Homemade Slab Roller

You can use clay slabs to make decorative tiles.

You can make all kinds of ceramic items from clay slabs, but rolling the clay out by hand can give irregular results. A slab roller makes even, regular slabs every time. You can build one yourself.

Function

A slab roller uses a long horizontal roller to press out a slab of clay. The roller is held at a particular height so that the slab is the same thickness all over. If you want a thinner slab but the roller can't be lowered sufficiently, you can place shim boards under the roller. You can use a textured board to press designs into the clay.

Types

For large projects such as floor tiles, you may need a full-sized slab roller. These are often the size of a table and require plenty of workshop space. Small, portable mini rollers are better if you don't have much space. A one-way roller pushes the clay through in one direction so you have to remove and turn it if you want to roll it again. A bi-directional roller is harder to build but takes some of the work out of making slabs.

Materials

You will need wheels and gears to let the roller move over the clay and a handle to operate the machine. For a free-standing slab roller you will need a sturdy frame. A mini roller can be made using wood, while a free-standing one may need to use metal for the body.

References

• Wendt Pottery: Slab Roller Construction Plans
• Pottery Magic: Homemade Pottery and Ceramic Tools

Resources

• JH Pottery: How To Make A Slab Pot