Comments on: D.I.Y. Tile Bat System

By: Linda Wright

Linda Wright — Fri, 07 May 2010 16:31:29 +0000

I’ve just stumbled on your blog….really interesting topics, and i love your work! I’ve been a full time potter for over 25 years and have used bisqued tiles as bats, for most of that time, I love them, but have only ever used small ones. So now i’ll go on a hunt for larger ones. I’ve always found that throwing a pad, slightly smaller than the tiles, onto the wheel head works really well, and i can keep it going for a few days by covering it with a plastic bag when i’m finished for the day! I never liked the pin system, so making a pad is quick and easy for me!
cheers, and i’ll be checking in again soon!
Linda

By: Amanda Maule

Amanda Maule — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 17:17:45 +0000

Hi Jeff, I am a beginner potter. I LOVE IT!!! I was given a home made wheel and the plate does not have any pins? Can I buy a new plate or drill in pins to accommodate your bat system? What do you suggest on a limited budget. Thanks for any assistance.

By: JR Page

JR Page — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 03:37:04 +0000

We use a tile bat system with Masonite. Its been great for our small studio you can store thrown items so much easier. Great post Jeff, we love to read about your studio and process.

By: Joe Servais

Joe Servais — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 20:34:14 +0000

Jeff, Thank you so much. I implemented your bat system. I bought 35 saltillo tiles for $8.00 and now I can throw to my heart’s content. I appreciate you sharing your knowledge. Best regards, Joe

By: Jeff Campana

Jeff Campana — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 14:44:24 +0000

The brand was VersaTile, It’s been a long time since I’ve tried to purchase them, so don’t know the manufacturer. The beauty of making your own holder is that you can just find whatever is available to you and make the holder for the tiles you find.

By: Thomas

Thomas — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 03:20:48 +0000

What is the tile manufacturer line? I have had problems finding these at Lowe’s.

By: Paul Randall

Paul Randall — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 18:38:16 +0000

Jeff;
Thanks for this idea, Emily Murphy posted a link on Facebook and I took it up. Yesterday I purchased 20 6×6 tiles and made a system for tea bowls and small bowls. I am worried that my hole is slightly large for the tiles but looks like you have a couple of suggestions that ease my worry. Today I will purchase some 8×8″ tiles and make the next size. Thanks again, would you mind if I put a video of how to make this on YouTube? I’l give you credit for the invention.

By: Jeff Campana

Jeff Campana — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 19:16:03 +0000

Another fix for the bat jiggle is to cram moist clay down into the pin holes. I learned that one by teaching in a studio that has stacks and stacks of worn out plasti-bats.

By: Jeff Campana

Jeff Campana — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 15:07:13 +0000

Q: Do your bat pin holes still wobble? How do you keep them tight?

That was the tricky part. I drilled new holes that were slightly too small and for the first year or two, had to pound the tile holder on with a mallet. Now they are a bit wobbly, but the torque from the slightly loose tile-hole seems to take care of it. Also, if you leave it all in place, the dried clay fills in all the gaps and takes the wiggle out entirely.

By: Brian

Brian — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 13:50:55 +0000

Very cool system! The studio I use has those aforementioned wobbly plastic bats. Never been able to put up with them, and just throw on the wheelhead. That works mostly ok, since I throw pretty dry, but sometimes it limits what forms I can do. Low, wide forms are difficult to remove.
Your system also eliminates my other pet peeve, dirty wooden wareboards. I have to attempt to wash all the red clay off them so they don’t stain the bottoms of my white stoneware. ugh.
Looks like I have my first DIY project of 2010!
Q: Do your bat pin holes still wobble? How do you keep them tight?