How to Use a North Star Clay Extruder to Create Ceramic Coils and Hollow Extrusions

If you work in a ceramic studio with an extruder- that is one piece of handy equipment you should know how to use! In this video, I show the basics of how to use a North Star Extruder. I show the stainless extruder package I purchase back around 1999. (My first one I purchased for my home studio in 1996!) Here is the North Star link to that: www.northstareq... everything looks pretty much the same on it, except the color of the dies has changed. I also have a North Star slab roller I will create a video on sometime soon as well. (I love that so much I bought 3 for 3 different studios I have been in!) (And I have 3 North Star ware carts which I love!) Yeah, I like their products- built to last!
In the video, I demonstrate how to make basic coils using a four hole die with a blank or mask cover, and basic hollow extrusions with the Z brace holding the center plug of the die. I demonstrate how to put the dies in, tighten, extrude the clay onto a prepped plastic tray underneath it, take the dies back out, and clean the extruder preparing it for the next time. I ask my students to leave the extruder and area clean and prepped for the next person. It usually takes 10 minutes of diligent cleaning to get it totally clean inside and out with all the parts.
When my students make more coils than they can use in a given class bell, I tell them to place a damp towel over them and cover the whole plastic tray with a couple of bags.
You can use any plastic clay in the extruder, and if you are making hollow coils, it must be VERY plastic to mend back together when it gets around the Z brace. I had a bit of an issue in my demo in the video, but I left it in so you could learn from it. One of my students managed to leave a sponge in the pug mill, and it came through in the pugged clay. This resulted in it hanging up on the Z brace as the clay was coming through, and made a big rip in the side of the hollow coil. After unsuccessfully trying to pull out the problem hunk, I pushed a bit more, and the sponge popped through, and the hollow die was once again working fine. This is a good thing to keep in mind if you ever have an issue with this. Luckily, I didn't need to dismantle it to get the sponge out! :-)
Please subscribe to my channel for more videos and channel updates! Happy coiling!
Also, here is a googledoc list for Amazon links of my FAVORITE tools I use within my videos:
docs.google.co...

[@inkenmariesterby4555]

Than you - I have to Play with my new extruder for the first time later today😁

[@rogergoodland3140]

Yay! Just found this episode! I have a North Star..... very helpful in reminding me that they are fun but require work to use!

[@micheledickey4066]

This was so helpful Karen thank you. I know it was a pain to have the sponge in there but it was actually a good things to see so we know what it does. Thanks.

[@lindarivers2407]

If you cut off the end of the allen wrench, you could use a socket on the end of the allen wrench...

[@Indexanimisermo]

thank you for graciously sharing this...reminds me of myself as i work with this equipment...hahaha

[@merlinkater7756]

TIP: get two bolts with hex heads of the same diameter but longer, then put a big stack of spacer rings under the bolt head so it sticks out from under the device decently. Now you can use a ratchet! Also I see I'm 5 years late with this 😁

[@jaredhostutler1965]

"...aaaand theres the sponge that made it to the pug mill..." too funny

[@KaransPotsAndGlass]

Lol! #realworldhighschoolproblems ;)

[@smartmonkey777]

They do make hex adapters for ratchets

[@freddiemoretti8456]

Hope you are doing well ... you mentioned a ratchet allen key. just wanted to know if you resolved the tightening system? Considering the NS Extruder when I can save up enough pennies and enjoyed your video. Thanks for sharing!

[@KaransPotsAndGlass]

Never did figure out a ratchet- but I should look to see if I can find something to work!!! (I seldom use it at school!)

[@freddiemoretti8456]

@@KaransPotsAndGlass When I have enough saved up I will also get an allen wrench extension with a ratchet. Started to do a little more hand building after my bird bath lighthouse combo survived. It works well with a solar fountain. Birds don't have enough cover to use it so the geckos have the run of the place. Stay safe and be well!

[@user-ct6xs9rz6q]

Excellent ! thanks!

[@KaransPotsAndGlass]

Glad you liked it!

[@AbelieverofourLord]

Thanks! Very helpful.

[@freddiemoretti8456]

Ta for sharing!

[@ssl3546]

you can buy rachet allen keys. they cost about $20.

[@KaransPotsAndGlass]

True! I was trying to avoid the purchase of new tools! ;-)

[@louybee]

Would mounting a 2x4s (or 2x6's) on the wall behind the extruder so it sits farther out from the wall, give the wrench more turning space? Although, wood may be too "weak". My local metal company, "Industrial Metal Supply (AZ)" sells square metal "tubing" with pre-drilled holes which comes in various widths. 2 strips hacksawed into appropriate lengths & mounted behind the extruder might be a lot "stronger" than wood! I'm sure it's available all over! The url is: www.industrialmetalsupply.com/Products/telescoping-tube

[@edstud1]

You should be able to get an adapter so you can use a ratchet. Just check at an auto parts store.

[@bbjo787]

Good video

[@maamarouraghi6678]

how do you prepare the clay paste.

[@CoverdaleBlue1]

Why don't you insert the screws upside down? It would be easier to screw and unscrew

[@KaransPotsAndGlass]

That would be a nice idea, however then you can't rotate the wrench far enough! Since you put them in from the bottom, the wrench can clear the bottom of the unit to swing further!

[@robertdumoulin3661]

Is thèse die Come whit thé extruder

[@KaransPotsAndGlass]

The extruder came with basic dies- the hollow die was extra!

[@hannasienkiewicz7714]

Where I can buy this Extruder with handy equipment?

[@KaransPotsAndGlass]

I have the link in the video description below the video! Here you go in case you didn't see it! :-) www.northstarequipment.com/Extruders/950.htm

[@hannasienkiewicz7714]

thank you very much

[@lilpoods2869]

AAAHHH!!! That squeak HURT THE EARS OF MY DEAF CAT!!!

[@lilpoods2869]

I wasn't hating this vid was useful and ur students are lucky to have you. X

[@KaransPotsAndGlass]

Lol! I totally agree- I HATE the squeak!!! But, I can't use a lubricant of any form, because it would get on the clay!

[@a705fay]

way too much clean up

[@KaransPotsAndGlass]

LOL! yes!!

[@harxmoond]

I would remove the entire socket cap screw and replace it with a regular screw and use a small pivot screwdriver. The machine will be doing all of the work instead of your fingers.

[@KaransPotsAndGlass]

Well, that's a great idea! I never even thought about using something with a screw driver type end instead of a bolt end!!! Thanks for the tip! :-)