Slab Rollers?

[Claydancer]

I've found that I need to replace my existing slab roller with something a bit more portable, and as I'm getting up in years at this point, one that's lighter in weight as well. Right now, I'm using a small one I had the welding students at the college build for me before I retired. It's a 'table top' roller, but getting harder and harder for me to move from one place to another as needed. (I have a small studio, and space is precious, and the darned thing is heavy.)

During a discussion in a Facebook group a short while back, there was mention of the Little Jiffy Slab Roller - http://oakwoodslabroller.tripod.com/ I've had it in my bookmarks for some time, but am just now getting more serious about my equipment 'upgrade'.

I'm curious if anyone has any experience with this - specifically, the consistency of the slabs. Is there enough support in the center of the bed so that the middle of the slab isn't slightly thicker than the outside? What are your thoughts on it?

Thanks for any and all input!

[barbaradonovan]

I've never used one of these or even seen one in person, but from looking at the video, the slabs it can roll are small so that I wonder if rolling out a slab between two wood slats with a rolling pin wouldn't work just as well.

I think the surface of the slab roller is small enough that you wouldn't have to worry about a thick slab middles. I bet they would be happy to answer that question and tell you how thick the plywood for the table is and maybe that would help you decide. The price seems fair.
:)
-b

[Claydancer]

Thanks Barb! Yes, the price is quite reasonable, and it looks like it would be easy enough for me to move from place to place. It's about the size of the one I have now, so the slabs are fairly small. But, I've found that even the smaller ones can cause a slight and unwanted 'belly bulge' if not supported properly in the center.

You're right - I'm sure they could answer any questions I may have, but what I was most interested in was hearing from anyone who has or has used one.

Having to suspend some of my operations for an indefinite period has caused a huge slump in our finances, so I didn't want to make that 'impulse' purchase without hearing any reviews from other users.

;)

~L