Which pasta machine to get?

[Former_Member]

Hi, I'm new here :) been playing with clay for few years and just recently decided to go public with it. I been making lots of different things nothing too special and always looking for ideas and new challenges. I am planing to open a sister shop for my clay work and thinking that I need to invest into pasta machine, that's where my question comes in. Which pasta machine would you recommend? Should I just pick up a craft store/clay brand or should I get a kitchen pasta machine? Thanks, Irena :)

[epicycledesigns]

I'm using a Sculpey machine that I bought 50% off for $15 or so two years ago, and it's still going strong!
I bought another because I though my current one would inevitably break, but it hasn't yet.

[Former_Member]

Thank you! Good to know they good since I read mixed reviews :)

[exZuberant]

My sculpey machine broke after a month or two. I replaced it with a Makins machine, which I like because it has Teflon rollers. I took it apart to clean the blades and just couldn't get the rollers aligned properly. I bought another one for about $35 at Hobby Lobby with a store coupon.

[MysticDreamerArt]

For someone doing a lot of work constantly -- especially if it's bigger pieces, there is nothing like the Dream Machine. Expensive, special purpose, but so worth it.

[BlueTurtleCrafts]

I recently broke down and got a modified atlas 180 from here
http://monakissel.com/toolspasta.html

I really like that you can remove the blades easily and clean them without having to disassemble the whole machine.

I would loooove a dream machine but so far haven't been able to hack the price, maybe next time :)

[Former_Member]

Killed 2 Atlas and one Makin in less than 9 months so I'd like to know as well :/

[Former_Member]

I tend to be a little impatient when conditioning and have a habit of putting the clay in the machine a little too soon. I tried 2 different sculpey machines and pretty much killed them in less than a month. My very first pasta machine was actually a machine for pasta. Even came with the noodle cutting attachment. That cost me about $40 and lasted me years. Even then the only reason I had to replace it was due to my impatience having stretched out the roller spacing. And that took years to happen. My next 2 machines were the Sculpey ones I mentioned before. I replaced those with another 'really for pasta' machine that I bought at Bed, Bath and Beyond. This one was only $35. It is heavier and feels much more sturdy.

I haven't tried the Makins one and would love to own a Dream machine.

[Former_Member]

Atlas, but never put anything over double the thickness of the setting through the machine. You'll ruin a machine in no time.
Slice your clay in slices slightly over the largest setting on your pasta machine and then the next time put two of those thicknesses through. Be kind to your machine and it will last years!

I have tried all different types of pasta machines(most likely all of the different machines, except the commercial ones), I even own a Dream Machine and a Trattoria (I know I spelled that wrong). I still love my Atlas the best! I bet I have over 20 machines, since I pick them up at thrift stores when I see them. The old Atlas machines are usually better and don't have the plastic scraper blades.

Also, save your old machines for parts.

[jangeisen]

I always start conditioning my clay by hand, then flatten it quite a bit before putting it through the pasta machine to finish the conditioning process. I have an Atlas 150 (made for making pasta). It has lasted me 21 years, so far. Many of those years using the old, really stiff, Fimo clay.

[Former_Member]

Thank you for the feedback on pasta machines. The info helped me select a used Atlas machine from Ebay. I bought a machine (so far, it works great), supplies, and clay for my daughter's birthday. Each family member has enjoyed working with polymer clay and we hope to learn much more about the medium. Glad to know there's a discussion community online.

[Former_Member]

There is no better pasta machine then the Atlas. I have tried them all.

[Former_Member]

I'm new to polymer clay, but I'm loving it! I just purchased an Amaco pasta/clay machine. Got it today. Tried to adjust the thickness dial, and it came off in my hand........so it's going back ASAP! What is the best brand/model to buy? I see Atlas brand a lot. Is there a particular model that is better?

Thanks!

[Former_Member]

Hi Judith Lynn Gauthier you posted that you purchased the pasta machine from Bed Bath and beyond and I was wondering how you like it? I just purchased it and before I use it would like to know if you think it is worth keeping or returning it. If there is anyone who has used this machine what do you think. It is made by Weston and its called "My perfect pasta machine"
Thank you
Sharon Ruth

[Former_Member]

has anyone used the Weston "My perfect pasta machine" bought from bed bath and beyond? if you have how do you like it and is it worth buying?

Thank you

[AkikosWorld]

I've been using an Imperia for 3 years now, and everything keeps working great :)

Never had any trouble while cleaning it and it is quite strong !