DIY Clay Extruder

DIY Clay Extruder for ceramics and pottery. In this tutorial, I show you how to make a clay extruder gun cheap and easy. You can use a clay extruder to make perfect coils, handles and so much more. The possibilities are endless. This build does require a few tools besides the supplies so hopefully you have access to them.
I'm using PVC pipe, pvc caps, and a caulk gun for this DIY clay extruder. I use this in my ceramics and pottery projects and I really enjoy making new and challenging dies. I even tried making a houndstooth die in this video. I love how it turned out.
You'll also see me using colored clay in this video. The colored clay is porcelain that I've added mason stains to. I have a lot of videos on colored clay and colored clay designs. If you're interested you can check out the link below:
• How to Make AGATEWARE/...
Let me know what you think! I enjoyed making this video and showcasing some of my DIY skills. Enjoy!
/ ceramicjim
My name is Jim Fazio. I'm a practicing ceramic artist and teacher. I make tutorials, time lapse creations, and give you an inside view of the life of an artist. Check out my channel for more if you're interested.
Music by: @dcuttermusic / www.davidcuttermusic.com
Music by Joakim Karud / joakimkarud

[@anneales9726]

Thank you for this enjoyable and instructive video At the age of 70 I have gone back to college to study Art and Design which includes ceramics and find rolling clay painful on my hands and have been searching how to make an extruder. This is the only video that made it look achievable and affordable.

[@CeramicJim]

Certainly affordable. I bit rough on the hands. The design needs tweaking but is certainly cheap and does work. Good luck! And thanks!

[@d.cartelli3335]

Thanks for a good video without too much extraneous talking! Very informative.

[@CeramicJim]

Thanks. That’s what I try for! :)

[@norakaven3705]

We have a big extruder where I go to do pottery. The process is cumbersome with a lot more cleanup. But this is Fabulous! You have inspired me to do a LOT of different caps with a LOT of shapes and sizes to donate to my pottery place! Thank you Jim!!!

[@CeramicJim]

I think it’s more fun you have control over the caps. Definitely a cheap way to go. Not as fab though. Hope it goes well for you!

[@jjazzbel]

I love this, and think I want to adapt the cap to take different 3D printed dies. I think that might work. And maybe add a disc at the plunger end to keep the plunger clean.

[@thehappypotter9612]

Ah, a practical artist who has advice for all the details

[@CeramicJim]

What can I say? I try me best :)

[@silvanobavia5579]

OMG ....YOU ARE SO CLEVER....THANK YOU FOR SGARING THESE VIDEOS

[@CeramicJim]

Thank you! And you're welcome!

[@cathybriggs8725]

I love this idea!!! Thank you so much for making this video!!!! I am a beginner and my goal is to make mugs. This would help me immensely in the handle making process.

[@barbiedejong4834]

Jim! I wasn't planning to watch the entire video but found it totally fascinating and clever! I am going to try it. Thanks!

[@CeramicJim]

No, thank you! Happy to help!

[@ArianLobon]

Best vibe, never enjoyed a diy so much!

[@CeramicJim]

I like to think I bring good vibes too. :) Thanks.

[@christianpeebles6394]

Gonna be running to homedepot tonight to build this!

[@CeramicJim]

You may encounter a few kinks as this is a very DIY project but you really can’t beat the price.

[@christianpeebles6394]

@@CeramicJim ill let you know if i run into any snags and how i problem solved!

[@CeramicJim]

I have issue getting the caulk gun out of the tube when finished sometimes. Or popping the caps off.

[@christianpeebles6394]

@@CeramicJim update. I now have a finished clay extruder, thank you so much! Cant wait to share your video with my classmates! So far I haven't run into any problems, my pvc cap is too large to actually fit in the bottom so it sits on the rim, but still works perfect!

[@valeriarozo29]

This is the best video ever! Exactly what I was looking for

[@CeramicJim]

Thank you so much. Happy to help Valeria!

[@kevinleong4467]

I want to make a few of these now thanks a lot Jim. I didn't want to use the studios extruder with the colored clay but this is an awesome solution. I want to make some handle shapes so that I can just keep making more handles!!!

[@CeramicJim]

It’s not a easiest to use but it’s cheap and gives you options. Toughest thing is getting it apart sometimes. You’ve been warned 😆

[@bradleyhopsicker4197]

Adult Play Doh gun ... Love it

[@CeramicJim]

Pretty much. Super fun!

[@britnielevi110]

I love your videos! Please keep making them!

[@CeramicJim]

These comments are my favorite kind. Thank you Britnie!

[@jeanward4647]

Thanks, Jim! Wish I had seen your video before I bought my hand held extruder! I am looking forward to seeing more!!

[@CeramicJim]

Thanks Jean. This design is by no means perfect. It is cheap, probably the best thing going for it so far as start to fine tune.

[@michelleturnbull7625]

You rock.... I can afford an extruder now and the possibilites are endless..Cheers M

[@CeramicJim]

That awesome. Happy to help!

[@whitebranch]

impressive, most impressive

[@elizabethmason2582]

A very well done presentation, thank you.

[@matthewschuman52]

You’re a genius!!!

[@Uji_Metal]

Thanks for the video bro. Heading to homedepot tomorrow. You are the man.

[@CeramicJim]

Thanks. Any progress on the build? I'm hoping it works for you!

[@andreaeyzaguirre6208]

There are as many shapes as your imagination can bring!😉🇨🇱

[@jacquelinesan]

Genius!!!!!!

[@savageart100]

Hi Jim! loving your videos, your awesome and very inspiring thanks for sharing your talents! :-) look forward to more videos

[@CeramicJim]

Thanks Sonia!

[@saundragrenard3789]

Nice video I will try this. I will probably make different shapes for different handles. Thank you Jim

[@CeramicJim]

It’s cheap but it works. You’ll have to figure out a few kinks but it’s fun.

[@BasilWallace]

I tried a DIY extruder before finding this video. Mine broke because it had plastic end braces holding the extruder body instead of metal. I wish I had found this video earlier. This earned the subscribe ;)

[@CeramicJim]

Haha yes! Glad I earned it. I’ve gotten a lot of use out of my diy extruded. I have since purchased a nicer one but it served its purpose at the time.

[@BasilWallace]

For sure. A proper extruder is an investment, but ~$10 and some DIY will get you by until you can justify the expense. I'm saving up for a pug mill and a kiln right now, so this will do until then

[@bwinn4589]

I love this. I will be making 2, one for clay and one for cheese straws.

[@CeramicJim]

Nice 👍 TBH they are just OK. But cheap. Hopefully you make them better than I did.

[@michaeldinapoli7562]

Love your video nicely done!

[@CeramicJim]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@milenabahamondespizarro5962]

You're a genius!

[@CeramicJim]

Thanks Milena! This is version 1.0 so I may post some updates and I try to improve the designs.

[@SetGozo]

Love it.

[@CeramicJim]

Thanks!

[@gatekeeper84]

Dish sponge, scotchbrite side works great on those burrs.

[@CeramicJim]

Thank you for the tip. *noted. 😄

[@alexbauer3325]

Fantastic. Thanks for sharing.

[@CeramicJim]

Glad you enjoyed it! Let me know how it goes!

[@gardengatedesign75]

Great video thanks for sharing, I bought a hand held extruder a couple of years ago and use expired credit cards and gift cards to make my own dies . . .

[@CeramicJim]

I like that idea. I've used old gift cards to make custom ribs in the past. I'm surprised the plastic holds up to the extruder.

[@thekrillsta]

Oh man! I can 3D print those caps!

[@CeramicJim]

I'm working on a few designs right now actually but the printer isn't mine so it's taking longer. If you make any are you open to sending me a few test caps?

[@dkgrace6743]

Funny guy. Great video. Thank you.

[@CeramicJim]

Thank you! I like to think I’m not SUPER boring.

[@The-Grateful-Hippie]

What about using those flat pressure test caps instead of the round end cap? Do you think it would stay on? Much easier to cut I would think.

[@CeramicJim]

I think you’re right. Perhaps the threaded ones too. I have a hard time getting the caps off sometimes.

[@robinpetersson3081]

I read a website how to make this and went to home depot today and stared at pvc pipes and fittings for half an hours, and eventually gave up. The cap didn't seem to fit nicepy in the caulking gun. But after watching your video I see that it's not a prefect fit. So I will try home depot again tomorrow again. Great video.

[@CeramicJim]

You kind of get what you pay for right? You start to figure out the quirks of it all over time. I’m always looking for modifications that make it easier or better so if you try anything different let me know!

[@robinpetersson3081]

@@CeramicJim I am thinking about making test tiles this way. Extruding rectangles. I usually throw mine on the wheel but I don't like that they are irregular. So this may work for me :) thanks for the reply.

[@CeramicJim]

Right on. You should consider a T shaped die so the tiles stand themselves up. I’ve seen that before.

[@robinpetersson3081]

@@CeramicJim Made my test tile extruder today. Worked beautifully.

[@jean-philippegoo2134]

excellent, thanks for the tip !

[@CeramicJim]

Glad to help! Thanks Jean!

[@samanthaarnold4638]

Star of Lakshmi would be fun!!

[@CeramicJim]

Yes. That WILL be. I’ll definitely try it Sam!

[@michellepavliv3272]

This was great. Headed out to the hardware store now! Can you show some nice dies for handles?

[@CeramicJim]

Thank you! Working on it.

[@amilcarmiguel7274]

Obrigado !! 🇧🇷Brasil

[@CeramicJim]

Thanks!

[@thehappypotter9612]

Lovit!!

[@CeramicJim]

Thank you!

[@m0eMoE]

Handlessss 🥳

[@CeramicJim]

Right? I have recently been cutting and printing some dies.

[@jerrywhidby.]

I would like to see if you could make an insert for this tool to create hollow clay pipe. Then fire it to make wind chimes. By the way PVC becomes flexible if you use a heat gun on it in a back and forth motion, so as not to burn it.

[@CeramicJim]

It can be done but I don’t know if PVC would be the best option. The ones I’ve seen for hollow tubing require a strong surface to screw metal flanges to. I could try though. Maybe I will ;)

[@katanderson455]

If you made a bisque round plate would that work inside the gun for hollow

[@CeramicJim]

Hmm🤔

[@almaorias9297]

its difficult but seems so easy for you..

[@CeramicJim]

Are you talking about the sawing? I have had some practice but with time it would be easy for you too!

[@kikizag]

love this!! Can you use polymer clay with that extruder?

[@carinapotts2806]

nice but What is the hound tooth cap for?

[@ericp7522]

The little nubs on the ends of the coping saw turn tightening it to release the blade, so you don't have to push on it manually like you were doing.

[@CeramicJim]

Hmm. That doesn't twist the blade? I've give it a try. Thanks Eric!

[@ericp7522]

@@CeramicJim Yeah it usually can turn the blade too, but usually tightens it enough to pop the blade out. But maybe it doesn't work with all coping saws... Just an easy trick if it works haha

[@jillworden1570]

Jim. Love your videos. What kind of Porcelain do you use? Also did you see the Nerikomi book you got from Japan is for sale on Ebay for $ 542 dollars? Love the extruder idea and the damp box idea with plaster on the bottom. I am going to do both. Keep up the great work.

[@CeramicJim]

Maybe I should sell it haha. I make my own porcelain. It’s a cone 6. Thank you so much!

[@ericdrachman9510]

Thanks for the video, Jim! This looks fun. I have a couple of questions for you: 1) Do you need something in the back of the caulking gun to push the clay, or you use just the piece on the gun itself? I imagine quite a bit of clay would squeeze out the back. 2) How do you clean it out so you can re-use it? I suspect that you need to take the cap off pretty quickly before the clay starts to dry and thoroughly clean it all so you can re-use the pvc and the cap, right? 3) If you're cleaning well between uses, couldn't you just put different caps (dies) on the same pvc pipes? 4) I read that when making a die, you want to angle the opening slightly so it gets a little bit narrower as the clay passes through the die so that it is actually compressing the clay as it comes out. Thoughts on that? Thanks!!

[@CeramicJim]

So many good questions. This DIY extruder is certainly on the cheap. I just use the piece on the gun to press through. Depending on how big the die is, sometimes clay pushes back but I was surprised there wasn’t more. Getting the cap off is actually quite annoying because pressing the clay through in turn presses the cap on harder. I find myself having to bang the lip of the cap on the edge of a table like opening a bottle without a bottle opener. Not the best practice at all but it works and it’s cheap. Some kind of twist cap with discs to slip in would be better. I use a variety of clays in between although I usually use different tubes with the same cap. It saves time. It’s also easier for me to let the clay residue get bone dry and then just wash it away versus trying to clean it out when the clay is soft. As for cutting the dies I’ve moved on to 3-D printing them but you’re right to try to taper the opening more narrow. Mine are mostly straight and it works pretty well. Thanks for the awesome questions and comments.

[@ericdrachman9510]

@@CeramicJim Thanks for the quick reply, Jim!

[@pahu47]

@@CeramicJim I used these instead of a cap. www.homedepot.com/p/Oatey-1-1-2-in-Inset-Plastic-DWV-Test-Cap-with-Knock-Out-39100/100132303?source=shoppingads&locale=en-US&mtc=Shopping-B-F_D26P-G-D26P-26_1_PIPE_AND_FITTINGS-NA-NA-Feed-LIA-NA-NA-PIPE_AND_FITTINGS_General&cm_mmc=Shopping-B-F_D26P-G-D26P-26_1_PIPE_AND_FITTINGS-NA-NA-Feed-LIA-NA-NA-PIPE_AND_FITTINGS_General-71700000052572890-58700005047670158-92700047360240758&gclid=Cj0KCQjwk8b7BRCaARIsAARRTL5cNOTOev5hxictbueS-ZJWiwvSws5HHwXwii-CMwt5guNpqeZW8yIaAkD3EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds That was an incredibly long link! If you're still there....These test caps are thinner than a cap and more easily cut for different designs. Because they pop right off after using, they are easy to clean, and you can have many shapes using only one tube(pipe) You dont even have to remove the pipe to change these 'dies'. I found that the 'pusher' on my caulk gun was slitely too large a diameter, but easily substituted a 1.5" flat washer and all is well. Thanks again for the great idea

[@macromika]

Great video! I asked for an extruder for my birthday. When DH saw the price tag, he said, "why don't *I* make you one?" Since I'm the DIY/builder of the house, I said, "I can BUILD an extruder??!!?!??" DH was a little grumpy that he now had to figure another birthday present for me!! Lol!! Question: what kind of clay do you use in your extruder? Also, what's the smallest size hole that you recommend? I throw porcelain, so I decided to use it in my snazzy new extruder. The hole I cut was 1/4" in diameter. I got a 1" coil before calling it quits. Maybe I should add more water and wedge it more?

[@macromika]

Also, I played the part in the video about smiling and asking the hardware store (nicely) if he coukd please cut the PVC for me. He laughed and was happy to do so, but only because I asked so nicely.

[@CeramicJim]

Thank you! Hmmm. I use porcelain. It’s cone 6. You should be able to get a quarter inch coil so yeah it’s probably a little stiff. The smaller the hole is going to make it tougher to press through. I’ve had trouble with smaller shapes and even if the porcelain is only a little drier I feel like it makes it exponentially harder.

[@CeramicJim]

Nicely is key 😄 . They’re usually happy to do it. I still ask them all to cut big wood panels for me.

[@macromika]

@@CeramicJim hmm. Yeah. It's been pretty chilly here lately, so that's probably what it is. Thanks!!

[@jolene8888]

Hey Jim, do you think it would be big enough to make a test tile extrusion cap?

[@CeramicJim]

Possible. I think if you made a curled “T” maybe like a capita J with the top line and then uncurled it it would be a tall enough tile. Does that make sense?

[@abbondanze]

In 2022 this invention will cost you more like $20. Also recommend you buy the PVC to fit the diameter of the plunger on the chaulk gun as closely as possible otherwise the clay will seep around the sides of the plunger and you will 1) waste a lot of clay and 2) it may be impossible to remove the plunger to reload (until you soak it and fight with it, which is no fun). Two other items that will be helpful and inexpensive: 1) a bottle brush to clean the PVC tube and 2) a $1 rubber washer to fit the diameter of the tube placed between the plunger and the clay - you can cut this to size if you can't find the exact size. This will prevent clay from getting around the sides of the plunger and make clean-up much easier.

[@darklinkwolf101]

what do you go if the clay gets sick and you can't get the plunger out 😅

[@darklinkwolf101]

stuck*

[@nataliea1866]

What about using as electric caulking gun? would it extrude smoother at a better flow rate???

[@CeramicJim]

That sounds awesome. I'l try to give it a go!

[@jennyhuffman5935]

Butterfly wings. Top and bottom wings.

[@CeramicJim]

Sounds good. I'll give it a go!

[@aerith515]

Was this a heavy duty caulk gun? I did this after watching your amazing video and my pipes didn't fit well, so I actually ended up breaking the gun! It was old, no biggie, but I want to buy the right size for future use.

[@CeramicJim]

Hmmm. It’s possible the size of the disc on the caulk gun could vary based on the brand. How or when did it break? I sometimes have issues getting the used tubes out so I’ve been brainstorming modifications to improve the design.

[@aerith515]

@@CeramicJim The handle broke at the welds. I did get a better one that fits everything, except now I'm having the issue with the disc getting stuck inside. My hubby works at a machine shop and he ground it down a bit. Planning to see if that fixed it this evening! Thank you!

[@jacquelineengelen3345]

👋👋👋👋👍👍👍👍👍

[@kit6863]

Would this work for polymer clay?

[@CeramicJim]

I suppose it could. I don’t see why it wouldn’t.

[@st0rm895]

Hey, can you use blue tack with an extruder?

[@CeramicJim]

I’m unfamiliar with blue tack. Is that a type of modeling clay or something?

[@kyradobler6587]

Please make a shape for a mug handle

[@CeramicJim]

I like that idea! Thanks Kyra!

[@bbjo787]

can you make hollow clay tubes?

[@CeramicJim]

You can but it’s a little more complicated. You need to have a ring opening at the end of the cap but then you need something to hold the center piece of the ring in place from the inside. Hopefully that makes sense. It is doable but a much harder DIY for this extruder.

[@katanderson455]

Jim you should DIY this 😀

[@CeramicJim]

Is that a challenge? Ugghhh Kat, now I feel like I have to. WHY??!?! Jk 😉. Currently pondering ideas. I will revisit this one.

[@katanderson455]

lol ok. I think you could put a small clay disc with a .5 inch hole inside the extruder between the cap and pipe then put the cap on and extrude a hollow tube? seems like it should work but maybe not. Since I have no cap but I have a tube today I will try it.

[@lynnettedebell1881]

Penrose tiles

[@CeramicJim]

Oh man! I had to look that one up. So intricate!!! Definitely a good challenge for the extruder!

[@bioshock2589]

A hollow rectangle

[@CeramicJim]

On my list!

[@julie-annevantatenhove572]

apple core hexagon

[@CeramicJim]

I like sound of that. Do you mean separate seeds then? Or something different.

[@glennr9913]

There are two different sizes of caulk guns available. The one in this video is the regular 10 oz size, the larger size is 30 oz. Lowes has a 30 oz gun for $13.28

[@pasajecolon5168]

While watching your video I was thinking: what about using a PVC sleeve, the type used to join 2 similar diameter pipes, they have a "stopper ring" inside, that'd allow the use of flat material (e.g. plexiglass) to cut dies, cutting dies on a flat piece of material would be easier than cutting the shapes on a PVC end cap, a flat sheet of something is easier to clamp to be cut. But then, as the good book says: there is nothing new under the sun, it has been done before, take a look: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gJSXpp5_f5l0r8U

[@CeramicJim]

That’s a much better idea. My creates complications that your idea would fix. Mine is fast and easier to make but harder to use. I’d like to give your idea a go. Thanks for the tip :)

[@pahu47]

Great idea and instructions, but PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE dont try cutting anything round on a table saw!!

[@CeramicJim]

I don’t know. I’m pretty good at it ;)

[@donivers9454]

Mr Jim i have some dvd's for you for your school class Please get back to me

[@CeramicJim]

If you’d like you can send them to the school addressed to me. Thanks Don!

[@kit6863]

Arrgghhh metric pls pls pls... lol

[@CeramicJim]

I know. Us Americans and our standard system. So sorry. I’m all for metric. My brain is just stubborn!

[@MyHouseOnTheMoon]

If you're willing to go up to $10-15, you can get a much nicer gun, which will be easier to load and squeeze, and will not slip out. You can also get the large caulk gun, and make a much bigger gun!

[@the_motherlord]

Haven't read through the comments, someone may have already suggested this...I use metal clay and have made extruder dies with metal clay, I think you could do likewise with your clay. Roll a bit out flat, use the end of your pvc extruder as a cutter, cookie cutter style. Then cut out your desired shape. Allow to dry, sand or file to clean up then into the kiln. It will shrink a tad but as the cut was from the exterior of the pvc it should be fine. Endless possibilities.

[@CeramicJim]

I’ve never used metal clay before. I’ve only heard of it. You’re the first to suggest it. Thanks for the tip. I think using the pvc outside might just be the perfect size to account for shrinkage. Thanks!

[@the_motherlord]

I think you could make dies with the clay you use as well