Many people use slab building as a clay craft making method
. Most serious clay makers use a pottery slab roller. This is the best way to create consistent clay slabs. You can crank out a lot of consistent slabs with this device.
You will find many different models of slab rollers. The purpose of the device is to turn a lump of clay into a flat clay slab. The device is sold alone or it comes attached to a table with legs that can be adjusted depending on your needs.
Some machines are hand operated by either a hand crank or a wagon wheel. Some are operated by a motor. Some machines have one roller and some have two. Depending on your need, you can buy a portable machine or a stationary machine for a large studio. You can find industrial style models that are built to be used day in and day out, or light duty models.
Before buying a slab roller, determine who will be using the machine. Will one or more people be using it, or will a group of people use the machine? Knowing this will help you decide on whether or not to purchase a heavy duty model. If you buy a light weight model, remember most are not warranted for heavy duty use.
It is important to know if anyone using the machine has limitations physically. Determine the size of the slabs you will need rolled out. Choose the machine based on the thickness of the slabs you will need rolled.
Determine how much you will be able to spend. You can buy a new machine of course but you can also find a good deal on a used one. In either case, the pottery slab roller is a good investment for any art studio.