The trashcan lid that we have used for decades for our raku kiln has recently changed. We are testing the durability of the new lid. While we do not expect any problems with the new lid and anticipate returning to production with the new lid soon, we are not taking active orders. You may use the pre-order button and submit an order with no payment (use the NET 30 option at checkout) and we will put you on a list to contact when we have completed testing and are entering production phase.
The Bracker Raku Kiln is a lightweight and portable design for firing ceramic pieces in your own backyard. The kiln we make today was designed by Bill Bracker in the early 1970's utilizing the technology of ceramic fiber. The kiln is made by lining a cage of wire fence material and a metal garbage can lid with one-half inch thick fiber blanket. The fiber is then rigidized with a mixture of sodium silicate and water. The use of the fiber allows the ceramicist to have the insulating qualities of 2-1/2 inches of soft insulating firebrick, yet it is light enough that anyone is able to pick it up. A complete raku set-up would include the kiln, a burner, a propane tank, a pad of soft fire bricks (or an electric kiln lid or base), a posted shelf for inside the kiln, and tongs, along with the user-provided metal tub for water, a metal bucket or can for the raku tongs (which can be very hot after use) and a metal garbage can (with a lid) with reduction material. Setting up involves laying out the pad, posting the shelf on the pad, setting the pieces to be fired on the shelf, placing the kiln over the shelf and pieces, attaching the burner to the tank, placing the burner in front of the kiln's burner port, and lighting the burner.
Please note - the number one problem we hear about is people having trouble getting their kiln to temperature. This is almost always because the burner is too close to (or even inside) the kiln. Combustion requires oxygen, so allow plenty of space (6-10") between the burner tip and the burner opening on the kiln
SHIMPO VL-WHISPER This pottery wheel uses an exceptional Direct Drive motor. The Direct Drive motor is a brushless, beltless motor that operates on a magnet system and is electronically controlled. As a result, the motor is EXTREMELY quiet! Features Direct drive system; DC brushless motor 100 lbs centering 14″ light alloy casting wheel-head, drilled for bat-pins Adjustable legs Legs can be removed for storage or tabletop use Virtually quiet; no belts, no vibration Wheel-head acts as a banding wheel when the pedal is at stop Pedal stops the wheel head immediately; no belt means no extra rotation when stopped Higher torque; no belts Maintains a specific set speed when stepping away to center, even with slow speeds with 100 lbs of clay 5 year warranty
***This product may be harmful to a person who has a pacemaker. Serious injury or death could occur. Consult a physician before using.*** Shimpo VL Whisper Printed Literature Shimpo VL Whisper Manual
The 24" Super Slab Package includes: 24" Super Slab Roller, Table, Wagon Wheel Handle, Canvas.The package is shipped in 4 cartons, weighing: 72#, 65#, 40#, 10#. The shipping price calculated by this website may not be accurate due to the configuration of this particular shipment, but we will provide you with an accurate shipping cost once we receive your order. As always, we don't charge your card until your order ships.
Every part carefully designed and made for its intended purpose. No off-the-shelf or inferior parts or material.
The roller drive features a 4.33:1 reduction gear between the large Wagon Wheel handle and the roller.
Rust free and virtually maintenance free.
No clumsy heavy shims or boards.
No chains, cables or cast-iron gears.
Thickness infinitely variable from 0 to 2¼ inches.
Slabs can be rolled in either direction and clay can be added or subtracted at any time.
Roll slabs up to 22" wide. The length of the slab is limited only by the space and canvas available.
Tapered slabs are quick, easy and precise.
Warping, curling and cracking are drastically reduced.
All machines accept press molds and a wide variety of texturing material such as burlap, plant materials, rope, cork and bark.
The North Star Super Series Slab Rollers use a pair of cast and carefully machined 4" diameter high-strength aircraft-grade aluminum rollers and steel drive gears for the maximum compression and best slabs possible. The bushings are machined from high-strength industrial nylon and the remaining moving parts are machined steel. The roller drive features a 4.33:1 reduction gear between the large Wagon Wheel handle and the roller to allow huge slabs to be built by every person, regardless of his/her upper body strength and weight. The work table frame is 14-gauge steel that has been rounded for safety and comfort and coated with North Star's durable blue powder coated finish. The removable tabletops are manufactured from moisture-resistant high-density medex with rounded corners and edges for safety and comfort and a waterproof and stain resistant melamine surface for easy cleaning. The North Star Super Series Slab Rollers are warranted to the original purchaser to be free of defects in materials and workmanship for the life of the machine*. This includes even parts that wear in normal use, such as bushings, spacers, gears and spring pins. The only limitations to the warranty are the table tops and canvas that are supplied with each unit and failures caused by abuse or use of the machine for other than its intended purpose.
The GT-400 develops up to 1/2 hp and is capable of centering up to 80 lbs. of clay. Price includes Splash Pan. State-of-the-art electronics provide extra torque and consistent RPM at even the slowest speeds‑great for delicate trimming Fluidly responsive, water resistant foot pedal crafted of hefty cast aluminum puts the potter in total control Modular construction of electronic components makes repairs a snap‑often reducing down time to hours versus days or weeks Heavy-duty, steel frame with 3 widely spaced legs is stable and virtually indestructible Spacious, molded tabletop provides large work area and cleans easily 13" cast aluminum throwing head Splash pan is easily removed for cleaning Convenient, 3-position, reversing switch Ships UPS/FedEx in days versus many other wheels that have to be shipped by truck Total Satisfaction Guarantee Includes a 5 Year Limited Warranty
The 30" Super Slab Package includes: 30" Super Slab Roller, Table, Wagon Wheel Handle, Canvas. The package is shipped in 4 cartons, weighing: 78#, 66#, 50#, 10#. The shipping price calculated by this website may not be accurate due to the configuration of this particular shipment, but we will provide you with an accurate shipping cost once we receive your order. As always, we don't charge your card until your order ships. Every part carefully designed and made for its intended purpose. No off-the-shelf or inferior parts or material. The roller drive features a 4.33:1 reduction gear between the large Wagon Wheel handle and the roller. Rust free and virtually maintenance free. No clumsy heavy shims or boards. No chains, cables or cast-iron gears. Thickness infinitely variable from 0 to 2¼ inches. Slabs can be rolled in either direction and clay can be added or subtracted at any time. Roll slabs up to 28" wide. The length of the slab is limited only by the space and canvas available. Tapered slabs are quick, easy and precise. Warping, curling and cracking are drastically reduced. All machines accept press molds and a wide variety of texturing material such as burlap, plant materials, rope, cork and bark. The North Star Super Series Slab Rollers use a pair of cast and carefully machined 4" diameter high-strength aircraft-grade aluminum rollers and steel drive gears for the maximum compression and best slabs possible. The bushings are machined from high-strength industrial nylon and the remaining moving parts are machined steel. The roller drive features a 4.33:1 reduction gear between the large Wagon Wheel handle and the roller to allow huge slabs to be built by every person, regardless of his/her upper body strength and weight. The work table frame is 14-gauge steel that has been rounded for safety and comfort and coated with North Star's durable blue powder coated finish. The removable tabletops are manufactured from moisture-resistant high-density medex with rounded corners and edges for safety and comfort and a waterproof and stain resistant melamine surface for easy cleaning. The North Star Super Series Slab Rollers are warranted to the original purchaser to be free of defects in materials and workmanship for the life of the machine*. This includes even parts that wear in normal use, such as bushings, spacers, gears and spring pins. The only limitations to the warranty are the table tops and canvas that are supplied with each unit and failures caused by abuse or use of the machine for other than its intended purpose.
Work your clay the Quark way! Designed with brilliance at every step, the Quark Wheel helps you craft clay with a professional touch. Developed from scratch and processed after multiple iterations and feedback from potters, Quark is big on capability though small in size. Quark is a product design and development company focused on designing and manufacturing useful and user-centric, intuitive, affordable products for the global consumer."We believe in pushing the boundaries of product design and manufacturing to facilitate well-designed, high quality, utility products that are affordable and sustainable for consumers all over the world. We love integrating latest technological features that make our products more accessible and user-intuitive." -QuarkQuark is designed to be small and compact, but weighs 24 pounds(11kg) and hence is pretty sturdy and doesn’t move easily. Its centering capacity is the same as its weight, so you would be able to easily throw up to 24 pounds(11kg) of clay on its 9 inch(23cm) aluminium wheel head.4 bats are provided with the wheel!
HIGH DESIGN & GREAT ADVANTAGES All Heavy 14-Gauge Steel Multiple Uses with Easy Maneuvering Ability Highly Versatile Storage Shelves Attractive and Highly Functional Design Generous in Size with Easy Access to Shelves Shelf Truck Package Includes:Shelf Truck
8 brackets
5 finished plywood shelves
There are many unique features that distinguish North Star Shelf Trucks from all others. North Star uses a much larger, wider, stronger caster than any other manufacturer. Full 6 inch diameter American-made industrial ball bearing casters are rated at 300 pounds each (or 1,200 pounds) and roll easily, even over rough or contaminated floors. All four casters swivel for easy maneuvering and two have foot-operated parking brakes. Shelves are supported at each end by brackets of a unique design that simply drop into square holes spaced every 2 inches along the corner uprights. The spacing between shelves and the number of shelves is instantly adjustable without tools. All shelves except the bottom one, which rides directly on the base, can be placed at any level so there is never wasted space and conveniently slide in and out. For low pieces, such as tiles, the truck can hold as many as 22 shelves. This is the only such truck in the world engineered from ground up to ship by UPS for lowest freight cost and quickest shipping. The truck is made entirely of heavy 14-gauge steel with North Star's blue powder coat finish. Each truck comes with four pair of shelf brackets, which will yield five shelf levels (the base carries the fifth shelf). North Star shelves are simply 24" x 36" rectangles of 1/2" finished plywood. Those who need heavier shelves, some other configuration (such as two 12" x 36" shelves per level) or who want to save on shipping cost find it easy to make their own.
SHIMPO's Mini Slab Roller features a two-roller system with hand-lever and thickness indicator that provide synchronized fine adjustment that can produce a thickness of 0-1". Its lightweight (31 lbs.), compact design makes it easily portable; and yet its 16" X 24" table makes it a permanent addition to any studio or classroom. Two-roller System Evenly distributes pressure on slab to reduce warping Hand-lever Povides synchronized fine adjustment that allow for precise control of slab thickness Thickness Indicator Provides synchronized fine adjustment that can produce a thickness of 0-1" Compact Design Lightweight and compact design makes it easily portable Table Dimensions 16" X 24" Warranty 2-year Model SRM-1624 Slab Thickness 0-1" Unit Weight 31 lbs Shipping Weight 37 ½ lbs Data Sheet Shimpo Mini Slab Roller Data Sheet
The SR-3050 can produce up to a 3″ thick slab. Its TWO-ROLLER system evenly distributes pressure on the slab to reduce warping. The dual hand-wheels and thickness indicator provide synchronized fine adjustment and allow for precise control of the slab thickness. The SR-3050 includes a wagon wheel handle that provides effortless feeding of slab through rollers in either direction. It features a large 30″ x 50″ table for plenty of workspace and comes with one canvas set to complete the package. Two-roller System Evenly distributes pressure on slab to reduce warping Dual-hand Wheels Provides synchronized fine adjustment that allow for precise control of slab thickness Thickness Indicator Provides synchronized fine adjustment that can produce a thickness of 0-1" Wagon Wheel Handle Effortless feeding in either direction Table Dimensions 30" X 50" Warranty 1-year Material Constructed of heavy gauge steel Overall Dimensions 39 ¼" x 50 1/8" x 49" (W x L x H) Table Height 36" Shipping Weight 172 lbs (ships unassembled in 4 cartons) Data Sheet Shimpo Slab Roller Data Sheet
VPM-9SS Vacuum Power Wedger
(25lb. Max. Batch Size)
"The vacuum deairing Pugger-Mixer"
Comes equipped with 110V electrical for standard service.
220V operation ($100 additional) also available for overseas operation.
FEATURES
Stainless Steel: Shaft, augers and paddles of stainless steel, along with aluminum mixing/pugging chamber ensures rust-free clay processing.
Large Hopper: The oversized hopper door allows for easy loading of up to 25 lbs. of clay per batch.
Batch Mixing Capability: Full batch mixing and blending capability allows for moisture adjustment before pugging.
Pugmill Output: Switch to PUG after a batch is completely mixed, and the Power Wedger unloads itself in the form of 3" diameter deaired logs.
Vacuum Deaired: Each batch can be deaired by starting the vacuum pump when the load is mixed. Air is removed during the last stage of mixing, leaving an air-free product when pugged out. Our patented vacuum design allows us to deair the clay without the use of cumbersome vacuum screens!
Sealed Chamber: Leaving moist clay in the Power Wedger is not a problem. All the openings are sealed so clay will stay moist indefinitely. No other pugmill on the market today provides this important feature.
Intellectual Mixing Technology: Real-time monitoring of clay consistency can be accomplished while mixing. Similar to an automatic transmission, the Pugger-Mixer can automatically speed up or slow down based on the hardness of the clay being processed. The operator can also control the speed by controlling the variable speed knob.
Variable Speed Control: This allows the operator the ability to speed up or slow down the pugmill. This is especially useful when extruding through dies. Because of the back pressure generated by a large amount of clay being forced through a small orifice, the speed control allows the operator to slow the pugging as required. In turn, perfect deaired configurations are easily extruded through the Pugger-Mixer. There are additional advantages if you are a "single potter studio". The ability to slow the pugging allows for time to place pugged clay into containers or bags.
Stainless Work Surface: The stainless steel work surface creates a durable work surface for convenience of the operator while loading. The work surface is 12" x 14".
Corrosion Resistant: Peter Pugger now offers a corrosion resistant model (VPM-9SS) for potters using porcelain clay bodies with high alkalinity. Click here for more information "What you need to know about Porcelain"
Optional Stand:This heavy duty stand has a shelf, and the height is adjustable. Wheels are included and can be installed on the motor end of the VPM-9 stand for easy transport (see picture below).
CAPABILITIES
The Power Wedger is the most versatile studio clay processing machine on the market today. It can perform a variety of functions efficiently, transforming clay in any form to a usable product. Some examples:
Mix moist clay from powder and water.
Reclaim scrap - wet or dry.
Blend two or more different bodies.
Add materials (wet or dry) to an already moist body.
Adjust moisture of an already wet body.
OR just mix a 25 lb. bag of clay - literally warm the clay by mixing it.
When the clay is adequately mixed, it can be deaired with vacuum and pugged out in the form of logs ready for use.
SAFETY
It is not necessary to continuously hand-feed the Power Wedger as with standard pugmills. Load a full batch, close the lid and turn it on - this eliminates exposure to moving paddles. The Power Wedger shuts off automatically when the lid is opened. All machines are equipped with a thermal overload for protection against overheating.
VACUUM PUMP
Vacuum is provided by a 1/2 HP double-headed rocking piston type diaphragm pump. These new technology pumps are the simplest and quietest vacuum source available. They are maintenance-free and long lasting. The VPM-9 Power Wedger does not require a large vacuum pump because the clay is continuously exposed to vacuum in the sealed mixing chamber. Once the clay chamber is evacuated, the vacuum pump can be turned off.
CLEANING
With the removal of four bolts, the entire mixing/pugging chamber can be removed so it can be conveniently washed off. The paddles are then easily accessed for cleaning. Cleaning is necessary only to avoid cross contamination. Since the machines are completely sealed, moist clay can be stored indefinitely without drying out.
SPECIFICATIONS
VPM-9 POWER WEDGER (Stainless Steel)
Maximum Batch Capacity
25 pounds
Hopper Door Size
5¼" x 5¼"
Mixing Rate
150 pounds per hour
Pugging Rate
500 pounds per hour
Pug Size
3" diameter
Dimensions
14" H x 14" W x 36" L
Crated Weight
256 pounds (ships LTL truck)
Vacuum Pump
½ HP, 3 amps at 120V, 2 amp at 240 V
Electrical
¾ HP, 1ph, 8 amps at 120V, 6 amps at 240V
