FEATURES Stainless Steel: Shaft, augers and paddles of stainless steel, along with aluminum mixing and pugging chambers, ensure rust-free clay processing. Large Hopper: The oversized hopper door allows for easy loading of up to 45 lbs. of clay per batch. Batch Mixing Capability: Full batch mixing and blending capability allows for moisture adjustment before pugging. Pugmill Output: Switch to PUG after a batch is completely mixed, and the Power Wedger unloads itself in the form of 3" diameter deaired logs. Vacuum Deaired: Each batch can be deaired by starting the vacuum pump when the load is mixed. Air is removed during the last stage of mixing, leaving an air-free product when pugged out. Sealed Chamber: Leaving moist clay in the Power Wedger is not a problem. All the openings are sealed so clay will stay moist indefinitely. Wheels: Wheels are included and can be installed on the motor end of the VPM-20 stand for easy transport. Optional Stand: This heavy duty stand has a shelf, and the height is adjustable. CAPABILITIES The Power Wedger is the most versatile studio clay processing machine on the market today. It can perform a variety of functions efficiently, transforming clay in any form to a usable product. Some examples: * Mix moist clay from powder and water. * Reclaim scrap - wet or dry. * Blend two or more different bodies. * Add materials (wet or dry) to an already moist body. * Adjust moisture of an already wet body. * OR just wedge a 25 lb. bag of clay - literally warm the clay by mixing it. When the clay is adequately mixed, it can be deaired with vacuum and pugged out in the form of logs ready for use. SAFETY It is not necessary to continuously hand-feed the Power Wedger as with standard pugmills. Load a full batch, close the lid and turn it on - this eliminates exposure to moving blades. The Power Wedger shuts off automatically when the lid is opened. All machines are equipped with a thermal overload for protection against overheating. VACUUM PUMP Vacuum is provided by a 1/3 HP double-headed rocking piston type diaphragm pump. These new technology pumps are the simplest and quietest vacuum source available. They are maintenance-free and long lasting. The VPM-20 Power Wedger does not require a large vacuum pump because the clay is continuously exposed to vacuum in the sealed mixing chamber. Once the clay chamber is evacuated, the vacuum pump can be turned off. CLEANING The nozzle and the mixing chamber on the VPM-20 are removable so they can be conveniently washed off. The blades are then easily accessed for cleaning. |