Tig Dupre on fri 14 nov 03
Slabbers,
I have one of the big Bailey slab rollers. LOVE IT! Has this honkin' big steamboat wheel to apply LOTSA torque to the rollers as the clay moves through. The problem I found was that with moist hands, the wheel has a tendency to slip in my hands.
So, two solutions for positive grip and smooth operation: 1) If you are the least bit handy with knotting, you can cover the wheel rim with French Coachwhipping or simply wrap small string around the outer rim and tie it off. 2) Some of us older folks may call 'em "Suicide Knobs," the big plastic knob that clamps onto the steering wheel of a car to assist in fast cornering. Usually decorated with a four-lea clover, skull, 8-ball, or a pair of dice. Generally available at auto parts stores. Clamp one onto the rim of the drive wheel. Makes turning the wheel against the pressure of the clay somewhat easier.
I, too use a window squeegee to smooth out the surface of my clay after rolling it through. Dampen the edge with a moist sponge, wipe in one direction, then at right angles to that. Flip the slab onto a sheetrock shelf, and score the "back" side of the slab if it's going to be tiles. Then, I let the new slab sit for a couple of hours while I go do something else, before I pattern or cut it.
After carving, patterning, and cutting tiles I dry them between sheetrock shelves, changing the order of stack every day or so. Makes really nice, flat tiles.
Best regards,
Tig
in Port Orchard, WA
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