How to Build a Clay Slab Roller

Clay slabs can be used to make reliefs and intaglios

Clay slab rollers make it easier to roll a consistent thickness. Combined with slow drying at a steady heat and humidity, consistent thickness makes the slabs less likely to curl. Interchangeable frame pieces and screwed joints allow you to adjust the dimensions of the clay slab roller as needed. Clean the roller after every use with a soft brush and warm, not hot, running water.

Things You'll Need

• Miter box and back saw
• Clamps
• Carpenters' try square
• Carpenters' pencil
• Power drill, 1/8-inch diameter bit
• Corner framing braces, manufacturer-supplied hardware
• Sandpaper
• Clear acrylic wood sealant

Instructions

1. 

   Miter the lumber

   Miter 4 pieces of 1/2-inch by 2-inch by 24-inch stock framing lumber to a 45-degree angle. Miter two additional 6-, 12- and 18-inch pieces, to the same angle.

2. 

   Use bar clamps to hold the frame together

   Assemble the 24-inch pieces into a square frame. Dry-clamp the frame pieces and use a carpenters' try square to ensure that all corners make 90-degree angles.

3. Place braces on each corner once the frame is square. Mark the positions of the brace holes with a carpenters' pencil. Various types and sizes of corner braces are shown in Plate 7 on the Sheet Metal Components page at Sunoj Engineers.

4. 

   Drill pilot holes

   Drill all holes using a 1/8-inch diameter bit. Secure the braces to the 24-inch frame using manufacturer-supplied fasteners.

5. Remove the screws from the top and bottom frame pieces. Do not remove the screws from the left and right side pieces.

6. Pull the top and bottom pieces away from the frame and replace them with the 18-inch ones. Dry-clamp the frame pieces and use a carpenters' try square to ensure that all corners make 90-degree angles.

7. Mark the positions of the brace holes on the 18-inch pieces. Drill all holes and secure the pieces to the rest of the frame.

8. Repeat the previous steps until the 12- and 6-inch pieces have all been drilled. Disassemble all pieces.

9. Sand and seal all frame pieces with clear acrylic wood treatment.

Tips & Warnings

• The pieces can be assembled in any combination as long as the top and bottom lengths match and the side lengths match. This roller will allow you to make 24-inch long slabs that are 24, 18, 12 or 6 inches wide. For other widths or for thinner slabs, potter John Hester uses a pair of yardsticks and cuts the resulting slab to the desired dimensions.

• Commercial grade rolling pins are available in steel or solid marble, in lengths 18 inches and up.

References

• Sunoj Engineers: Corner Braces; Plate 7
• JH Pottery: Slab Pot Tutorial