Rod, Marian, and Holly Morris on mon 19 jun 00
I saw a Northstar slab roller with two rollers (top and bottom) like a =
washing machine ringer. That was a new one on me. I have only seen the =
rigs where a top roller travels over a stable bed. It occurs to me that =
with both a top and a bottom roller, the stretching of the clay would be =
evened out, with maybe less warpage of rolled tiles.=20
Anyone out there have any experience with this, or advice for me about =
what slab roller to get. I will get a smaller one and use it mainly for =
tiles and smaller slab hump molded work.
Marian in Michigan
Milton Markey on mon 19 jun 00
Hi Marian!
I'm familiar with both the Northstar type of roller, and the Brent
Slabroller, which is the other type you mentioned. Buy the Northstar, if your
interest is making tiles. Indeed the two rollers on the Northstar "squeeze"
the clay to a desired thickness, reducing the need to re-roll, or to have
reduced warpage. There's a thumbwheel that adjusts the thickness of the clay.
Be sure to use a seperate blanket for porcelan, whitewear, and dark clays.
The disadvantage of the Northstar (and the similar Bailey models) is
inserting the clay in the blanket "just so," in order to assure that the clay
doesn't get squeezed to a point beyond the blanket, after the clay is passed
through the rollers. Be sure to cover the clay with an equal amount of
blanket as is under the clay. Be sure to install your Northstar on a table
long enough for your needs. Otherwise, the clay needs to be held (in the
blanket), as you insert the clay and blanket through the rollers.
I prefer the Brent type. For one thing, I use texture on my tiles. I press in
designs from textiles, or leafs and flowers from plants. Impressions can be
accomplished much faster, and moreso accurately on the flat bed of a Brent.
Best wishes!
Milton NakedClay@AOL.COM
Living up to my moniker this summer! 103 degrees (F) in the shade today!
Dale A. Neese on mon 19 jun 00
I have a Northstar slab roller that works considerably well for the amount
of slab work that I do. A few series of hump molds.
I recommend it because it does not take up much space in the studio. It
rolls out the clay evenly. I put two 32 gallon glaze buckets or pugs of clay
underneath for weight. When I am not using the roller it comes off and the
two halves of the table slide together for a convenient work area.
I don't recommend it to someone who will be trying to push through 25 lbs.
of clay as sometimes seen in the Brent slab roller advertising.
Dale Tex
Brenda Beeley on tue 20 jun 00
>I saw a Northstar slab roller with two rollers (top and bottom) like a =
>washing machine ringer. That was a new one on me. I have only seen the =
>rigs where a top roller travels over a stable bed. It occurs to me that =
Hi Marian,
I've been using an old double roller style slab roller that belongs to my
studio mate and I absolutely hate it!!!! compared to the styles of rollers
that travel across a stable bed. Maybe a new version would be easier to
handle but this one is a bear when doing large thick slabs.
Brenda
in Suquamish
Penny Hosler on tue 20 jun 00
Hi, I've got a NorthStar with the double rollers and I love it.
Reduced my warpage 100% and when I put in grasses, ferns, etc it makes
beautiful impressions. Just make sure you have the thick canvas
recommended for slab rolling. My husband built a table for it that is
exactly level with the bottom roller (only the top roller is
adjustable) so the clay doesn't have to go over a hump. I use pellon
from the fabric store between canvas and clay if I want a smooth
surface so I don't have to mess with it and ruin the impressions. And
the new NorthStar even has a gauge for dialing the slab thickness.
I'm using wooden dowels of diff sizes now, but I'd sure like the
gauge. And when I broke a friend's NorthStar roller a couple of
years ago they replaced the whole thing free of charge. Didn't fix
it, just gave her a brand new one. Perfect for tile work IMHO.
Penny in WA
----- Original Message -----
From: Rod, Marian, and Holly Morris
To:
Sent: Monday, June 19, 2000 11:45 AM
Subject: Slab Roller Question
I saw a Northstar slab roller with two rollers (top and bottom) like a
washing machine ringer. That was a new one on me. I have only seen the
rigs where a top roller travels over a stable bed. It occurs to me
that with both a top and a bottom roller, the stretching of the clay
would be evened out, with maybe less warpage of rolled tiles.
Anyone out there have any experience with this, or advice for me about
what slab roller to get. I will get a smaller one and use it mainly
for tiles and smaller slab hump molded work.
Marian in Michigan
______________________________________________________________________
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Ceramic Design Group on tue 23 apr 02
on 4/23/02 7:10 PM, d grace at pysces@HOTMAIL.COM wrote:
> I'm down to the last figuring for which slab roller to buy and would like
> some more input. Seems like Bailey makes a little more heavy-duty type
> equipment, so I'm looking at either one of Bailey's DRD (dual roller
> drive)series or DB (drive board)series. Does anyone know if any of the
DRD's
> are bi-directional like the DB's? What pro's or con's can anybody give me
> for either machine? Any preferences for either for tile and architectural
> work?
>
> Thanks for bearing with me; just wanna get all the info I can before
> plunking down a big wad o' money on a major equipment purchase.
Potters Guide Fall 2001(from Pottery Making Illustrated) has a very complete
review of the slab roller market- place and will answer all of your
questions.
If you don't have a copy, post me your snail mail address and I'll send you
a copy. I authored the article and have some extra copies.
Best
Jonathan
Jonathan Kaplan, president
Ceramic Design Group
PO Box 775112
Steamboat Springs CO 80477
voice and fax 970 879-9139
info@ceramicdesigngroup.net
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.)
"Custom design and manufacturing for the ceramic arts, giftware and pottery
industries. Molds, models, and tooling for slip casting, jiggering and
hydraulic pressing. Consultation on clay and glaze formulation, production
systems,firing, and kilns.
d grace on tue 23 apr 02
I'm down to the last figuring for which slab roller to buy and would like
some more input. Seems like Bailey makes a little more heavy-duty type
equipment, so I'm looking at either one of Bailey's DRD (dual roller
drive)series or DB (drive board)series. Does anyone know if any of the DRD's
are bi-directional like the DB's? What pro's or con's can anybody give me
for either machine? Any preferences for either for tile and architectural
work?
Thanks for bearing with me; just wanna get all the info I can before
plunking down a big wad o' money on a major equipment purchase.
_________________________________________________________________
Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com/intl.asp.
KLeSueur@AOL.COM on wed 24 apr 02
<< I'm down to the last figuring for which slab roller to buy and would like
some more input. Seems like Bailey makes a little more heavy-duty type
equipment, so I'm looking at either one of Bailey's DRD (dual roller
drive)series or DB (drive board)series.. Does anyone know if any of the
DRD's are bi-directional like the DB's? What pro's or con's can anybody give
me for either machine? Any preferences for either for tile and architectural
work?>>
I've owned both machines. The Brent was my first machine. I had lots of
problems with uneven slabs. The boards warped and evn with the pressure of
the roller the slabs were uneven. I've also known people who had cables
break when someone unfamiliar with the machine used it. But it is a
well-built, heavy duty machine.
I've had my Bailey electric for over ten years now. Never a problem. The
slabs are very even. You can roll in either direction, but you have to make
a table hold the clay on both sides.
Bailey would be my first choice.
Kathi LeSueur
Working Potter on wed 24 apr 02
If you can get the manufacturer to give out ,of some one's name or
institution who owns one that you might watch or try to use once that
would
be ideal.
I have the Bailey 40'' DRD [electric]that I put to my own table and the
only
problems I REMEMBER ,having only used it twice, was it was difficult for
one
person to use holding the button down and steering the path was a problem
for me alone, and then, the grit came off the lower roller and it was not
smooth getting the clay to evenly pass thru whether I had a helper or
not,.I regretted not getting the round wheel manual model and then was not
able to convert it to one.
Bob Hanlin on wed 24 apr 02
d
I own a Bailey big wheel. I love it, however, one time I made the mistake
to turning the wheel backward. I sounded broken, so I called Bailey and
they told me to take the cover off and replace a spring that they put in
there to break so users wouldn't ruin the mechanism. Since that time I've
really enjoyed having it.
One thing you might want to consider in you decision is this. When I roll
out a slab of clay, I cut a 25# bag in two diagonally and place the pieces
side to side and make the slab in one pass. Recently, I purchased two
slabmats and have taken to cutting the 25# of clay in four pieces,
diagonally (sort of an "X"). Works Great!!!
Mine is a DRD, it puts pressure on both sides of the slab as it passes
through the roller. I'd get that one.
Bob
----- Original Message -----
From: "d grace"
To:
Sent: Tuesday, April 23, 2002 8:10 PM
Subject: slab roller question
> I'm down to the last figuring for which slab roller to buy and would like
> some more input. Seems like Bailey makes a little more heavy-duty type
> equipment, so I'm looking at either one of Bailey's DRD (dual roller
> drive)series or DB (drive board)series. Does anyone know if any of the
DRD's
> are bi-directional like the DB's? What pro's or con's can anybody give me
> for either machine? Any preferences for either for tile and architectural
> work?
>
> Thanks for bearing with me; just wanna get all the info I can before
> plunking down a big wad o' money on a major equipment purchase.
>
> _________________________________________________________________
> Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at
http://explorer.msn.com/intl.asp.
>
>
____________________________________________________________________________
__
> 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.
Rikki Gill on wed 24 apr 02
Hi Jonathan, I wonder if I might also have a copy? I have an ancient, huge,
Brent, that I have had, and used to death for at least 20 years. It might be
replacement time. If there is any expense involved, I would be glad to
reimburse you. Thanks, nice seeing you at NCECA. Rikki
rikigil@cwnet.com
----- Original Message -----
From: "Ceramic Design Group"
To:
Sent: Tuesday, April 23, 2002 8:09 PM
Subject: Re: slab roller question
> on 4/23/02 7:10 PM, d grace at pysces@HOTMAIL.COM wrote:
>
> > I'm down to the last figuring for which slab roller to buy and would
like
> > some more input. Seems like Bailey makes a little more heavy-duty type
> > equipment, so I'm looking at either one of Bailey's DRD (dual roller
> > drive)series or DB (drive board)series. Does anyone know if any of the
DRD's
> > are bi-directional like the DB's? What pro's or con's can anybody give
me
> > for either machine? Any preferences for either for tile and
architectural
> > work?
> >
> > Thanks for bearing with me; just wanna get all the info I can before
> > plunking down a big wad o' money on a major equipment purchase.
>
>
> Potters Guide Fall 2001(from Pottery Making Illustrated) has a very
complete
> review of the slab roller market- place and will answer all of your
> questions.
>
> If you don't have a copy, post me your snail mail address and I'll send
you
> a copy. I authored the article and have some extra copies.
>
> Best
>
> Jonathan
> Jonathan Kaplan, president
> Ceramic Design Group
> PO Box 775112
> Steamboat Springs CO 80477
> voice and fax 970 879-9139
> info@ceramicdesigngroup.net
>
> 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.)
>
> "Custom design and manufacturing for the ceramic arts, giftware and
pottery
> industries. Molds, models, and tooling for slip casting, jiggering and
> hydraulic pressing. Consultation on clay and glaze formulation, production
> systems,firing, and kilns.
>
>
____________________________________________________________________________
__
> 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.
>
Olivia T Cavy on wed 24 apr 02
Hi Everyone,
I LOVE my Bailey 40" DRD electric slab roller, and I always operate it
alone. I also bought the Bailey table. It is pretty much one-directional,
although you can turn it in the other direction a short distance if to
untangle your cloth if it gets caught.
This machine handles huge pieces of clay, is easy to adjust the thickness
of slab, and both sides of the slab are identically thick since the knob
adjusts both sides at the same time. What I particularly like is that
long slabs are rolled evenly, using electric power. When I've used hand
operated models, you had to be very careful to keep the slab rolling
continuously or you got a dip in the slab (from the roller/s) when you
stopped.
Mine is a few years old and the more I use it, the more uses I find for
it.
It is always used with a canvas around the clay, and my experience is
that once the clay catches and starts rolling it continues until you turn
it off. It has 2 switches that must be turned on to work.
If you are only going to be rolling smaller pieces, this model would be
overkill. But it is easy to use.
We replaced the safety "dead man's" switches with a foot pedal because
mine is a one-person studio because I found those dual switches to be
hard on my thumbs. In a group studio or classroom I would not have done
this. An alternative would be to replace the thumb switches with levers
like bicycle brakes.
Bonnie
Bonnie D. Hellman, Pittsburgh, PA
PA work email: oliviatcavy@juno.com
PA home email: mou10man@sgi.net (that's the number 10 in the middle of
the letters)
On Wed, 24 Apr 2002 08:43:24 EDT Working Potter
writes:
> If you can get the manufacturer to give out ,of some one's name or
> institution who owns one that you might watch or try to use once
> that would
> be ideal.
>
> I have the Bailey 40'' DRD [electric]that I put to my own table and
> the only
> problems I REMEMBER ,having only used it twice, was it was
> difficult for one
> person to use holding the button down and steering the path was a
> problem
> for me alone, and then, the grit came off the lower roller and it
> was not
> smooth getting the clay to evenly pass thru whether I had a helper
> or
> not,.I regretted not getting the round wheel manual model and then
> was not
> able to convert it to one.
>
>
_________________________________________________________________________
_____
> 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.
________________________________________________________________
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Michelle Lowe on wed 24 apr 02
><< I'm down to the last figuring for which slab roller to buy and would
>like some more input. Seems like Bailey makes a little more heavy-duty
>type equipment, so I'm looking at either one of Bailey's DRD (dual roller
>drive)series or DB (drive board)series. Does anyone know if any of the
>DRD's are bi-directional like the DB's? What pro's or con's can anybody
>give me for either machine? Any preferences for either for tile and
>architectural work?>>
I have had a Bailey DRD for many years...(I think I bought it in '87), and
I can produce consistent slabs easily and quickly, by myself. I have used
a few of the board-drive slab rollers but not enough to get familiar with
them, I think I like the dual roller drive better. The DRD will roll both
directions but there is a big red warning sticker on top that says "SLAB
DIRECTION ONLY" and points one way. I think that is to avoid the user
getting a wad of clay stuck in the canvas fold going the wrong way and
damaging the slab roller.
Hope this helps!
Mishy
-----------
Michelle Lowe potter in the Phoenix desert
http://www.desertdragonpottery.com
Mishy@desertdragonpottery.com
mishlowe@amug.org
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