North Star Slab Rollers are made in two
series: The Standard series used by hobby potters and students everywhere and the massive
Super series, at home in industrial, institutional and production settings around the
world.
The most obvious differences are these:
Standard machines are made in `18", 24" and, on special order, 30" widths. They have rolls 2 1/2" in diameter, tables are 48" long with the roller in the center and the
handle drives the bottom roll directly. Super machines are much heavier, tables are
72" long, rolls are 4" in diameter, there is a 4.33:1 steel gear reduction
between handle and roll. They are made 24", 30" and 36" wide, and they come only with a Wagon Wheel handle.
All North Star machines have two rolls, much
like the wringer of an old-fashioned washing machine. Both rolls have a small
diamond pattern ("knurling") machined
directly into the metal to grip the canvas.
The bottom roll is turned by the handle, but cannot move vertically. As it turns, it
drives the top roll through a train of gears. The upper roll both turns and can be
adjusted up and down. The two rolls turning together pull slabs through easily, and
the vertical adjustment of the top roll gives an easy-to-set and infinitely adjustable
thickness from paper-thin to over 2 inches. A reference scale allows setting and
repeating openings to within 1/100 of an inch.
The design gives great flexibility in making
slabs. Very thin, translucent porcelain slabs and thick, heavily textured
architectural slabs are equally easy. A wide variety of other texturing materials
and objects can be passed through the machine along with the clay. Slabs can be rolled either direction or reversed on all North Star machines.
CONSTRUCTION
Bodies and rolls are made of cast and
carefully machined high-strength special alloy aluminum. Gears are made of the strongest
material available for this application, nylon or steel. Bushings are nylon and the
remaining parts (except plastic gear covers and knobs) are machined steel. Table
frames are 14-gauge steel. Tabletops are of moisture-resistant Medex with a melamine
surface. Metal surfaces are zinc plated or coated with a durable powder coat finish.
Virtually no maintenance is required, and the simplicity of the design ensures that
any repair ever needed will be quick and easy.
HIGH DESIGN &
GREAT ADVANTAGES
Every part carefully designed and made for
its intended purpose. No off-the-shelf or inferior parts or material.
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
2-3/4 inches on Standard series, 0 to 2-1/4 inches on Super series.
Slabs can be rolled in either direction and
clay can be added or subtracted at any time.
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.
24" wide standard
& super packages are
now available with extra options for the ultimate work table.
Bottom Shelf & Bucket Wings!
Can Be Added To Any Existing 24" Slab Roller Package!
Bottom Shelf made of 3/4" Medex with high-pressure
melamine overlay in two sections supported by steel rails all around.
Requires drilling, but no disassembly. Precision drilling template and
all hardware furnished. Shelf can support 600 lbs
Note: Bottom Shelf is for Standard Series Slab Roller Packages Only!
End wings, or "extension" just fold down against the
legs when not in use. Bucket Wing opening fits a 5 gallon plastic
bucket, OR an included 15" plastic throwing bat to close the hold and
make a smooth, level top when a bucket is not being used. Wings
measure 24x24x3/4" and can support up to 100 pounds each.
Slab Roller
& Accessories Price
List
Effective January 2007
Item No.
Description
Weight & No. of Ctns
Price
SLAB ROLLER PACKAGES
501
PortaRoller w/2 TableToppers, Crank
and Canvas
25, 20
$499.95
550
24" Standard Slab Roller Package
w/4' Work Table, Wagon Wheel & Canvas
35, 40, 60
$899.95
551
30" Standard Slab Roller Package w/4' Work Table, Wagon
Wheel & Canvas
45, 40, 60, 10
$995.95
1024
24" Super Slab Roller Package w/6' Work Table, Wagon Wheel & Canvas
80, 70, 55, 10
$1249.95
1025
30" Super Slab Roller Package w/6' Work Table, Wagon Wheel & Canvas
90, 70, 60, 10
$1599.95
1050
36" Super Slab Roller Package w/6' Work Table, Wagon Wheel & Canvas
directly into the metal to grip the canvas.
The bottom roll is turned by the handle, but cannot move vertically. As it turns, it
drives the top roll through a train of gears. The upper roll both turns and can be
adjusted up and down. The two rolls turning together pull slabs through easily, and
the vertical adjustment of the top roll gives an easy-to-set and infinitely adjustable
thickness from paper-thin to over 2 inches. A reference scale allows setting and
repeating openings to within 1/100 of an inch.
Bottom Shelf & Bucket Wings! 
