soon and I thought I'd ask for a
>clay extruder.

While I do most of my extruding with my Bluebird pug mill I have a "Super
Duper Clay extruder" that I bought in 1976. I still use it on a regular basis
for small extrusions. It has held up well over years of use.

Kathi LeSueur

Marcia Selsor on tue 3 nov 98

Happy Birthday, Janet.
My big 5-0 is coming soon too. I have an old Bailey extruder, about 18
years old with a large barrel and a 4" barrel. lots of dies and blanks
for innovation. works great.
I also have a North Star 4" at the Univ. which has taken a lot of
student abuse for the past 6-7 years. I have more dies for the NorthStar
but only because I haven't bought lots from Bailey for myself. I tend to
manipulate basic shapes for my own work.
Given your location (NE US) the Bailey would be cheaper to ship.
NorthStar is in Washington State.
Marcia in Montana

Janet Tamulevich wrote:
>
> ----------------------------Original message----------------------------
> Hi Everyone,
>
> My birthday (the big five-0!!) is coming soon and I thought I'd ask for a
> clay extruder. Although I have lots of ideas for its use, I've never used
> one and I don't know anyone who has one. Please help me out. I welcome your
> advice/guidance regarding which brand you recommend with regard to material
> design(is it well made), ease of use and maintenance, availability of dies,
> etc. All your comments will be greatly appreciated.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Janet Tamulevich in Bedford, NH who'll be spending the day raking Autum
> leaves.

Bobbi Bassett on tue 3 nov 98

Janet

We have a North Star and after using it for 3 years have no
complaints....Maybe I'm just easily pleased. We did take someone elses advice
when we bought it. We have even made some of our own dies for it......not hard
to do. It comes with 2 handles, but we use the longer one for leverage. I'm
just not as strong as I used to be. BUT then are any of us?

Happy Birthday!

Bobbi in PA

Dai Scott on tue 3 nov 98

Hi, Janet! I bought a North Star extruder last year and love it for hollow
forms. It has a 4" square barrel and lots of dies (some I ordered
separately). The only problem I've found is in extruding handles, coils,
and other small things---I absolutely cannot pull the handle down and force
that clay out through a small die! So, I still use my small homemade one
(made from PVC pipe and fittings for about $20) for handles, etc., and only
use the North Star for hollow forms. Also, if I ever move the thing, I will
re-install it higher than the recommended "waist-high" level; it doesn't
give you much leverage at that level. And I would have some sort of
bungy-hook arrangement to hold the handle up while loading clay, etc., as
now I have to hold the handle out of the way with one elbow or rest it on
top of my head while struggling to get the clay into the barrel. Come to
think of it, why DO I like this damn thing?? This is just my $.02 worth
(Canadian---which makes it almost worthless).

Dai Scott, Kelowna, B.C.
"I love deadlines....I especially like the whooshing sound they make as they
go flying by." Anon.

Paul Lewing on wed 4 nov 98

Janet,
Happy Birthday. When I passed that milestone, I preferred to think of
it as the silver anniversary of my 25th birthday. It helped.

As far as extruders, I've used almost every brand in some workshop or
other. Here's my take:

Randall. I have one, and wouldn't buy another. The handle's too
short, and it's too easy to pop the bottom out. But it's nice to
throw in a whole 25-lb. block at once, and the system for changing the
fulcrum point is good.

Brent. The twist-on die holder is better than the screw-on one. I
dislike the mechanism for raising and lowering the fulcrum point.
I've pinched my fingers too many times.

Bailey. I like the square shape and long handle (takes less oomph to
pull a longer handle). Same fulcrum mechanism as Bailey, and the
screw-on clamps for holding the dies are a pain. But if I had to buy
a "big-name" brand, I'd buy this one.

North Star. The one with the 12-inch or so barrel is a joke. A toy.
Way too small a barrel unless you're only making tiny shapes.

Scott Creek. Never used one in person, but I've seen them. Has the
fulcrum system I like from Randall, with the die holder I like from
Randall and Brent. Looks like a good bet.

Have fun.
Paul Lewing, Seattle

Dwiggins, Sandra (NCI) on wed 4 nov 98

Dai brings up an interesting point----how does one make an inexpensive extruder
out of PVC pipe? How does one set up the pushing/pressing mechanism inside the
pipe? It's going to be quite a while before I can afford the one I want.
Sandy

-----Original Message-----
From: Dai Scott [SMTP:dscott@bcinternet.com]
Sent: Tuesday, November 03, 1998 10:14 AM
To: CLAYART@LSV.UKY.EDU
Subject: Re: Extruder Question

----------------------------Original message----------------------------
Hi, Janet! I bought a North Star extruder last year and love it for hollow
forms. It has a 4" square barrel and lots of dies (some I ordered
separately). The only problem I've found is in extruding handles, coils,
and other small things---I absolutely cannot pull the handle down and force
that clay out through a small die! So, I still use my small homemade one
(made from PVC pipe and fittings for about $20) for handles, etc., and only
use the North Star for hollow forms. Also, if I ever move the thing, I will
re-install it higher than the recommended "waist-high" level; it doesn't
give you much leverage at that level. And I would have some sort of
bungy-hook arrangement to hold the handle up while loading clay, etc., as
now I have to hold the handle out of the way with one elbow or rest it on
top of my head while struggling to get the clay into the barrel. Come to
think of it, why DO I like this damn thing?? This is just my $.02 worth
(Canadian---which makes it almost worthless).

Dai Scott, Kelowna, B.C.
"I love deadlines....I especially like the whooshing sound they make as they
go flying by." Anon.

Jackie Sabourin on thu 5 nov 98

I have used an extruder in my classroom for many years. I think the smaller
die problem is one ofphysics. To fix the problem, I have the students use
softer clay. You have to be more careful in keeping the form intact because
of the soft and pliabile extruded form, but it is easier. I always tell my
students that it always comes down to basics - the moisture and plasticity of
the clay dictates its use.Hope this helps.

Jackie Sabourin
Peru, N.Y.

Dwiggins, Sandra (NCI) on thu 5 nov 98

Hey Paul---
You certainly are a very youthful looking 50+!

I've had a hard time finding a supply of different sizes of baby ear/nose and
enema syringes. The new ones I've found are not suitable, since they're making
them in two pieces and the top comes off when you squeeze. Do you know the
names of any manufacturers?
By the way, I finally did get my tiles back---boy were they ugly---but I did get
alot of ideas!!! Thanks for the great workshop.......

Trying to emulate the teacher,
Sandy Dwiggins


-----Original Message-----
From: Paul Lewing [SMTP:pjlewing@worldnet.att.net]
Sent: Wednesday, November 04, 1998 9:34 AM
To: CLAYART@LSV.UKY.EDU
Subject: Re: Extruder Question

----------------------------Original message----------------------------
Janet,
Happy Birthday. When I passed that milestone, I preferred to think of
it as the silver anniversary of my 25th birthday. It helped.

As far as extruders, I've used almost every brand in some workshop or
other. Here's my take:

Randall. I have one, and wouldn't buy another. The handle's too
short, and it's too easy to pop the bottom out. But it's nice to
throw in a whole 25-lb. block at once, and the system for changing the
fulcrum point is good.

Brent. The twist-on die holder is better than the screw-on one. I
dislike the mechanism for raising and lowering the fulcrum point.
I've pinched my fingers too many times.

Bailey. I like the square shape and long handle (takes less oomph to
pull a longer handle). Same fulcrum mechanism as Bailey, and the
screw-on clamps for holding the dies are a pain. But if I had to buy
a "big-name" brand, I'd buy this one.

North Star. The one with the 12-inch or so barrel is a joke. A toy.
Way too small a barrel unless you're only making tiny shapes.

Scott Creek. Never used one in person, but I've seen them. Has the
fulcrum system I like from Randall, with the die holder I like from
Randall and Brent. Looks like a good bet.

Have fun.
Paul Lewing, Seattle

Kim Marie on thu 5 nov 98

Hi Dai,
I'm Kim from Central New York and I don't know about the other Clayarters
out there but I'd love to hear more about the homemade extruder!!! I'd
love to have one and was saving towards it but our furnace died and guess
where my reserves went!!!




At 10:13 AM 11/3/98 EST, you wrote:
>----------------------------Original message----------------------------
>Hi, Janet! I bought a North Star extruder last year and love it for hollow
>forms. It has a 4" square barrel and lots of dies (some I ordered
>separately). The only problem I've found is in extruding handles, coils,
>and other small things---I absolutely cannot pull the handle down and force
>that clay out through a small die! So, I still use my small homemade one
>(made from PVC pipe and fittings for about $20) for handles, etc., and only
>use the North Star for hollow forms. Also, if I ever move the thing, I will
>re-install it higher than the recommended "waist-high" level; it doesn't
>give you much leverage at that level. And I would have some sort of
>bungy-hook arrangement to hold the handle up while loading clay, etc., as
>now I have to hold the handle out of the way with one elbow or rest it on
>top of my head while struggling to get the clay into the barrel. Come to
>think of it, why DO I like this damn thing?? This is just my $.02 worth
>(Canadian---which makes it almost worthless).
>
>Dai Scott, Kelowna, B.C.
>"I love deadlines....I especially like the whooshing sound they make as they
>go flying by." Anon.
>
>

Greg Lamont on thu 5 nov 98

At 09:45 AM 11/4/98 EST, you wrote:
>----------------------------Original message----------------------------
>Dai brings up an interesting point----how does one make an inexpensive
extruder
>out of PVC pipe? How does one set up the pushing/pressing mechanism
inside the
>pipe? It's going to be quite a while before I can afford the one I want.
>Sandy
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: Dai Scott [SMTP:dscott@bcinternet.com]
>Sent: Tuesday, November 03, 1998 10:14 AM
>To: CLAYART@LSV.UKY.EDU
>Subject: Re: Extruder Question
>
>----------------------------Original message----------------------------
>Hi, Janet! I bought a North Star extruder last year and love it for hollow
>forms. It has a 4" square barrel and lots of dies (some I ordered
>separately). The only problem I've found is in extruding handles, coils,
>and other small things---I absolutely cannot pull the handle down and force
>that clay out through a small die! So, I still use my small homemade one
>(made from PVC pipe and fittings for about $20) for handles, etc., and only
>use the North Star for hollow forms. Also, if I ever move the thing, I will
>re-install it higher than the recommended "waist-high" level; it doesn't
>give you much leverage at that level. And I would have some sort of
>bungy-hook arrangement to hold the handle up while loading clay, etc., as
>now I have to hold the handle out of the way with one elbow or rest it on
>top of my head while struggling to get the clay into the barrel. Come to
>think of it, why DO I like this damn thing?? This is just my $.02 worth
>(Canadian---which makes it almost worthless).
>
>Dai Scott, Kelowna, B.C.
>"I love deadlines....I especially like the whooshing sound they make as they
>go flying by." Anon.
>

Hi Sandy,

I built a homemade extruder this past summer. It utlizes a welded frame,
handle and plunger shaft assembly, a PVC barrel and a Plexiglass plunger
disc. Standard 4" diameter round dies, such as those available for Brent
or Scott Creek extruders, will work, and/or you can make your own dies. I
had the frame professionally welded for $50.00 and the materials bill came
to around $30.00. I can send you--and anyone else interested--a list of
parts and written instructions on how to build it. I have no drawings or
pictures of it, as yet, but the written instructions are quite clear.
Cost for the plans is $5.00 (U.S.) along with a self-addressed, stamped,
business-sized envelope with first class U.S. postage ($.32) or, for
Canadian/International residents, additional funds to cover first class
postage to your location.

Regards,
Greg Lamont
3011 Northwood Dr.
Ames, Iowa 50010-4750
515/233-3442
gdlamont@iastate.edu

Bobbi Bassett on fri 6 nov 98

In a message dated 98-11-03 10:18:37 EST, you write:

> The only problem I've found is in extruding handles, coils,
> and other small things---I absolutely cannot pull the handle down and force
> that clay out through a small die! So, I still use my small homemade one
> (made from PVC pipe and fittings for about $20) for handles, etc., and only
> use the North Star for hollow forms. Also, if I ever move the thing, I
will
> re-install it higher than the recommended "waist-high" level; it doesn't
> give you much leverage at that level.

We had the same problem until we put the long handle on. WHAT A DIFFERENCE!
Ours is mounted with the BOTTOM of the extruder at waist level. You need it at
least that high for leverage.

Bobbi in PA

Tony Hermsen on fri 6 nov 98

A very simple hand held coil (handle) extruder can be fashioned from a =
hardware
store variety caulking gun, a short length of plastic pipe (usually 1 1/2 =
inches
dia.) and a collection of washers. The clay needs to be very soft but you =
can
squeeze out a 3 foot plus length of coil in a jiffy.

Pancioli on mon 8 nov 99

One way to get extrusions to stand up is to cut them off against the die
holder--that is, drag the wire against the die holder as you cut.

THEN INVERT the extrusion and stand it up on this straight cut edge.

If the extrusion itself is not straight, that is another matter.

Diana

Wade Blocker on sun 21 may 00


Joyce, I have a Bailey extruder. I have never wedged the clay I use. I cut
a block of clay from the 25lb mass which comes in the plastic bag to fit
the inside of the extruder..The clay should be soft, but not sticky. If it
is too wet the extrusions will fall apart. I have tried wedging clay, but
always end up with a few airbubbles in the extrusions, and therefore do not
used that method.A little experimentation will show you the way. Mia in ABQ

David Hendley on sun 16 feb 03


I hate to come off as a "do-it-yourself fanatic".
Take that back, I am what I am.
The truth is, Jean is experiencing the problems you will encounter
when you buy these pre-made, pre-packaged extruder packages.

1.Yes, the octagon shape is coming out curved because the center
part of the die is not centered. If there is no way to adjust the position
of the center piece and lock it in place, you are out of luck. Poor die
design. Well, maybe you could cut off part of the center piece on
the sides where the extrusion is too thin, to even it out, but you will
end up with a thicker wall on the extrusion.

2. The "Z-bar" system is a poor design. The reason your extrusion
splits apart is because the "Z-bar" is positioned too close to the
exit point of the die. A well designed die will position the bridge
between the 2 die pieces at least an inch above the die surface, so
the clay will have ample room too heal back together before it must
be shaped by the die and exit the extruder. ANY WD-40 that happens
to land on the die would be a hindrance in this regard, so I would
not even have the can in the same room as the extruder. There is no
need for WD-40, although some people like it.

3. Clay should not have to be soft to go through an extruder. As I
said to Paul earlier today:
>Extruder manufacturers always stress that you should use soft
>clay in their machines. This is because they don't want to be bothered
>with the possibility that using stiffer clay might bend or break
>something on the machine.
Or the die, if they made it.
>The truth is, you should use clay that is similar in consistency to
>throwing clay, if you want the form to hold up after you extrude it.

It is not that hard to make your own well-designed dies. It's either
that or put up with one-size-fits all, run-of-the-mill dies that might
not even work well. Any two part die for hollow extrusions must be
designed so the alignment of the 2 parts can be adjusted and locked
in place, if you want straight, consistent, relatively thin-walled
extrusions.
The dies from many manufacturers fail in this regard.
Even if your pre-made dies work technically, you still have no say
in the exact size of the extrusion or the wall thickness.
That said, hey, this is your first attempt with the new extruder. With
practice, you can probably figure out what will work for you, even
if the dies are less than ideal.

David Hendley
Maydelle, Texas
david@farmpots.com
http://www.farmpots.com




---- Original Message -----
> I just acquired a North Star Extruder and have tried only 2 of the many
> dies I got with it.
> I'm already having problems.
>
> 1. The octagon shape tube comes out in a continuous curve. It never
> straightens out no matter how long the extrusion. The only thing I can
> determine is that the center blank of the die is not exactly in the
center.
> This makes one side of the extrusion slightly thinner than the other.
Could
> this cause the curving? If so how do I fix it? I don't have the tools to
> re shape it.
>
> 2. When using the round hollow die the clay comes apart at the point
where
> the "Z" bar is. I spray the hopper with WD-40 before attaching the die so
> there isn't anything on the bar. The extrusion appears to be fine
> immediately after it comes out but within a few minutes it starts to
separate.
>
> General question: Since the clay has to be quite soft to go through the
> dies, how do you handle the extruded shape to get it off the box without
> destroying it? If you let is hang there to firm up, how do you get
> anything done?

Les Crimp on sun 16 feb 03


Jean -

Have you tried contacting North Star? If they are as good as Brian Giffen
you will probably wind up with replacement dies. Some of these companys are
very good when it comes to customer service.

Les Crimp on Vancouver Island.
lcrimp@shaw.ca

J Lutz on sun 16 feb 03


I just acquired a North Star Extruder and have tried only 2 of the many
dies I got with it.
I'm already having problems.

1. The octagon shape tube comes out in a continuous curve. It never
straightens out no matter how long the extrusion. The only thing I can
determine is that the center blank of the die is not exactly in the center.
This makes one side of the extrusion slightly thinner than the other. Could
this cause the curving? If so how do I fix it? I don't have the tools to
re shape it.

2. When using the round hollow die the clay comes apart at the point where
the "Z" bar is. I spray the hopper with WD-40 before attaching the die so
there isn't anything on the bar. The extrusion appears to be fine
immediately after it comes out but within a few minutes it starts to separate.

General question: Since the clay has to be quite soft to go through the
dies, how do you handle the extruded shape to get it off the box without
destroying it? If you let is hang there to firm up, how do you get
anything done?

Disappointed with my new toy.
Jean Lutz

Tom and Jean Latka www.ceramicsite.com on mon 17 feb 03


Hi Jean,

The new extruder toy like any new toy has a learning curve. There is a =
basic premise that clay is a viscous material which, when subjected to =
pressure, can be made to flow like a river. The middle of the river, =
like the clay in the center of the pugmill, flows the fastest. This is =
because there is more friction along the sides of the barrel, putting =
drag on the clay and slowing it down. The clay in the center receives a =
greater proportion of the force, has less friction and consequently =
moves at a faster rate through the machine. Designing, constructing and =
extruding from dies is a trial and error process that requires =
experimentation blended with a certain amount of intuition.

The first thing I would do would be to call North Star.

There is two reasons that I know of that will make an extrusion curve. =20
1. When hard clay is on one side of the opening of the die.
2. There is an error in the die construction. In other words the =
center is bent or not exactly in the center.


The reason the bridge separates the clay is probably the clays fault. =
Try another clay.
Clay is very important for extrusions, but in general a throwing body =
should work well.

The way to move extrusions from the extruder is to get your hands dry =
and then wrap them around the extrusion and pull away. Do not use your =
hands as a force to hold them put use friction only.

Cheers,

Tom Latka
229 Midway
Pueblo, Co. 81004
719-543-0720
http://www.ceramicsite.com

Michael Leblanc on thu 19 feb 04


finally ready to retire my tempermental home made extruder and was wondering
if anyone could give me some feedback on pro's and con's of different
models.....thanks in advance
mike

William & Susan Schran User on tue 17 apr 07


On 4/17/07 1:43 PM, "Pamela Epperson" wrote:

> I am thinking about getting a Scott Creek extruder and wonder would I be
> better off with the 4 or 5 inch model.... I will use it for mostly
> functional work...

The 5" model will provide more latitude for slightly wider forms.


--
William "Bill" Schran
wschran@cox.net
wschran@nvcc.edu
http://www.creativecreekartisans.com

Kathi LeSueur on tue 17 apr 07


Pamela Epperson wrote:

> I am thinking about getting a Scott Creek extruder and wonder would I be
> better off with the 4 or 5 inch model.... I will use it for mostly
> functional work...thanks>>>


Get the biggest you can afford. You never know what you'll want to do in
the future.

Kathi

>
>
>

stephani stephenson on tue 17 apr 07


Hi Pam , i have the 5" model and like it just fine. i
extrude tile with it and really like that itty bitty
extra space, especially nice is the fact you can
utilize the diagonal, as it is a square barrel.

it works just fine

. BTW it isn't a full 5" inside diameter though...i
think the 5" is exterior diameter

Stephani
http://www.revivaltileworks.com


Pam wrote:I am thinking about getting a Scott Creek
extruder and wonder would I be
better off with the 4 or 5 inch model.... I will use
it for mostly
functional work...thanks


Pam in North Carolina



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mcdenis on tue 17 apr 07


Get the bigger one. You can always downsize the dies. I have a 4 inch brent
that is limiting.

Denis R
----- Original Message -----
From: "Pamela Epperson"
To:
Sent: Tuesday, April 17, 2007 10:43 AM
Subject: extruder question


>I am thinking about getting a Scott Creek extruder and wonder would I be
> better off with the 4 or 5 inch model.... I will use it for mostly
> functional work...thanks
>
> Pam in North Carolina
>
> ______________________________________________________________________________
> 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.
>

Pamela Epperson on tue 17 apr 07


I am thinking about getting a Scott Creek extruder and wonder would I be
better off with the 4 or 5 inch model.... I will use it for mostly
functional work...thanks

Pam in North Carolina

Gail Fullerton on tue 17 apr 07


I own a 4 inch Scott Creek extruder. My only problem with it is that I s=
hould
have purchased the 5" extruder. Once I learned what I could do with an
extruder I'm finding myself very frustrated by the size limits of the 4 i=
nch
model.
Gail in Fairbanks


____________________________________________________________________
=

Sue Cline on wed 18 apr 07


I have the 4" and like it, but I wish I had the 5". More versatile.

Sue Cline
Cincinnati, OH

-----Original Message-----
>From: William & Susan Schran User
>Sent: Apr 17, 2007 3:03 PM
>To: CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG
>Subject: Re: extruder question
>
>On 4/17/07 1:43 PM, "Pamela Epperson" wrote:
>
>> I am thinking about getting a Scott Creek extruder and wonder would I be
>> better off with the 4 or 5 inch model.... I will use it for mostly
>> functional work...
>
>The 5" model will provide more latitude for slightly wider forms.
>
>
>--
>William "Bill" Schran
>wschran@cox.net
>wschran@nvcc.edu
>http://www.creativecreekartisans.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.

Fred Parker on sat 6 mar 10


I need to make some hollow tubes appx 3/4" in diameter. I have a Northsta=
=3D
r
stainless extruder but the dies for hollow forms don't get anywhere near
that small. I know I can make them by extruding a snake and then rolling=
=3D

them hollow with a skewer but I need more than that process can do
efficiently. Does anyone know of a source for very small hollow extrusio=
=3D
n
dies, or even a way to make my own?

Many thanks,

Fred Parker

Nancy Spinella on sat 6 mar 10


Ceramic Arts Daily has a great video on making your own out of a few
hardware store parts and a caulking gun --
http://ceramicartsdaily.org/ceramic-studio-equipment/clay-extruders/video-t=
ip-of-the-week-make-your-own-hand-held-clay-extruder/


On Sat, Mar 6, 2010 at 10:30 AM, Fred Parker wrote:

> I need to make some hollow tubes appx 3/4" in diameter. I have a Northsta=
r
> stainless extruder but the dies for hollow forms don't get anywhere near
> that small. I know I can make them by extruding a snake and then rolling
> them hollow with a skewer but I need more than that process can do
> efficiently. Does anyone know of a source for very small hollow extrusio=
n
> dies, or even a way to make my own?
>
> Many thanks,
>
> Fred Parker
>

Cathi Newlin on sat 6 mar 10


I just bought stuff to make one of these - looks like a great tool! I
have a full sized extruder, but also want something for one-off stuff.

Nancy Spinella wrote:
> Ceramic Arts Daily has a great video on making your own out of a few
> hardware store parts and a caulking gun --
> http://ceramicartsdaily.org/ceramic-studio-equipment/clay-extruders/video=
-tip-of-the-week-make-your-own-hand-held-clay-extruder/
>
>
> On Sat, Mar 6, 2010 at 10:30 AM, Fred Parker wrote:
>
>
>> I need to make some hollow tubes appx 3/4" in diameter. I have a Northst=
ar
>> stainless extruder but the dies for hollow forms don't get anywhere near
>> that small. I know I can make them by extruding a snake and then rollin=
g
>> them hollow with a skewer but I need more than that process can do
>> efficiently. Does anyone know of a source for very small hollow extrusi=
on
>> dies, or even a way to make my own?
>>
>> Many thanks,
>>
>> Fred Parker
>>
>>
>
>
>

--
Cathi Newlin, Angels Camp, Ca
cathi@box49.com
box49@caltel.com
cathi@SquarePegArts.com

-------------------------------
The Square Peg
http://www.squarepegarts.com

California Boxers in Need:
http://CaliforniaBoxer.org

Steve Mills on sun 7 mar 10


I wrote a small instruction sheet on making small size hollow form dies for
a Caulking/Mastic Gun extruder.
I have it as a PDF for anyone interested.

PLEASE put "Tube Die" in the subject line when you email me if you want one=
,
otherwise I might miss that post!!

Steve Mills
Bath
UK

On 6 March 2010 15:30, Fred Parker wrote:

> I need to make some hollow tubes appx 3/4" in diameter. I have a Northsta=
r
> stainless extruder but the dies for hollow forms don't get anywhere near
> that small. I know I can make them by extruding a snake and then rolling
> them hollow with a skewer but I need more than that process can do
> efficiently. Does anyone know of a source for very small hollow extrusio=
n
> dies, or even a way to make my own?
>
> Many thanks,
>
> Fred Parker
>



--
Steve
Bath
UK
www.mudslinger.me.uk

David Hendley on sun 7 mar 10


Here's what you do, Fred. Get a die blank and drill a 3/4" hole
in the center of it. If you don't have a die blank, make one out
of aluminum, steel, Plexiglas, or whatever you have around.
Aluminum is best, Plexiglas can break, steel is harder to work
with.

Now get a 1/4" diameter U-bolt. Take off the nuts, and take
off the flat plate and toss it. Position it so one leg is centered in
your just-drilled hole, and mark where on the die the other leg
sits. Drill a 3/8" hole there. Put a nut and a washer on one U-bolt
leg, screw it a half inch up on the leg, and slip it into the 3/8" hole.
Add another washer and nut on the other side of the die and
hand tighten. Now, adjust the U-bolt so it is centered in the
3/4" hole (that's why you made the second hole over-sized, to
allow for adjustments) and tighten.

Install in your extruder with the U-bolt up, inside the barrel.
This will give you a 3/4" tube with a 1/4" hole in the center. If you
want a larger hole, add nuts and washers to the other leg of the
U-bolt.

David Hendley
david@farmpots.com
http://www.farmpots.com



---- Original Message -----
I need to make some hollow tubes appx 3/4" in diameter. I have a Northstar
stainless extruder but the dies for hollow forms don't get anywhere near
that small. I know I can make them by extruding a snake and then rolling
them hollow with a skewer but I need more than that process can do
efficiently. Does anyone know of a source for very small hollow extrusion
dies, or even a way to make my own?
Many thanks,
Fred Parker