Comments about Amaco Pasta Machine:

In contrast to other reviews, I think the Amaco machine does the job admirably. I use mine on an over 2 inch thick table and it works great, very secure. The machine creates even sheets of clay and is powerful enough to do my conditioning for me when I get too lazy to knead. I researched before I bought and learned that Amaco was highly rated. I concur, but give my sympathies to those who may have gotten a lemon. I wonder if there are different grades of this machine?

Comments about Amaco Pasta Machine:

This is the cheapest pasta machine you will ever own. I mean it, on both accounts.

I've had mine for about two years now. It's... workable I guess for the price. The crank on the one I purchased was not curved properly during manufacturing, so the handle is at a continually changing 45 degree angle as it rotates. The machine itself comes covered in black sooty manufacturing residue (the instructions even tell you to clean it off! isn't that cute?) Once you've got it all cleaned for use you'll notice it makes the most wretched squeaking/screeching noises, this is due to the rust that accumulated on the rotating components while it was being shipped over from China. If the clay is slightly stiff, or too thick, or unconditioned, the gears will simply grind and the rollers won't move. Settings 1-6 do facilitate different thicknesses. Settings 7-9 are all identical in thickness. Save yourself some frustration and spend the extra $20 on a proper clay machine. Anything made by Amaco should be examined carefully with one eyebrow raised before purchase. I've been burnt by them a few times now.

To its credit, if used gingerly, it did roll clay into sheets with only mild deformation or scraping. Sometimes.

Comments about Amaco Pasta Machine:

Good solid accessory to any jewelry makers arsenal. My only negative is that the clamp needs to be deeper to handle thicker table. But you can overcome it by purchase a bigger one or mounting to the table.