Studio Star
Our Studio Star (designed for the hobbyist) line of casting machines all use an onbearing pump where the shaft is supported by a
bearing at the point where it enters the housing. Some of these are externally mounted, and some of these pumps are suspended in the
liquid. Regardless of the mounting style, a packing and seal system is needed to protect the bearings from the abrasive slip. This
design is known as an outboard bearing design.
This type of pump is very economical to build; but unfortunately, the wear factor from the abrasive slip takes its toll on the packings. Eventually, the slip will reach all the bearings and major maintenance problems can become a major factor to consider. Repair costs and down time must be taken into consideration and it may be less expensive to use the Slip-O-Matic™ Centrifugal pump.
In 1990, we totally re-designed our external version of this pump (the Studio Star EX4) to improve the mechanical design as much as
possible. The outboard ball bearing is now held in place with a much better alignment bracket. The shaft bushing location was changed
to provide better internal support, plus it can be replaced when it wears. The packings are more effective and are also easier to
adjust and replace.
Our Studio Star EX4 pump is the only real choice for economical external mounting applications. When used for hobby type work loads, it is a good value. It will simply not hold up under continual use when pumping abrasive slip.
We also offer the outboard bearing type in a suspended style pump. This centrifugal pump looks similar to the Slip-O-Matic™, but
they do have the packings and seals exposed to the slip. Again, if they are used for hobby casting they are a good value. They will
require periodic maintenance and eventually the parts will have to be totally replaced because of the abrasive wear from the slip.
Suspended versions (Model SP4) can be made to fit various depth tanks. They can also be modified to pump a few gallons less or a few
gallons more than the standard model advertised in our catalog.
Slip Mixers and Reclaimers
Mity Mite
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$430 Dimensions: 17" x 9" x 29" Description: 10 gallon slip mixer/ reclaimer Operating Instructions |
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The Mity Mite Mixer is the most efficient small mixer available. It's perfect for regular slip, porcelain, stoneware and
makes for fast and easy reclaiming of wet trimmings from molds. In fact, it will mix glaze and about anything else that can be
classified as a heavy slurry liquid.
It has a capacity of 10 gallons. Lid and outlet spigot included. The Mity Mite Mixer uses a 1/2 h.p. motor and a 4" mixing prop.
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Efficient Slip Casting
Model CC6
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$455 Dimensions: 13" D x 27" H Description: 6 gallon casting unit |
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The CC6 casting unit uses a short version of the SP4 pump and fits down tightly on a standard 6 gallon bucket. The CC6 is shown with the optional steel base (CC6M) with three swivel casters that makes it very easy to roll around. The motor mount combination top cover is clear lexan so you can see inside the bucket.
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Universal Mount Slip Mixers
Model COM
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$535 Dimensions: 31" working depth Description: clamp mount mixer |
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The COM mixer(shown on left) features a C-clamp mount with adjustable angle settings. This allows the unit to be installed in a variety of tanks. It has a 31" long stainless steel shaft with two 4" mixing props. The 1/2 h.p. motor has an 8" cord and in-line switch.
Model COM-34
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$675 Dimensions: 31" working depth Description: 3/4 h.p. clamp on mixer |
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We offer COM-34 with the same features, except it has a 3/4 h.p. motor and three 4" props on a 1/2" stainless steel shaft. This unit is designed for heavy duty use in a larger tank.
OPT Mixer
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$375 Dimensions: 25" working depth Description: top mount mixer |
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The OPT mixer is designed to mount on top of the dowels of a standard casting table. The 1/2 h.p. motor is connected to a flat stainless steel plate. U-bolts are included to fasten the plate to the table.
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Casting Tables
Porta Potter 30
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$835 Dimensions: 22" W x 25" L x 22" H Description: 30 gallon mobile caster, low profile |
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The Porta Potter 30 (shown on left) has been a studio favorite since 1972. The low-profile open top design is perfect for draining molds into, or for rolling under a drain table. The PP30 is only 22" tall and the fiberglass tank holds 30 gallons. The top is covered with dowels that can be removed individually. In the close-up you can see how the pump (SP4) rests on stainless steel pins and it can easily be removed by lifting up on the motor handle. This unit is complete with hose, nozzle and the casters make it very portable.
Porta Potter 30T
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$875 Dimensions: 22" W x 25" L x 33" H Description: 30 gallon mobile caster, tall version |
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The Porta Potter 30T (shown on right) is the taller version of the same efficient casting machine. All other features are the same, except to height is 33" to the draining surface. We show both machines together to provide a reference of the difference in the overall height .
Model CT425M
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$1,225 Dimensions: 24" W x 48" L x 32" H Description: 4' casting/ draining machine, mobile |
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The model CT425M is the smallest of the Studio Star production casting tables. The tank and draining area are molded into a one-piece fiberglass tank that holds 30 gallons. The top draining area measures 22" x 46" and the height is 32". A rigid steel frame supports four heavy duty casters making the machine very mobile. The pump is the EX4, with our unique flow-thru outlet system that allows it to run with the nozzle closed. The slip is then by-passed back into the tank creating extra agitation. This feature also adds life to the pump.
Model CT630
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$1,430 Dimensions: 28" W x 67" L x 32" H Description: 5' casting draining machine, no casters |
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This same design is available in two larger sizes. The model CT630 is 26" x 66" x 32" high and it holds 30 gallons of slip. The CT630 is available either with, or without casters to make it portable.
Model CT850
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$1,785 Dimensions: 30" W x 96" L x 32" H Description: 8" casting/ draining machine, no casters |
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The CT850 is the largest version of this design. The size is 30" x 95" x 32" high and it holds 50 gallons of slip. This model uses the SP4 internal style pump. It has a heavy duty steel frame and is not available with casters.
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Draining Tables
Model DT6
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$ Dimensions: 20"W x 26"L x 8" T Description: Draining table |
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When you want to pour just a few molds, it seems to take as long and make as much mess as if you poured dozens. The DT6 casting
top can greatly increase your effciency. It's a perfect table top draining tank and has dowels going across the entire surface. It has a drain outlet at one end and cleans up to look new in minutes.
The 1" lip around the perimeter gives you some choices on how to make it even easier to use. You can build a simple frame to hold it up
or you can cut a hole in a table and drop the DT6 in so it's flush tot he top. Either way, it makes casting a few molds easy.
Model CT6
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$510 Dimensions: 26" W x 64" L x 32" H (legs) Description: CT6 Fiberglass table with steel frame and legs |
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The CT6 fiberglass table (shown with Porta Potter 30) has a steel frame and legs. The dowels remove individually and it has a 2" center drain with shut off. These tables are built to hold a ton of weight.
Model STJ/L
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$370 Dimensions: 26" W x 42" L Description: Casting table |
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The STJ/L cast table and Power Potter casting machine are a perfect combination for increasing your greenware production. The STJ has the steel frame legs that hold over a ton of weight. The molded acrylic table has 12 removable dowels and a 2" center drain with shutoff.
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Pumps
Model SP4
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$410 Dimensions: 20" working depth Description: 20" suspended pump Operating Instructions |
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The SP4 is our basic suspended model that features a 1/2 h.p. motor, a working depth of 20" and includes a 1" hose and 1" utility nozzle. The top handle makes it easy to move the pump from tank to tank. The bottom inlet has a stainless steel screen.
Model SP4L
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$440 Dimensions: 29" working depth Description: 29" suspended pump Operating Instructions |
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The SP4L is a longer version of the SP4 and includes all the same features. Both pumps include mounting brackets and hardware for installation.
Model EX4
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$405 Description: External mounted pump Operating Instructions |
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The EX4 uses the same pump parts as the SP4 except it is designed to mount externally. It also has a 1/2 h.p. motor, 1" hose and 1" nozzle, and the inlet hose to connect it to a tank. This pump is used on several models of our casting tables. Both the EX4 and SP4 have an 8' electrical cord with an inline switch. The EX4 is easy to install and to use creating and efficient casting system.
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*Prices subject to change without notice.