Fran Schwartz on sat 2 sep 00
Hi again,
Another question seeking an answer.
What is the best height to mount my used Randall extruder for my own use?
Does my height and strength have any bearing on optimum placement?
Thanks for your help....you all have been so helpful to me in my
attempts to "teach this old dog new tricks"...aka setting up a studio for a
newbie ,but oldie.Fran
Paul Lewing on sun 3 sep 00
Fran Schwartz wrote:
> What is the best height to mount my used Randall extruder for my own use?
> Does my height and strength have any bearing on optimum placement?
Hi, Fran.
I have a Randall extruder, too. Not sure I'd buy another one, but I
like it for some things- or rather I really like some things about it.
Like the fact that I can put a 25 lb. block of clay in all at once.
But yes, your height and strength will somewhat determine where you
place it. So will what you want to extrude. One of the pertinent facts
about the Randall extruder as opposed to any other brand, is that the
handle is way too short. If you are extruding anything small, you will
need an extension. I'm 6' 3" and weigh 195 lbs. and without an
extension on the handle, I can chin myself and nothing comes out. So I
have a 5' length of iron pipe that slips over the handle.
Unfortunately, I also have a low ceiling in my basement studio. I have
the extruder mounted just where I can extrude a 2' long piece, not
counting the inevitable curl at the bottom. That's as long as my ware
boards so it's kind of a standard. Well, the end of my pipe handle has
busted a hole in the acoustical tile in the ceiling. My ceiling needs
to be about 6" higher, I guess, but what can you do in your basement?
For ease of loading and cleaning, the top of the barrel should be about
at your chest or armpit. If that's too low for the length of pieces you
want to make, which it may be if you're really short, you may have to
stand on something to run it. And if you're small and light, you may
need a longer handle extension than what I have. Then, if your ceiling
is low, you have to set the extruder lower, too.
By the way, the other design fault of the Randall extruder is that the
collar that holds the dies is too weak. I've popped the bottom out of
mine twice and had to have it rewelded. But I've had it for about 20
years now and I'm keeping it.
And another tip- spray it inside with WD-40 before you extrude stuff.
It will make it easier to clean and your extrusions will be smoother.
Helps prevent rust, too.
Have fun with your new toy. You're going to love it.
Paul Lewing, Seattle
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