The
handle of the Clay Master extruder is longer than usual while the
barrel is smaller than usual. This gives plenty of leverage without
ratcheting. Consequently, there are no dangerous shackles, fewer
pinch points, no clumsy multi-jointed handle to come loose, and no post or
ratchet parts to wear out. The handle is anchored at one fixed
pivot point, completely eliminating the danger of a heavy steel bar
slipping or suddenly offering no resistance. Clay is loaded with the
handle in the down position, again eliminating danger from a heavy,
hard-to-control handle. These
machines hold about eight pounds of clay, which will give a longer
extrusion than most people can handle at one time.
All dies are made
of 1/2 inch thick polyethylene, which is extremely wear-resistant and
completely non-contaminating. The top edge of the die cavity is
beveled to compact the clay as it passes through, giving a crisp, more
solid extrusion. In the hollow dies, there is a bevel on both the
interior and exterior portions under each side of the bracket (which holds
the center of the hollow dies) that helps the extrusion to
"heal" after is has been cut apart by the bracket. This
bracket fits into a optional Z-shaped slot machined into the top of the hollow die
and is held in place by the barrel of the extruder. If a hollow die
is mounted in place, the center part of the die is in exactly the right
place and the wall thickness will automatically be even all the way
around.
Clay Master includes 3 dies and mounting hardware.
