Pasta Machine Leaving Black Streaks On Polymer Clay

Video #510: Those black lines on are one of the most frustrating problems that can happen with lower end pasta machines. More Info: http://www.beadsandbeading.com/blog/?p=18493 Polymer Clay Tutor. Topics Covered In This Video: * I get asked about those black streaks many times every week, so I know this is a very common problem with many clayers. * Originally I thought it was grease coming from the rollers. But that is not the case. * Those black lines are actually caused by scratches in the chrome plating on the pasta machine rollers, that is reacting with the chemicals in the polymer clay. * Basically the metal scratches are oxidizing which can leave a black residue on the metal surface. * The residue then gets transferred to the clay. * I removed the fins from the pasta machine to show you how the rollers work, but I have an older machine that can be taken apart. Don't take apart newer machines because they may not go back together! You've been warned ;-? * Over time the rollers on the low end pasta machines get lots of scratches where the scrapers rub against them. * Scratches tend to be on the outside edges of rollers due to scrapers bending in the middle. * On the cheaper pasta machines/clay conditioning machines from Sculpey and Amaco, the chrome plating is low quality, and the rollers age and oxidize quickly. * I used to suggest cleaning with Rubbing Alcohol, but I think that actually that makes things worse. * Now my suggestion is to run some scrap translucent through your machine, which works to pick up up the black streaks. Then you can put your good clay through rollers. * Once clean, it takes a while for oxidation to build up again. * My theory on tools... a low end machine will do you well enough until you prove that you will use it enough to justify buying a higher end machine. In other words, buy cheap to start, then if you use it so much that it it breaks... buy the best you can afford at that stage. * My next pasta machine purchase will be the Atlas 150 - Wellness Series with Anodized Aluminum rollers that are guaranteed not to leave black streaks. * Related Video: Pasta Machine Cleaning Tip #1 Baby Wipes... http://www.beadsandbeading.com/blog/?p=17903#video * Related Video: Pasta Machine Cleaning Tip #2 Scraper Build Up... http://www.beadsandbeading.com/blog/?p=17916#video * Related Video: Using Translucent Clay to Clean Pasta Machine Tip #3... http://www.beadsandbeading.com/blog/?p=17935#video * And... more info about today's video is at my blog... http://www.beadsandbeading.com/blog/?p=18493 * Polymer Clay Tutor... "Make what you love... Love what you make."