Clay Extruder
For Polymer or Metal Clays
Makin’s Aluminum version – this is the one I use. But, I think I will get the stainless version. Less cleaning when switching mediums.
I use the Makins Clay Extruder. You can find extruders at Clay Factory inc. $24.99 or The Clay Store $21.24 - online. What is really nice about this extruder is the screw down top. With other extruders that I’ve owned and used, you need to push the clay out which is insane when working with polymer clays. I ended up adopting a caulk gun to push the clay out – that is until this one came along. The only draw back is that it is made from aluminum and aluminum is a no-no with metal clays. Coat the interior surface with either a spray or paint on varnish. You can even use nail polish.
Makin’s Stainless version- about $49.95.
Another option – if you want to spend the money – is to get Makin’s stainless steel version. You can purchase it from Metal Clay Supply or Cool Tools.
Clay Extruder Disks – Make your own
One little know fact is that you can make your own disks with a metal disk and a jewelers saw. I used copper to create the grass for my piece A Slice of Heaven. The only problem with the copper was, it is such a soft material that it bulges. I just hammer it flat again after use. You can use brass disks or if you are feeling frisky and financially wild, use silver! The disks need to be 3/4″ and 24 gauge. Metalliferous carries a rich low brass circle (page 68, top right hand side), copper circles (page 72, top right) or nickel silver (not real silver) (page 87, bottom right).
It’s not pretty but, it worked great. You don’t have to be too precise with many designs.
Here’s the grass the disk made.
Miter Cutting Vice Jig – Square up your edges or cut a beautiful bevel.
This is a great, although under used tool! It is used to create a 90 or a 45 degree edge on a piece of metal. It makes beautiful squares and rectangles. I even use it with leather hard PMC. Rio Grande has two versions at this writing: one for $185.00 and an economy version for $65.00. I can’t vouch for the economy version as I have never tried it (it came out AFTER I bought the 175.00 one).
How To Use
File on this larger flat edge.
Insert your metal into either the 45 degree slot (top) or the 90 degree slot (bottom). The trick here is to have one edge of your metal that is perfectly flat and level. Find the little peg or “tooth” that hangs down. Put the metal in – flat side against the peg. Leave a thin strip of metal hanging out the front – that is the part that you will file square or will be beveled. Evenly tighten the two top screws until the metal is almost immovable. Before tightening down fully, ensure that the metal is flush against the peg – no gaps. Check both the front and the back – for the metal to be filed correctly it must be squarely in the jig. Once the jig is fully tightened down (on the large, flat side of the jig) file the metal down to the steel. Take care to keep your file flat against the jig. The steel is very, very hard and after years of use, I have only hair size scrathes on mine – even though I use a steel file. Violá – a beautiful edge!
E3 Etch
Sherri Haab and her husband have come up with a great way to etch without messy or scary chemicals. The E3 Etch etches clean lines and is very easy to use. Attach one electrode to the stainless pan, one to your metal, put on the pink shoes, plug it in and you’re etching.