Standard Slab Roller
Setup & Operating Information
For All
18, 24, and 30” models with 2½” OD rolls
Revised February 2012
1341 W. 1st Street
Cheney, WA 99004 USA
509.235.9200/800.231.7896
Fax: 509.235.9203
www.northstarequipment.com
Introduction
Thank you for investing in a North Star slab roller. They have been
manufactured for more than 40 years, and they have earned an excellent
reputation all around the world. It will last for a very long time, will make slabs
dependably, and your clay work will warp and crack less in the fire than slabs
made with other machine designs.
Setting Up Your Slab Roller
Please follow the setup instructions for the model you have purchased. Included
with all standard slab rollers are the following items: Gear Guard, Hex Key,
Canvas, and Instructions.
Identifying the Slab Roller Drive Configuration
There are two types of slab roller drive configurations presently used.
Type #1 utilizes a permanently attached drive coupling that allows a square steel
peg attached to the crank handle or wagon wheel, to slide into the drive
coupling, and is prevented from sliding out by a small star knob.
Type #2 utilizes a drive pin installed directly into the bottom roll shaft where the
coupling of the crank handle or wagon wheel is slid over the shaft and in turn
engages the drive pin.
Type #1
Type #2
Page 1
Attaching the Crank Handle or Wagon Wheel to Your Slab Roller
Type # 1 Attachment
Slide the square steel peg of the crank handle or wagon wheel into the square
hole of the coupling until it stops. Lightly tighten the star knob.
Type # 2 Attachment
Slide the coupling of the crank handle or wagon wheel over the shaft. Note the
two notches at the leading edge of the coupling. Position these notches so that
each protruding end of the drive pin is captured. Lightly tighten the star knob.
Work Table Models : PortaRoller, CT 500, and Sirius Star 30
These models have removable table tops and can be operated without being
permanently mounted to a work table. This allows the user to remove and store
the slab roller and table tops for future use
. When used in the free standing
configuration, the friction strips located on the bottom of the slab roller and
table tops must remain clean. See maintenance section for details.
Install the gear guard on the gear end of the slab roller using the hex key pro-
vided. Place the slab roller on your work table with enough room for each table
top to be evenly positioned on each side of the slab roller. The work table area
where the slab roller will be placed, should be clean, dry, and smooth. Position
the slab roller with the gear guard end facing away from you and the drive end
of the slab roller facing towards you. In addition, the drive end of the slab roller
must be positioned near the work table edge to allow for movement of the
crank handle or wagon wheel while in operation (figure 1).
Type #1 Type #2
Page 2
Work Table Models : PortaRoller, CT 500, and Sirius Star 30
Continued
Determine what drive configuration your slab roller is utilizing and attach the
crank handle or wagon wheel to your slab roller. See “Attaching the crank han-
dle or wagon wheel to your slab roller” section. The table tops included with
your slab roller have two long rails attached to the bottom with machined slots
at one end. To mount your table tops, simply slide these slots over the spreader
bar of the slab roller and allow the rails to rest evenly on the worktable surface.
Repeat for other side. (figure 2)
Complete Frame and Table Top Models
Install the gear guard on the gear end of the slab roller using the hex key pro-
vided. Follow the frame assembly and slab roller mounting instructions that are
packaged with the table frame. Determine what drive configuration your slab
roller is utilizing and see “Attaching the crank handle or wagon wheel to your
slab roller” section. Continue with “ How the slab roller operates” section.
Slab Rollers Purchased With No Table Tops
Install the gear guard on the gear end of the slab roller using the hex key pro-
vided. Determine what drive configuration your slab roller is utilizing and see
“Attaching the crank handle or wagon wheel to your slab roller” section. These
models must be permanently mounted to your work surface. Table tops are not
included in this configuration and it is the users responsibility to construct and
setup appropriately. The diagram below describes the proper slab roller and
table top configuration. Continue with “ How the slab roller operates” section.
Tops of table tops
should be about
1/8” below the top
of the bottom roll.
Gap here should
be small as
possbile
Top of
your table
All North Star slab
rollers can be retrofitted
with easily removable
table tops. Contact
North Star for details.
Figure 1
Page 3
Slots
Spreader Bar
Figure 2
Rail
How The Slab Roller Operates
The North Star slab roller has been designed to reduce soft bulk clay
into a slab of varying thickness. The following is a description of
each of the operating features of the North Star slab roller.
The Drive Mechanism (how the rolls move)
By turning the crank handle or the wagon wheel, both the top and bottom rolls
turn simultaneously, applying even pressure on the clay. The handle can be
turned in both directions. This allows the clay to travel from one side of the slab
roller to the other. Thickness adjustments can be made on each pass.
Canvas and Other Transfer Materials
The canvas supplied with your slab roller functions to transfer the clay through
the rolls. The clay is placed between the two sheets and the combination is
moved through the rolls to reduce the slab thickness. The textured surface on
the rolls (knurling), enables the rolls to grab the canvas. It is important to keep
the knurling free of clay build-up to prevent slipping. The canvas will leave a
slight texture on the surface of the slab. If a smooth surface is desired, the
texture can be removed with a rib or similar device. Other transfer materials
can be used to produce a desired textured effect and can be used with or
without the supplied canvas. Have fun! Be creative.
Adjusting the Slab Thickness
The slab thickness is set by moving the top roll up or down. Adjustments are
made by turning the black star knobs on top of the slab roller. Scales are
provide for general reference, and are calibrated using the supplied canvas. The
zero mark on the scales includes the thickness of the canvas. The accuracy of
the scales may change if you use other transfer materials.
Tapered slabs can be achieved by making one end adjustment higher or lower
than the other. There are limitations to how much taper can be achieved
without binding the slab roller. Always look at the gap between the rolls while
turning the adjusting knobs. This prevents binding and possible damage to the
slab roller.
Just below the adjusting knobs are large jam nuts. These nuts can be screwed
down to the top of the end casting to lock the adjustment in place.
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Rolling Slabs
FOR BEST PERFORMANCE USE SOFT CLAY !
1.) Shape the clay into a loaf with your hands, approximately four times the
thickness of the slab you plan to make.
2.) Use the adjustment knobs and pointers to set the initial gap between the
rollers about 1/4” narrower than the thickness of your loaf of clay.
3.) Match up both sheets of canvas and feed approximately five inches through
the rolls.
4.) Lift the upper sheet of canvas from the back edge and lay it over the top roll.
Lay the clay loaf on the lower sheet snuggly against the top canvas sheet.
Drape the top sheet back over the clay.
5.) Begin turning the crank handle while pressing lightly on the clay. The clay
and canvas should start moving through the rollers. If not, continue cranking
while exerting more pressure on the clay. DO NOT PULL ON THE
CANVAS SHEET FROM THE OTHER SIDE.
6.) Once the clay and canvas start moving through the rollers, continue cranking
until the canvas stops.
7.) Use the adjustment knobs and pointers to narrow the gap between the
rollers another 1/2” , then roll the clay back through the rollers in the opposite
direction.
8.) Lift the canvas, inspect the clay and, if you need a rounder shape, turn the
clay 90 degrees on the canvas before narrowing the gap again and sending the
clay back through.
9.) Repeat until the desired thickness is achieved.
Rolling Slabs On Work Table Models
Do not reduce the clay too quickly ! Too much clay resistance may cause the
slab roller to lift off your work table. Do not reduce the clay by more than 1/2”
for each pass. OPTION : Any standard model slab roller can be permanently
mounted to your work table by using the two bolt holes at the inside bottom of
each end casting.
Page 5
Maintenance
Your North Star slab roller has been manufactured with the best quality parts and workman-
ship in mind. With a small amount of maintenance, your slab roller should last for many years
to come. To help us with our warranty obligation, please perform these simple maintenance
steps at least every three months if needed, and more often if you are a power user.
1. Lightly grease the gears of the four gear drive train using a light weight grease. Any of the
synthetic greases on the market will do well. Apply a small amount of grease using a dispos-
able paint brush. Grease just the top portion of the gear teeth on each gear. The grease will
last a long time, and you may not have to reapply the grease for several years. The grease
primarily keeps the slab roller running smooth and quite. Keep your gear guard on at all times.
This keeps the gears clean and your fingers safe !
2. Lightly grease the riser screws in the same manner. The riser screws are the threaded rod
pieces attached to the thickness adjustment knobs.
3. Keep the knurling on the rollers clean. This will allow the knurling to grab the canvas
securely and prevent slipping. Clean out the knurling with a tooth brush (plastic bristles) or
similar non abrasive brush dipped in soapy water. Do not use a steel wire brush, this may
damage the rolls.
Special Note For Work Table Models
The PortaRoller, CT 500, and the Sirius Star 30 slab rollers are prevented from slipping on your
work table from the use of heavy duty friction tape installed on both the table rails and the
slab roller end castings. The friction tape must be kept clean. Clean the strips with a mild
soap solution or alcohol based window cleaner. DO NOT USE FURNITURE POLISH or any
waxed based product. Remove any clay dust, or any other debris from your work table before
setting up the slab roller.
Ordering Replacement Parts
Replacement parts are available from the factory. Call North Star for a complete list and
current pricing.
Transporting the PortaRoller
The Portaroller was designed to be easily disassembled and transported.
Follow these easy steps for disassembly -
1. Remove each table side from the spreader bar supports.
2. Remove the crank handle from the slab roller and press the crank handle into the storage
clips located on the bottom of the table.
3. Place the two table tops together with their flat surfaces facing each other and the rails
facing out.
4. Strap the two table tops together at the handle using the Velcro strap attached to the
bottom of the table. This keeps the table tops from scissoring while you walk.
5. Fold the canvas and place it between the rolls of the slab roller. Adjust the thickness
knobs to secure the canvas.
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Repair and Warranty Information
NorthStarslabrollersareproudlymanufacturedintheUSA.
Inthiswaywecancontrolthequalityandserviceofourproducts.
Wethankyouforyourpatronage.
North Star Standard Slab Roller Warranty
February 2012
This warranty policy covers all North Star products shipped on and after January 1, 2012 and super-
sedes all previous warranty policies. Warranty terms, product designs, specifications and prices are
subject to change without notice. All warranties extend to the original purchaser only and are not
transferable. To make your warranty effective, register on line at northstarequipment.com .
FULL NO-TIME-LIMIT PRODUCT WARRANTY
Your North Star standard slab roller is warranted to be free of defects in materials and
workmanship. This warranty will remain in effect for the life of the machine subject to the
conditions specified below. North Star will repair or replace, at no cost to you, any part we find to be
worn out or defective. This includes even parts that wear in normal use, such as bushings, spacers,
gears and spring pins. Failures caused by abuse or use of the machine for other than the intended
purposes, as determined by North Star Equipment, are not covered. If it is necessary for the machine
to come back to the factory for repairs, you must pack it and prepay the shipping to North Star. It
will be repaired or replaced at our option and returned to you a North Star’s expense.
Conditions and Exceptions
1.) All standard series Slab Rollers used in commercial or academic settings are warranted for 24
months from date of purchase.
2.) The Slab Roller which forms the heart of the PortaRoller, is warranted for five years.
3.) Table tops, table shelves, and wings carry no warranty beyond arrival in good condition and
proper fit.
Delivery Warranty
Delivery in good condition is guaranteed for every product, regardless of the carrier. Should shipping
damage occur, customer should have it noted on the freight bill and contact North Star for
immediate repair or replacement. If the carrier is liable, North Star will pursue the claim.
Merchandise Return Privilege
Any North Star product except custom items may within 10 days of receipt be returned for
refund if is unsatisfactory in any way, provided it is complete with all parts and
documentation, in new condition, and in its original packaging. Should you wish to return an item, it
should be repacked and returned to your dealer. He is authorized to refund the purchase price in full.
Factory Rebuilding
At any time, no matter how new or old a North Star Standard Slab Roller may be, North Star
Equipment will rebuild and refinish it, replace every worn part and install all available updates for
one third the current list price of that model or its equivalent ( if that model has been changed).
To take advantage of this offer, contact the factory directly.
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