I just added another pasta machine to my tools — the Sculpey Clay Conditioning Machine that JoAnn's carries. It was on sale for $10, so how could I pass that up? I figured I can do light colors with one, and use my favorite one for everything else! That way, I don't have to freak out about my white clay like I usually do, trying to keep it pristine… I haven't taken the new machine out of the box yet though, as I'm re-doing my craft area so I'll have more space to work. I'll let you know how it goes with this new one. If it's as good as the Amaco I already have, I'll be thrilled!

Thank you so much Phaedrakat, for providing such thorough and in depth help like this!

@Margaret: If you are interested in reading what others have said about my Polymer Clay Beginners Course (the one that Phaedrakat refers to in her previous comment), the link by my name will take you to a page where I have posted customer reviews.

2nd, in the comment above yours, Cindy mentions the pasta machine she owns & recommends (and the one she'll buy if she ever needs a new one!) I have the same one she has now, (Amaco) and have had few problems, although others have. It is inexpensive, you can buy it at Michael's (or your local craft store) with a coupon for under $20. You can also buy online. The Italian-made Atlas 150 pasta machine by Mercato is probably the most common, although the price is higher. You can get these at most of the big online clay shops, like The Clay Store or Polymer Clay Express for around $50.

3rd, Sculpey III IS one of the softest clays, but it is also among the weakest. Unless you need a really soft clay for some reason, your best bet is an all-around, easy to condition, yet strong clay like Premo Sculpey. (If you're looking for a super-strong clay for precision caning, you might want Kato or Fimo Classic.) This article has info on choosing a clay: Fimo Clay, Premo, Sculpey – Which is Best?

There is a link in that post about Sculpey III — you should take a look if you're planning to buy this clay. It can break! When reading these articles, don't forget to read the comments below them, as they often provide even more info, tips and tricks.

*Note: The videos on this page, & the one the 1st link goes to, are now a part of the Polymer Clay Basics, or Fundamentals Course. If you don't already own this tutorials pkg, it is a wonderful way to learn everything about getting started with clay. Cindy demonstrates all the tricks and tips on how to condition, bake, and finish your clay pieces, as well as many other topics. (There are also links to this course at the top of the page & by the video previews.) I hope this helps you! :D

Is a pasta machine the best device to soften clay? Which one do you recommend?

What is the softest clay on the market, the sculpey?

You need to make sure the clay is not too hard before you try to roll it out. Never force a large clump into the rollers or it will push them out of alignment. The handle is almost always loose, but a little tape on the end that goes into the machine will keep it from falling out. If it is treated well, it should last a couple of years. (Maybe you got one that wasn't put together right?)

This should be enough time for someone to know whether or not they used it enough to warrant buying a better machine. A good mid-range machine is the Makins Professional Ultimate Clay Machine at about $40 machine + $80 motor. The Dream Machine is a high-end machine for the professional clayer at $195 machine + $375 motor.

Hope that helps!

Since it is made by Fimo my guess that the quality is there. It is also quite cheap and would be worth taking a risk on, especially if the store you buy it from will accept returns if it is not good.

If you do buy it, let us all know how it works for you. I am sure that lots of other clayers in the UK and elsewhere are interested in knowing whether it is a good machine or not.

Cindy Lietz's last blog post..Blue Flower Earrings – A Jewelry Making Project Using Premo Sculpey