Cameron Holder
    Thinker & Tinkerer







  

Info + Contact

Index

Blueprint Shop

Friends

Install

Interactive

CNC &
Prototyping

Product

Film

Play

Ceramics Equipment Builds & Restorations


Custom Jigger Machine

In early 2022, I had an urge to dive into the world of ceramics. I wanted to combine my computer design skills with my knowledge of CNC machining and apply this to ceramic projects. So, I hatched a plan to 3D machine patterns from tooling board using a CNC and create moulds based on my clients' wishes. To bring this plan to life, I even engineered my own custom jigger machine, which I attached to a pottery wheel. This machine had ample adjustment and included slots to attach a custom shoe/die to the arm.

Clay Extruder, Clay Cutter & Ball Mill

I also got into the idea of making ceramic clothes pegs, and it all started with a casual lunchtime chat with my old boss, Rob Uivel.

I initially explored the idea of press-moulding the pegs in an arbour press but soon realised you need a lot of force to do this successfully. Instead, I created an extruder by repurposing a bottle-jack from a pipe bender. I used this contraption to push clay through a 2D machined profile to shape it into pegs.

Then, I designed a custom clay cutter with tensioned fishing wire to cut the extrusions into segments. After firing, my plan was to tumble them in a custom made ball mill filled with sand to smooth the edges, saving me from having to hand-finish each peg.

The ball mill was made using a fan motor and a home brew vat. I created the cranks from layered PVC. I fired some peg prototypes using a high-fire porcelain, and it looked promising. But I had intentions of experimenting with stoneware and firing at higher temperatures for extra durability and a vitrified clay body.

My extruder also came in handy for creating test tiles. I designed a custom die from carbon fibre tooling board, and it had grooves that made it easy to test different glazes on an undulating surface.

Kiln Restoration

I had to get resourceful due to budget constraints. I found an old Reward Shurefire kiln from the '70s, but it needed a lot of work. I had to replace elements, rewire, restore the stainless steel, and replace hardware. To get more precise firing, I ditched the old kiln-sitter and installed a touchscreen controller, allowing me to fire up to cone 6 (1240°C).

Pugmill Restoration

Custom Jigger Machine:
In early 2022, I had an urge to dive into the world of ceramics. I wanted to combine my computer design skills with my knowledge of CNC machining and apply this to ceramic projects. So, I hatched a plan to 3D machine patterns from tooling board using a CNC and create moulds based on my clients' wishes. To bring this plan to life, I even engineered my own custom jigger machine, which I attached to a pottery wheel. This machine had ample adjustment and included slots to attach a custom shoe/die to the arm.

In Conclusion

One day, when I have more time on my hands, I'd love to revisit ceramics. Oddly enough, I think I enjoyed setting up the processes and crafting machines for ceramic production more than making the ceramics themselves.