John Batch on thu 13 jan 00
Hello All,
I'm finally looking to buy a slab roller, but want to
get the best bang for my buck.
I've been looking at the Northstar 24" slabroller with
the table. Pretty pricey, but I'm told it's a nice
setup. Does anyone have any experience they can
share? Any alternatives I should be looking at also?
If there are any dealers out there, you can e-mail me
direct with your prices...please include shipping and
handling estimates.
Thanks much,
Jeb
clay_zippy@yahoo.com
__________________________________________________
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Talk to your friends online with Yahoo! Messenger.
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John Batch on thu 13 jan 00
I've been looking at the Northstar 24" slabroller with
the table. Pretty pricey, but I'm told it's a nice
setup. Does anyone have any experience they can
share? Any alternatives I should be looking at also?
If there are any dealers out there, you can e-mail me
direct with your prices...please include shipping and
handling estimates.
Thanks much,
clay_zippy@yahoo.com
__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Talk to your friends online with Yahoo! Messenger.
http://im.yahoo.com
Nancy Guido on fri 14 jan 00
Hi, I have access to a Bailey DRD-II at the potter's guild and I have the
Northstar 30". I actually like both. The Bailey is nice because you only
have to adjust the one side for the measurement, but the slab only goes one
way. It's also quite expensive. I don't remember how much we paid for it.
It does have a longer table or table instructions if you just want to buy the
roller.
I bought the 30" Northstar. The table is shorter, the slab goes both ways,
and you have to adjust both sides. The price was better and shipping was
included. Bennett in Florida had the best prices. One of my suppliers was
able to match that price and I brought it home. The quality of the slabs
are equal I think.
Nancy G.
Garden Imagery on fri 14 jan 00
John,
I have the Northstar 24 inch, have been using it steady for over seven
years. As slab is my primary form of construction and clay is my primary
income it gets a workout. I have been very pleased with it. No problems
so far.
You might want to try Bennett pottery 800-432-0074. When I was pricing
mine out they were the cheapest and that even included shipping it from
Florida to Arizona.
Hope this helps
Lori Lynn Rejzek
In the AZ desert, where the hot sun meets the cool Colorado, and the wind
blows for days.
Earl Brunner on fri 14 jan 00
I recently purchased the Nothstar 24 inch and am very happy with it, I
don't particularily care for the Brent that size, only ne roller. Someone
told me that the Bailey was better, that the Northstar had nylon gears, but
the gears have a lifetime warranty so I'm not worried.
John Batch wrote:
> ----------------------------Original message----------------------------
> Hello All,
>
> I'm finally looking to buy a slab roller, but want to
> get the best bang for my buck.
> I've been looking at the Northstar 24" slabroller with
> the table. Pretty pricey, but I'm told it's a nice
> setup. Does anyone have any experience they can
> share? Any alternatives I should be looking at also?
>
> If there are any dealers out there, you can e-mail me
> direct with your prices...please include shipping and
> handling estimates.
>
> Thanks much,
>
> Jeb
> clay_zippy@yahoo.com
>
> __________________________________________________
> Do You Yahoo!?
> Talk to your friends online with Yahoo! Messenger.
> http://im.yahoo.com
--
Earl Brunner
http://coyote.accessnv.com/bruec
mailto:bruec@anv.net
Robert Santerre on fri 14 jan 00
We have a 24" Northstar. The two problems I can relate are:
1. The top roller is adjusted by two screw mechanisms, independently on
each side of the roller. One has to be constantly vigilant when changing
the thickness to make sure the same number of turns are made for each screw
adjustment, otherwise the rollers will not be parallel and your slab will
not be of even thickness across the width of the rollers. Seems like a
trivial problem, but it does present some aggravation (and constant
attention). If you "think" you've made a mistake, you have to take out all
the canvas and carefully measure the gap between the rollers to make sure
they are parallel. That's with just, one admittedly frenetic and
occasionally forgetful person using the apparatus. If, on the other hand,
several persons were using it, this could become a REAL aggravation!
2. The gears are made of nylon. The bad news is, if you try to roll to
thick the gears can slip (you don't want to do this very often or you'll
ruin the gear apparatus), the good news is that they do "slip" rather than a
metal gear or steel cable which would probably break. The crank handle is
attached to the roller shaft with a nylon screw which can be fairly easily
sheared.
I have worked with an Amaco/Brent slabroller which I found a good deal
sturdier and easier to use, just slip in the right series of shims and
roll. It has cables and gears that require lubrication occasionally and can
breakdown if abused.
I've not worked with the Bailey roller, but understand it's quite sturdy and
easy to adjust wuth a single crank. If/when I buy another slabroller I'll
seriously consider this one.
Hope this helps, Bob
rfsanterre@iquest.net
////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
John Batch wrote:
> ----------------------------Original message----------------------------
> I've been looking at the Northstar 24" slabroller with
> the table. Pretty pricey, but I'm told it's a nice
> setup. Does anyone have any experience they can
> share? Any alternatives I should be looking at also?
>
> If there are any dealers out there, you can e-mail me
> direct with your prices...please include shipping and
> handling estimates.
>
> Thanks much,
>
> clay_zippy@yahoo.com
>
> __________________________________________________
> Do You Yahoo!?
> Talk to your friends online with Yahoo! Messenger.
> http://im.yahoo.com
WHew536674@cs.com on fri 14 jan 00
Hi,
I have used a couple different types of slab rollers and currently using the
Northstar 24. I LOVE IT! The thing I like so much about it, is that you can
set it to roll out any thickness you want, it comes with handle or wheel for
turning, it's easy to use, and a snap to clean. Works for me.
Joyce A
Mike Gordon on fri 14 jan 00
I bought a Northstar for my high school class. It has stood up to all
kinds of abuse and does a good job. I'm getting one for my own studio.
Mike
Karen A Peters on fri 14 jan 00
Northstar are nice - IMHO the Bailey are better.
I've got a Northstar 24" on the table. It does OK for what I've put it
through - but it won't handle a load like the Bailey. I've broken two
cog gears under too much clay bulk - Northstar does their customers well
though. I phoned and they shipped out replacements immediately - No
charge! I wouldn't have a Brent for the simple fact that the clay is
only compressed/rolled on one side.
Of course, Bailey is more expensive....as always you get what you pay
for. If I had the $$ I'd put it in Bailey....since I don't - I'd go
again with Northstar.
Karen Peters
In the Oregon Cascades
________________________________________________________________
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Reg Wearley on fri 14 jan 00
Hi John,
We have been using a roller like the one you're
thinking about for over 3 year now and it is a
dandy. It is very easy to use and adjusts about
every which way you would want it to. I use a
canvas with a sturdy pelon(from the fabric store)
under the clay and another canvas on top and crank
that through the rollers. The pelon gives a
smooth surface to work with and also makes for
an easier 'peel' to get the slab free. I give
Northstar a '10'. -Reg
--- John Batch wrote:
> ----------------------------Original
> message----------------------------
> I've been looking at the Northstar 24" slabroller
> with
> the table. Pretty pricey, but I'm told it's a nice
> setup. Does anyone have any experience they can
> share? Any alternatives I should be looking at
> also?
>
>
> If there are any dealers out there, you can e-mail
> me
> direct with your prices...please include shipping
> and
> handling estimates.
>
> Thanks much,
>
> clay_zippy@yahoo.com
>
>
>
> __________________________________________________
> Do You Yahoo!?
> Talk to your friends online with Yahoo! Messenger.
> http://im.yahoo.com
>
__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Talk to your friends online with Yahoo! Messenger.
http://im.yahoo.com
Nanci Bishof on fri 14 jan 00
Hi,
I've owned my Northstar slabroller for about a year now. I like it. I like
you can adjust both ends of the roller so that the thickness can taper, it
compresses from both top & bottom rollers & can infinitely adjust for
thickness. I mounted mine on wheels attached to a 1/2" thick plywood base
reinforced with 2x4 lumber that sits in between the table legs. I store about
500 lb. of clay on that. The wheels allow me to move it around easily.
nanci
eric nissen on fri 14 jan 00
I love my Bailey slab roller. We also have a Bailey at the school I
teach at and it takes an incredible amount of abuse with no ill effects
if used properly.
Sandra
Deborah Bouchette on sat 15 jan 00
------------------
I bought the Northstar 24=22 package at Christmas from Bennett Pottery in =
Ochoee,
FL for =24689 delivered and LOVE IT. The micro-height-adjustment is =
wonderful for
me, who loves to experiment. Making slabs that are thicker on one side than=
the
other is FUN for sculpture. The rollers lift off the table leaving a nice
workspace if you need. I start with clay that's roughly 2-1/2=22 thick =
(just
threw the wedged hunk on the board once or twice) and never have had to put =
it
through the rollers twice. My first slab turned into a 20=22 textured tower=
on
feet...so unlike the smooth, balanced stuff I usually do on the wheel, or =
the
little tiles I've done by hand.
I put the slab roller at one end of my work/wedge table so I can roll then =
move
the slabs right over.
Happy with it=21
-----Original Message-----
From: John Batch =5BSMTP:clay=5Fzippy=40yahoo.com=5D
Sent: Thursday, January 13, 2000 2:01 PM
Subject: Slab Rollers?
----------------------------Original message----------------------------
Hello All,
I'm finally looking to buy a slab roller, but want to
get the best bang for my buck.
I've been looking at the Northstar 24=22 slabroller with
the table. Pretty pricey, but I'm told it's a nice
setup. Does anyone have any experience they can
share? Any alternatives I should be looking at also?
If there are any dealers out there, you can e-mail me
direct with your prices...please include shipping and
handling estimates.
Thanks much,
Jeb
clay=5Fzippy=40yahoo.com
=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F==
5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F
Do You Yahoo=21?
Talk to your friends online with Yahoo=21 Messenger.
http://im.yahoo.com
Susan Fox Hirschmann on sat 15 jan 00
You have my enthusiastic vote for the Bailey slab roller. Well made, sturdy,
and takes a beating, and works like a dream.
good luck!
susan
Earl Brunner on sat 15 jan 00
?????? My Northstar has calibration gauges on both sides, It seems a lot
easier than you are describing.
Robert Santerre wrote:
> ----------------------------Original message----------------------------
> We have a 24" Northstar. The two problems I can relate are:
>
> 1. The top roller is adjusted by two screw mechanisms, independently on
> each side of the roller. One has to be constantly vigilant when changing
> the thickness to make sure the same number of turns are made for each screw
> adjustment, otherwise the rollers will not be parallel and your slab will
> not be of even thickness across the width of the rollers. Seems like a
> trivial problem, but it does present some aggravation (and constant
> attention). If you "think" you've made a mistake, you have to take out all
> the canvas and carefully measure the gap between the rollers to make sure
> they are parallel. That's with just, one admittedly frenetic and
> occasionally forgetful person using the apparatus. If, on the other hand,
> several persons were using it, this could become a REAL aggravation!
>
> 2. The gears are made of nylon. The bad news is, if you try to roll to
> thick the gears can slip (you don't want to do this very often or you'll
> ruin the gear apparatus), the good news is that they do "slip" rather than a
> metal gear or steel cable which would probably break. The crank handle is
> attached to the roller shaft with a nylon screw which can be fairly easily
> sheared.
>
> I have worked with an Amaco/Brent slabroller which I found a good deal
> sturdier and easier to use, just slip in the right series of shims and
> roll. It has cables and gears that require lubrication occasionally and can
> breakdown if abused.
>
> I've not worked with the Bailey roller, but understand it's quite sturdy and
> easy to adjust wuth a single crank. If/when I buy another slabroller I'll
> seriously consider this one.
>
> Hope this helps, Bob
> rfsanterre@iquest.net
>
> //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
>
> John Batch wrote:
>
> > ----------------------------Original message----------------------------
> > I've been looking at the Northstar 24" slabroller with
> > the table. Pretty pricey, but I'm told it's a nice
> > setup. Does anyone have any experience they can
> > share? Any alternatives I should be looking at also?
> >
> > If there are any dealers out there, you can e-mail me
> > direct with your prices...please include shipping and
> > handling estimates.
> >
> > Thanks much,
> >
> > clay_zippy@yahoo.com
> >
> > __________________________________________________
> > Do You Yahoo!?
> > Talk to your friends online with Yahoo! Messenger.
> > http://im.yahoo.com
--
Earl Brunner
http://coyote.accessnv.com/bruec
mailto:bruec@anv.net
David W McDonald on sat 15 jan 00
I love my Brent 36" slab roller which I have used quite heavily since
purchasing it over 12 years ago. Quite well designed, and I don't wish on
it any improvements. EXCEPT when the wire cables need replacing due to
heavy use and stress breaking(they seem to have a limited life), which
has happened maybe twice since my ownership. A real pain, and a dirty,
greasy job to replace. Oh but we can't get thru life without some
occasional messiness, can we?
Just thought I'd add my own in.
David
On Fri, 14 Jan 2000 16:34:55 EST Karen A Peters
writes:
>----------------------------Original
>message----------------------------
>Northstar are nice - IMHO the Bailey are better.
>I've got a Northstar 24" on the table. It does OK for what I've put
>it through - but it won't handle a load like the Bailey. I've broken
>two cog gears under too much clay bulk - Northstar does their
>customers well though. I phoned and they shipped out replacements
>immediately - No charge! I wouldn't have a Brent for the simple fact
>that the clay is
>only compressed/rolled on one side.
>Of course, Bailey is more expensive....as always you get what you pay
>for. If I had the $$ I'd put it in Bailey....since I don't - I'd go
>again with Northstar.
>
>Karen Peters In the Oregon Cascades
>________________________________________________________________
>YOU'RE PAYING TOO MUCH FOR THE INTERNET! Juno now offers FREE Internet
>Access! Try it today - there's no risk! For your FREE software,
>visit: http://dl.www.juno.com/get/tagj.
________________________________________________________________
YOU'RE PAYING TOO MUCH FOR THE INTERNET!
Juno now offers FREE Internet Access!
Try it today - there's no risk! For your FREE software, visit:
http://dl.www.juno.com/get/tagj.
Katie Cordrey on sun 16 jan 00
Jeb,
I have used Northstar rollers and had good experiences. But when I looked at
the Northstar and the Bailey to buy, I wanted the Bailey. It was a couple
hundred more plus shipping. After a little discussion, the Bailey Company
(they sell and ship direct from the factory) dropped the price to within $75
of the Northstar including shipping coast to coast. The Northstar is a good
machine, but I bought the Bailey because it has the ability to REALLY
flatten clay in one pass. You might have to do more than one with the
Northstar because of the limitations of its nylon gearing. Also, the Bailey
has a one knob height adjustment compared to having to adjust each side of
the Northstar independently. I don't think you could really go too wrong
with either machine, but I love my Bailey!
Katie Cordrey
-----Original Message-----
From: Ceramic Arts Discussion List [mailto:CLAYART@LSV.UKY.EDU]On Behalf
Of John Batch
Sent: Thursday, January 13, 2000 2:10 PM
To: CLAYART@LSV.UKY.EDU
Subject: Slab Rollers?
----------------------------Original message----------------------------
I've been looking at the Northstar 24" slabroller with
the table. Pretty pricey, but I'm told it's a nice
setup. Does anyone have any experience they can
share? Any alternatives I should be looking at also?
If there are any dealers out there, you can e-mail me
direct with your prices...please include shipping and
handling estimates.
Thanks much,
clay_zippy@yahoo.com
__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Talk to your friends online with Yahoo! Messenger.
http://im.yahoo.com
CINDI ANDERSON on mon 17 jan 00
Curious. Maybe you have an old version? Mine also has the gauges and
is very easy to adjust equally on both sides. My gears are not nylon
and I often push too much clay through and I have to pull on the wheel
with all my might, but it goes through just fine. They must have beefed
it up a lot since you bought yours.
Cindi
Earl Brunner wrote:
>
> ----------------------------Original message----------------------------
> ?????? My Northstar has calibration gauges on both sides, It seems a lot
> easier than you are describing.
>
> Robert Santerre wrote:
>
> > ----------------------------Original message----------------------------
> > We have a 24" Northstar. The two problems I can relate are:
> >
> > 1. The top roller is adjusted by two screw mechanisms, independently on
> > each side of the roller. One has to be constantly vigilant when changing
> > the thickness to make sure the same number of turns are made for each screw
> > adjustment, otherwise the rollers will not be parallel and your slab will
> > not be of even thickness across the width of the rollers. Seems like a
> > trivial problem, but it does present some aggravation (and constant
> > attention). If you "think" you've made a mistake, you have to take out all
> > the canvas and carefully measure the gap between the rollers to make sure
> > they are parallel. That's with just, one admittedly frenetic and
> > occasionally forgetful person using the apparatus. If, on the other hand,
> > several persons were using it, this could become a REAL aggravation!
> >
> > 2. The gears are made of nylon. The bad news is, if you try to roll to
> > thick the gears can slip (you don't want to do this very often or you'll
> > ruin the gear apparatus), the good news is that they do "slip" rather than a
> > metal gear or steel cable which would probably break. The crank handle is
> > attached to the roller shaft with a nylon screw which can be fairly easily
> > sheared.
> >
> > I have worked with an Amaco/Brent slabroller which I found a good deal
> > sturdier and easier to use, just slip in the right series of shims and
> > roll. It has cables and gears that require lubrication occasionally and can
> > breakdown if abused.
> >
> > I've not worked with the Bailey roller, but understand it's quite sturdy and
> > easy to adjust wuth a single crank. If/when I buy another slabroller I'll
> > seriously consider this one.
> >
> > Hope this helps, Bob
> > rfsanterre@iquest.net
> >
> > ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
> >
> > John Batch wrote:
> >
> > > ----------------------------Original message----------------------------
> > > I've been looking at the Northstar 24" slabroller with
> > > the table. Pretty pricey, but I'm told it's a nice
> > > setup. Does anyone have any experience they can
> > > share? Any alternatives I should be looking at also?
> > >
> > > If there are any dealers out there, you can e-mail me
> > > direct with your prices...please include shipping and
> > > handling estimates.
> > >
> > > Thanks much,
> > >
> > > clay_zippy@yahoo.com
> > >
> > > __________________________________________________
> > > Do You Yahoo!?
> > > Talk to your friends online with Yahoo! Messenger.
> > > http://im.yahoo.com
>
> --
> Earl Brunner
> http://coyote.accessnv.com/bruec
> mailto:bruec@anv.net
Charlie and Linda on mon 17 jan 00
If you are concerned about the construction of the Northstar 24'' slab roller
then you might consider buying the Northstar Super 30" or 36". Northstar
makes no attempt to hide the fact that the regular 24" and 30" are economy
models.
The standard slab rollers might be compared to a Brent A or a Creative
Industries JR wheel. If you are going to throw a mess of clay you might want
one that is a little heavier duty.
Linda and I took the plunge and bought the Super 36'' last year. This is one
big unit. It has metal gears, a 4'' diameter roller (the regular ones are 2
1/2''), and a lower gear ratio that makes rolling out slabs much easier. The
table unit is so large that I can stage a kiln load of pots on it (kinda
handy being right there next to the bisque kiln...)
If you want to compare quality of products you might want to compare them
"apples for apples". Similar slab rollers in a similar price range. The
Super 30'' and 36'' Northstar can go head to head with any of the Bailey's or
Brents. All three are excellent products. Just need to choose the one
that's right for you. I don't like the shim system so...
If you do lots of slab work and especially large slabs then the answer is
obvious. If you make the occasional slab then the economy unit is great.
And there is a HUGE difference in price. Which reminds me, I'd better go out
and roll some clay and help pay for the dang thing!!
Charlie Riggs
fireclay@dsslink.net
Marcia Selsor on mon 17 jan 00
I have had a Bailey slab roller for 21 years with not one problem. I
have had a Northstar at the University as well as a 36" Brent. Students
abused both of the campus slabrollers which create a constant headache
for me. The Brent is heavier duty than the Northstar. The Northstar is
easier to repair as David mentions abouts the cables. Since Spet. I have
had to replece two bearings on the Brent beacause students forced hard
clay (and I suspect possibly foundry wax) on the bed. I have a homemade
model designed by a retired German mechanic.30" wide. It has a bike
chain drive and a hand crank for adjusting.
For all these you must use soft clay.
Marcia Selsor in Montana
(back from Christmas Break and preparing for the last four months of
teaching career!)
David W McDonald wrote:
>
> ----------------------------Original message----------------------------
> I love my Brent 36" slab roller which I have used quite heavily since
> purchasing it over 12 years ago. Quite well designed, and I don't wish on
> it any improvements. EXCEPT when the wire cables need replacing due to
> heavy use and stress breaking(they seem to have a limited life), which
> has happened maybe twice since my ownership. A real pain, and a dirty,
> greasy job to replace. Oh but we can't get thru life without some
> occasional messiness, can we?
> Just thought I'd add my own in.
> David
>
> On Fri, 14 Jan 2000 16:34:55 EST Karen A Peters
> writes:
> >----------------------------Original
> >message----------------------------
> >Northstar are nice - IMHO the Bailey are better.
> >I've got a Northstar 24" on the table. It does OK for what I've put
> >it through - but it won't handle a load like the Bailey. I've broken
> >two cog gears under too much clay bulk - Northstar does their
> >customers well though. I phoned and they shipped out replacements
> >immediately - No charge! I wouldn't have a Brent for the simple fact
> >that the clay is
> >only compressed/rolled on one side.
> >Of course, Bailey is more expensive....as always you get what you pay
> >for. If I had the $$ I'd put it in Bailey....since I don't - I'd go
> >again with Northstar.
> >
> >Karen Peters In the Oregon Cascades
> >________________________________________________________________
> >YOU'RE PAYING TOO MUCH FOR THE INTERNET! Juno now offers FREE Internet
> >Access! Try it today - there's no risk! For your FREE software,
> >visit: http://dl.www.juno.com/get/tagj.
>
> ________________________________________________________________
> YOU'RE PAYING TOO MUCH FOR THE INTERNET!
> Juno now offers FREE Internet Access!
> Try it today - there's no risk! For your FREE software, visit:
> http://dl.www.juno.com/get/tagj.
--
Marcia Selsor
selsor@imt.net
http://www.imt.net/~mjbmls
http://www.imt.net/~mjbmls/spain99.html
http://www.silverhawk.com/ex99/selsor/welcome.html
Robert Santerre on mon 17 jan 00
Maybe it's my eyes, but I've found alignment by eyeballing the gauges on either
is not very accurate (but admittedly better than nothing). For some this may not
a show stopper (and may in fact be desirable), but I've found the only way I can
confidently get the two sides evenly spaced is to lower the top roller onto stee
bars (one on each side) of exactly the same diameter. With the spacing thus set
can then raise the roller an exact number of turns on each side and be confident
slabs are of equal thickness from one side to the other across the 24" span. If
during the course of rolling slabs, I happen to knock one of the screws and turn
an unknown amount, I then have to go through the above adjustments all over agai
To avoid this I've added a set nut on each screw and once I've got things proper
set I can tighten the set nut to hold my adjustment. Of course if you're workin
with clay thicknesses that require several passes with decreasing thickness to
achieve a final slab thickness you desire (which is most of the time) then with
pass I must re-adjust and re-tighten the set nuts. All of the above is do-able,
requires a bit more fiddling then I've experienced with the Brent roller.
////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
Earl Brunner wrote:
> ----------------------------Original message----------------------------
> ?????? My Northstar has calibration gauges on both sides, It seems a lot
> easier than you are describing.
>
> Robert Santerre wrote:
>
> > ----------------------------Original message----------------------------
> > We have a 24" Northstar. The two problems I can relate are:
> >
> > 1. The top roller is adjusted by two screw mechanisms, independently on
> > each side of the roller. One has to be constantly vigilant when changing
> > the thickness to make sure the same number of turns are made for each screw
> > adjustment, otherwise the rollers will not be parallel and your slab will
> > not be of even thickness across the width of the rollers. Seems like a
> > trivial problem, but it does present some aggravation (and constant
> > attention). If you "think" you've made a mistake, you have to take out all
> > the canvas and carefully measure the gap between the rollers to make sure
> > they are parallel. That's with just, one admittedly frenetic and
> > occasionally forgetful person using the apparatus. If, on the other hand,
> > several persons were using it, this could become a REAL aggravation!
> >
> > 2. The gears are made of nylon. The bad news is, if you try to roll to
> > thick the gears can slip (you don't want to do this very often or you'll
> > ruin the gear apparatus), the good news is that they do "slip" rather than a
> > metal gear or steel cable which would probably break. The crank handle is
> > attached to the roller shaft with a nylon screw which can be fairly easily
> > sheared.
> >
> > I have worked with an Amaco/Brent slabroller which I found a good deal
> > sturdier and easier to use, just slip in the right series of shims and
> > roll. It has cables and gears that require lubrication occasionally and can
> > breakdown if abused.
> >
> > I've not worked with the Bailey roller, but understand it's quite sturdy and
> > easy to adjust wuth a single crank. If/when I buy another slabroller I'll
> > seriously consider this one.
> >
> > Hope this helps, Bob
> > rfsanterre@iquest.net
> >
> > ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
> >
> > John Batch wrote:
> >
> > > ----------------------------Original message----------------------------
> > > I've been looking at the Northstar 24" slabroller with
> > > the table. Pretty pricey, but I'm told it's a nice
> > > setup. Does anyone have any experience they can
> > > share? Any alternatives I should be looking at also?
> > >
> > > If there are any dealers out there, you can e-mail me
> > > direct with your prices...please include shipping and
> > > handling estimates.
> > >
> > > Thanks much,
> > >
> > > clay_zippy@yahoo.com
> > >
> > > __________________________________________________
> > > Do You Yahoo!?
> > > Talk to your friends online with Yahoo! Messenger.
> > > http://im.yahoo.com
>
> --
> Earl Brunner
> http://coyote.accessnv.com/bruec
> mailto:bruec@anv.net
Earl Brunner on mon 17 jan 00
Just an observation on the Brent Roller. We have one in our city ceramics
lab,
I believe it is a 24 inch model (possibly plus or minus an inch or two). We
were going through cable rather quickly, and as some as some cable strands
broke and the cables became frayed, it became a hazard. I found that if I
put
a piece of 1x8 board behind the roller so that it couldn't be rolled all the
way
back, it seems to have virtually eliminated the fraying of the cables.
David W McDonald wrote:
> ----------------------------Original message----------------------------
> I love my Brent 36" slab roller which I have used quite heavily since
> purchasing it over 12 years ago. Quite well designed, and I don't wish on
> it any improvements. EXCEPT when the wire cables need replacing due to
> heavy use and stress breaking(they seem to have a limited life), which
> has happened maybe twice since my ownership. A real pain, and a dirty,
> greasy job to replace. Oh but we can't get thru life without some
> occasional messiness, can we?
> Just thought I'd add my own in.
> David
>
> On Fri, 14 Jan 2000 16:34:55 EST Karen A Peters
> writes:
> >----------------------------Original
> >message----------------------------
> >Northstar are nice - IMHO the Bailey are better.
> >I've got a Northstar 24" on the table. It does OK for what I've put
> >it through - but it won't handle a load like the Bailey. I've broken
> >two cog gears under too much clay bulk - Northstar does their
> >customers well though. I phoned and they shipped out replacements
> >immediately - No charge! I wouldn't have a Brent for the simple fact
> >that the clay is
> >only compressed/rolled on one side.
> >Of course, Bailey is more expensive....as always you get what you pay
> >for. If I had the $$ I'd put it in Bailey....since I don't - I'd go
> >again with Northstar.
> >
> >Karen Peters In the Oregon Cascades
> >________________________________________________________________
> >YOU'RE PAYING TOO MUCH FOR THE INTERNET! Juno now offers FREE Internet
> >Access! Try it today - there's no risk! For your FREE software,
> >visit: http://dl.www.juno.com/get/tagj.
>
> ________________________________________________________________
> YOU'RE PAYING TOO MUCH FOR THE INTERNET!
> Juno now offers FREE Internet Access!
> Try it today - there's no risk! For your FREE software, visit:
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--
Earl Brunner
http://coyote.accessnv.com/bruec
mailto:bruec@anv.net
Evan Dresel on mon 17 jan 00
I don't have a NorthStar but figure if I do get one, I'd get some boards
or plywood pieces the width of the roller and of various thicknesses
that I want for slabs. Then just lower the sides of the top roller down
until they touch the boards. Voila, slabs of even thickness from batch
to batch.
Ain't theorizing grand?
-- Evan in W. Richland WA where the weather has been beautifully sunny,
rainy, sleety, and windy.
Earl Brunner wrote:
>
> ----------------------------Original message----------------------------
> ?????? My Northstar has calibration gauges on both sides, It seems a lot
> easier than you are describing.
>
> Robert Santerre wrote:
>
> > ----------------------------Original message----------------------------
> > We have a 24" Northstar. The two problems I can relate are:
> >
> > 1. The top roller is adjusted by two screw mechanisms, independently on
> > each side of the roller. One has to be constantly vigilant when changing
> > the thickness to make sure the same number of turns are made for each screw
> > adjustment, otherwise the rollers will not be parallel and your slab will
> > not be of even thickness across the width of the rollers. Seems like a
> > trivial problem, but it does present some aggravation (and constant
> > attention). If you "think" you've made a mistake, you have to take out all
> > the canvas and carefully measure the gap between the rollers to make sure
> > they are parallel. That's with just, one admittedly frenetic and
> > occasionally forgetful person using the apparatus. If, on the other hand,
> > several persons were using it, this could become a REAL aggravation!
> >
> > 2. The gears are made of nylon. The bad news is, if you try to roll to
> > thick the gears can slip (you don't want to do this very often or you'll
> > ruin the gear apparatus), the good news is that they do "slip" rather than a
> > metal gear or steel cable which would probably break. The crank handle is
> > attached to the roller shaft with a nylon screw which can be fairly easily
> > sheared.
> >
> > I have worked with an Amaco/Brent slabroller which I found a good deal
> > sturdier and easier to use, just slip in the right series of shims and
> > roll. It has cables and gears that require lubrication occasionally and can
> > breakdown if abused.
> >
> > I've not worked with the Bailey roller, but understand it's quite sturdy and
> > easy to adjust wuth a single crank. If/when I buy another slabroller I'll
> > seriously consider this one.
> >
> > Hope this helps, Bob
> > rfsanterre@iquest.net
> >
> > ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
> >
> > John Batch wrote:
> >
> > > ----------------------------Original message----------------------------
> > > I've been looking at the Northstar 24" slabroller with
> > > the table. Pretty pricey, but I'm told it's a nice
> > > setup. Does anyone have any experience they can
> > > share? Any alternatives I should be looking at also?
> > >
> > > If there are any dealers out there, you can e-mail me
> > > direct with your prices...please include shipping and
> > > handling estimates.
> > >
> > > Thanks much,
> > >
> > > clay_zippy@yahoo.com
> > >
> > > __________________________________________________
> > > Do You Yahoo!?
> > > Talk to your friends online with Yahoo! Messenger.
> > > http://im.yahoo.com
>
> --
> Earl Brunner
> http://coyote.accessnv.com/bruec
> mailto:bruec@anv.net
Susan Goldstein on tue 18 jan 00
In a message dated 01/17/2000 2:50:38 PM Eastern Standard Time,
pedresel@3-cities.com writes:
<< ----------------------------Original message----------------------------
I don't have a NorthStar but figure if I do get one, I'd get some boards
or plywood pieces the width of the roller and of various thicknesses
that I want for slabs. Then just lower the sides of the top roller down
until they touch the boards. Voila, slabs of even thickness from batch
to batch. >>
You really don't need to go to that avail with the Northstar. I have had one
for ten years and find it simple to use with the calibrations.
Susan
Henry on tue 18 jan 00
Have the north star and love it
Re maintaining same width each side. I have marked the screws and then count
the number of turns for each one, doing an eyeball double check every now
and again. Works a dream!
Pauline
Sandra M Benscoter on wed 19 jan 00
Hi!
While attending NCECA last year, several of us entertained the idea of
purchasing slab rollers. Due to limited room in each of our studios and
the great price we were offered by the North Star rep. at the conference,
four of us purchased the 24" inch roller with table. I have not heard
one negative word concerning the product. There was a slight problem
with the shipping of one of the rollers, but a phone call to the company
and it was immediately corrected.
Since I roll my clay several times (once at a higher setting, then turn
the slab sideways, set the setting lower, run it though again, set the
setting to the finished thickness of the slab, turn it length wise and
run it through a third time), I love the option of the rollers going
both ways and enough room on each side of the roller for this repetition.
I'm not a production potter, so the height adjusting on both sides is a
minor inconvenience I can live with.
Hope this helps in the decision
________________________________________________________________
YOU'RE PAYING TOO MUCH FOR THE INTERNET!
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