Video #631: This product should really be called the Cadillac of Polymer Clay Extruders. It is very strong and durable.
Topics Covered In This Video:
- Today I’m doing a review of the Lucy Clay Tools CzeXtruder XXL HD.
- Play on words… the CzeXtruder is a polymer clay extruder made in the Czech Republic.
- XXL HD stands for Extra Extra Long (20 cm) Heavy Duty.
- Did a review of the Lucy Clay Baker (see link below video) just a little while ago, and let you know that there is a new Canadian Distributor, Diane Bruce of VanIslandJewels on Etsy (see link below video) and she ships worldwide.
- Diane sent me this extruder… it could be called the Cadillac of clay extruders.
- The Lucy Clay XXL HD is more expensive than the other extruders on the market, but I feel it is well worth the price.
- The package I received is called the Lucy Clay CzeXtruder XXL HD All-In-One-Box… which includes the XXL HD Extruder, XXL Vise, Vise Board, Extruder Die Set 1-7, the cleaning brush, lubricant, crank handle, drill adapter, mini-wrench, 2 plungers and several extra rubber o-rings.
- The funny part is this All-In-One-Box set is listed as not coming with the box! I’m guessing Diane had the tools shipped in bulk and didn’t get the boxes or something.
- This XXL HD extruder is 20 cm long and very heavy duty.
- It is all steel construction and the heavy duty threads will not bend, warp or strip… even when extruding a very stiff clay.
- In comparison to the Makins Professional Extruder and the Walnut Hollow Clay Extruder, this Lucy Clay Extruder is way bigger and way stronger!
- The Makins extruder has threads made of aluminum that can strip easily, though mine has been fine so far, because I was careful with it.
- My Walnut Hollow Extruder has steel threads on the shaft but then it winds through a softer metal (brass?) collar that can get stripped with heavy use.
- I stripped my Walnut Hollow Extruder when creating my Winter Sweater Cane Tutorial and had to switch back to my Makins.
- I wish I had this Lucy Clay Extruder when I making that cane… it would have been WAY easier and faster!
- The extruder dies are not only pretty, the designs are very well thought out and will fit into any of the extruder brands.
- The Lucy Clay Dies have all the typical extrusion shapes, like circles, squares and triangles but they also have many unique shapes with matching background discs to extrude the packing material. This means you can use these dies to create many complex cane designs that can easily be reduced to very tiny cane designs.
- I’ll go into better detail on the vise and the extruder dies in another video.
- The other great feature is that you can use the crank handle or the adapter for attaching the extruder to a power drill.
- I demonstrate how to remove dies from the disk and how to extrude the clay using the heart shaped die, a section of a rainbow cane and a power drill.
- Diane also just let me know that all of you will receive 10% off your orders of $25.00 or more until Mar 31, 2015 if you use the Coupon Code: CINDYLIETZ
- Related Resource: Diane Bruce of VanIslandJewels on Etsy
- Related Video: Lucy Clay Brand Polymer Clay Bead Baking Rack
- Related Video: Makins vs. Walnut Hollow Polymer Clay Extruders
- Related Video: How To Clean Your Polymer Clay Extruder
- Related Article: Clay Extruder Cleaning and Maintenance Tips
- Related Video: Makins Professional Ultimate Clay Extruder
Do you have any suggestions for videos on tips, techniques or products you would like to learn more about? Let me know in the comments section below!
My goal is to help you to learn quicker and easier ways to bring up the professionalism in your polymer clay art.
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Looking forward to hearing from you!
What a great tool! I was wondering if the discs would fit in a Makins or Walnut extruder? I had looked at Diane Bruce’s Esty shop and they have so many wonder full disc sets, I just can’t spent the money on a new extruder, but would love to be able to get a disc set, especially the one with the puzzle piece …so cute! Have you tried the discs in the other extruders, please let me know if there is hope!
Yes Alice these discs fit into both the Walnut Hollow Extruder and the Makins (as well as the new Fimo extruder of which I haven’t had my hands on yet). So definitely get the disks, and use them in the extruder you have. I made my extruders work for years before they broke, so there is no need to upgrade until you are ready to.
You don’t know how happy I am right now…..wooot! Love your videos, so many things I never knew I must have :D
I was wainting impatiently for you to demo that extruder.
Thank you so much!
You’re welcome Hermine! It’s an awesome extruder!
Very cool tool! Have to save for that one. My priority is the jooltool kit when it comes available.
Love the fact you can use a drill. My hands will love me for it when I am able to get it.
That makes sense Sandra! If you want to save your hands, put your extruder in a vise of any kind… it makes it way easier to crank out the clay!
I’m so glad you demoed the CzeXtruder. I bought one a year ago at Cabin Fever Clay Festival and love, love, love it. My husband’s Christmas gift for me this year was the two most recent die disk sets.
The Czextruder has been on my wish list for a while. So glad you could demo it for us. Funny, I was a little confused about some of the disks because they seemed odd shapes to me. Thanks for clearing that up (inside and outside shapes, genius!). Now I want it more! Thank you!
Your review is so timely, cindy! My Walnut Hollow has gone to extruder heaven. If I don’t want to use a drill how easy is hand cranking the Lucy compared to the WH?
I’ve found that hand cranking is much, much easier with an CzeXtruder than with any other extruder I’ve tried, including a Walnut Hollow, a Makins and a Sculpey thumb push extruder.
I agree, the hand crank is fabulously easy!
I’m really glad to see the Lucy extruder and discs here. I have a big bunch of them that I use with my Makins extruder. The heart one is my absolute favorite! The puzzle piece one is also great, though I can’t seem to get the extrusions to fit together as nicely as I’d like. I actually pulled out the handle of my Makins extruder and stuck it in a drill, which helps a lot, but I have a different one when I want to do it by hand since I can’t put the handle back in. I’m really tempted by the Lucy extruder! Does it fit into a half inch chuck?
Hi Krithka, I guess I am not totally sure about whether this adapter fits into a half in chuck, because I’m not sure where to measure a chuck. if it helps the hexagon part on the adapter that fits into the drill measures about 3/8th of an inch across, so just over 1/4 inch… so if yours goes up to 1/2 inch this should fit no problem. It might be a better question to ask the company though, since I am not totally sure what you are asking.
That was exactly what I was asking Cindy, thank you for your reply. Drills come tagged as 1/2 inch or 3/8 inch, I have a 1/2 inch drill since the Makins extruder fits in that. I hope this extruder will fit in that as well. I will try to contact the company and get n answer.
Hi Krithika,
The hexagon bit is actually 3/8″ across. I have a 3/8 drill but I’m pretty sure a 1/2 drill will work too.
Diane Bruce
I cracked up laughing when you showed us Doug’s old drill! Just too funny! Don’t we all have drills like that in our workshops? Plus the low battery on the cordless – oh my. My sides hurt!
Great extruder and a great laugh as well for the day!
I am completely confused. I need to speak to one of your reps. I am a a beginner-beginnr. I did my first cam yesterday.along with 7 cabs. I set the in pre-made holders. I think I can do what I want to do. But I am confused at this point. The membership video are new videos that you make about new projects, right. The 9.95 covers that, right. But I can purchase sets that are already in your library for another 9.95, is that correct.
You have it correct Linda :-)
Can I view the videos on my ipad and iphone?
Yes you can… anything from Vol-036 to the current Vol-081 will play directly on your iPad or iPhone. For the Vol-001 to Vol-035 videos that were published before iPad’s even existed, you just need to install an app that will let you play those too. If you need a link for downloading that app, just use the “Contact Us” link and we’ll email that to you.
I am still working with a Makins extruder (Old Reliable, lol), but just treated myself to the entire set of Lucy Tool CZextruder disks, plus pre-ordered the new blue one coming out soon. I love these disks and really can’t wait to create with them. I also will be saving to buy the actual CZextruder when I can! I really, really want the slicer, too, but have to save for that one, too. The cost is high, but I would imagine they will both last a long, long time; maybe become heirlooms! Thanks, Cindy, for the demo!
Hi Cindy, I have the Lucy extruder and slicer and love them to bits. An easy way to get the little burr off the side of the die when you take it off the disc is with nail clippers.
Diane Bruce of VanIslandJewels on Etsy has reopened her shop but still won’t be shipping for awhile. CINDYLIETZ coupon code is still good through the end of March. Loved Cindy’s tutorial and I can’t wait to try some of the disks and Diane also has the new #8 disk woo hoo. Thanks Cindy for the great demos you do for all of us. You are still #1 in my book when it comes to taking care and looking after your students and pc friends. I know I don’t stop by often but when I do I love everything I see. I know you will continue to take care of this wonderful pc community you too Doug can’t forget your wonderful part in this great adventure that continues on with excitement.
Thank you Peggy for saying such sweet words! I’m still hoping to get out to Iowa on a roadtrip one day and meet you. Hope that you are doing well. I know your health has been an issue for you, but it sure is nice to see you around these parts. Glad you’re still enjoying the journey with us! :)
I got the Lucy Clay Czechstruder HD XXL, but it seemed it was clumsier to use than it should be. I could find no instructions on the Lucy Clay sites! I kept humming the “Maybe I’m doin’ it wrong” song by Randy Newman in my head, then I found your video review and tutorial online.
Thank you thank you thank you once again for all you do for all of us. You’re a treasure.
Hi Cindy, I have a question that I am hoping you can help me with. I have never heard anyone say they have this problem…that surprises me. I have the CZExtruder. When I go to use it -I am totally frustrated & my hands are so sore from trying to get it started. My Problem is getting the white plunger in (with the rubber rings) No matter how hard I try to get it in right. it must go in a tiny bit crooked. Or maybe it just gets stuck. And then I cant get it to push in so I can attach the cylindar to the drill. I have tried adding a tiny bit of their lubricant to the sides of the plunger. But this morning it still took me 7 tries to get it right. And getting the stuck plunger out is a feat in itself. Am I doing something wrong? Thanks for any help :)
Hi Pam, Do you have the same model as I have? I have never had that issue myself, nor have I heard of anyone else having it. Are you keeping the barrel clean with the brush and wiping off the plunger before using it again? After cleaning, I rub some of the lubricant onto the rings and it seems to move through the tube quite easily. I am wondering if maybe there could be a build up of clay under the rings that is causing the rings to be too big to fit into the barrel? You could try and scraping out any clay with a toothpick or something… that might help. At the end, I just use the brush to push the white plunger the rest of the way through. If you are still having problems, I would contact the company and see if they can help. If you do figure out what is going on, do make sure to come back here and let us know. I am sure others would like to know too. Thanks for letting us know!
Thanks Cindy!
I am thinking I was trying to hard to get the white plug in…I was laying it on my counter…then putting the barrel over it & pushing that down. Yesterday I tried putting it in with just my hand & it went in much easier. I have not tried it a 2nd time yet- But will soon & see if that might have been the problem.
Pam
For ease in removing clay from any extruder, when you first get it and wipe it out, use the tiniest amount of WD-40 on a cotton rags as the last run. The clay glides out, not as many cracks in the sides. It makes it easier to clean after as well. I just use the same WD-40 rag I keep in a bag to clean the tubes and exterior, screws, etc.
Try to keep it off the rubber rings, it’s strictly a metal aid.
Also, need suggestions please? As I watch the experts do this, I notice that the inserted clay plug is a work of art in itself, lol. All of the colors are matched and finely rolled, and the under size of the plug fits in and slides down with ease. (K, I sometimes jam).
I am not getting these results using the barrel as the cutter. Is there some circle cutter that can do this, and produce smaller circles, if so a brand or store name would be great.
So impressed watch YouTube videos from all over the world on this device, it has certainly taken the polyclay world by storm. The ones who produced the finest details in the “cut ways” or striping took a lot of care to get the circles lined up to a t, then just dropped the stack down the barrel. They barely touch or manipulate it.
I was wondering if anyone knew if there will be changes made to the original discs 1-8? I’m chasing a rumor I heard that disc 9 is based on this change.
Think Lucy extruders just added a new disc, #9.
When you go to the site, it looks like all discs, included 9 are in a package. Here’s the description:
“9 disks set. Easily removable discs from plate, brush small bridges and insert into any extruder (for quick info see issuu links below).
Material stainless steel plate of 0,8mm thickness.
Follow our guides and tutorials on Etsy and Issuu like:
czextruder and disk setting on ISSUU here
LCD8 leaflet on ISSUU here
step by step guide for making disk’s patterns and nice projects with Czextruders can be found on ETSY here, short preview you can see here
Guide for LCD7 on ISSUU here.
over 50 new color versions of LCD#8 patterns also on ISSUU here.
over 50 new color versions of LCD#9 patterns also on ISSUU here.
Note: Shade of disk’s colors in the photographs may differ slightly.”
lucyclaystore.com/usa/lc-czextruder/80-lcdisk.html
There is a new disc 9 with new designs, but they’re changing discs 1-8 to include one pattern each from the new disc right in the center. So if you buy discs 1-8 now, you’ll automatically get all patterns from the new disc. But if you have some or all of the previous discs already, you can buy disc 9 and complete your collection.
Thanks so much. I’m looking at the Van Island etsy shop and waiting to make the full purchase without overlapping patterns and am kinda just in waiting to find out if I should purchase now with preorder of #9 or wait on the new editions.
Hi Kate, I would double check with Diane Bruce from VanIslandJewels to see if the #1- #8 disks in her shop are the new ones or if they are old stock. If they are the old ones, then you would need #1 – #9 to get all the disks… if they are the new ones you would only need #1- #8.
Thanks so much, Cindy! That sounds like the best and most sanest thing to do haha. Will do!
I’ve been using my Czextruder for a while now, and I love it! I only recently bought the vise and I’m not too happy with it. The second clamp that holds the extruder in place seems to have a very tight grip. So it’s really difficult to pull the extruder out for reloading.
Is there a way to refill the clay without taking the extruder out of the vice? With the removable plunger, I can’t see this would be possible, but I might be missing something. Does anyone else have this problem? I want to use the vise and a drill to prep for Christmas sweater cane, but not if it’s so difficult to reload it!
where can I buy number 9 and 10 disks for the Lucy clay extruder is there anyone in the states selling the disks…I have 1 to 8
Kathay,
I am the Canadian sales partner for Lucy Clay Tools. I have one of the brown extruder disks left for sale. They are not being made any more. I ship to the US. The #10 disk will be available in February/March.
Diane thank you and can you contact me when #10 comes in……Kathay
Hi Cindy,
Just got the czextruder xxl with the vise,wow, super.
However, I can’t figure out how to use it with the vise, where do I put that disk?
Do I just have to put it in the outer end of that vise, if I do that I can’t get it straight in???
I looked at your video about the extruder, but that vise did not came along ????
Have a nice day.
Dominique
Hi Dominique, I rarely use that vise because I find it a pain to have to take in and out every time you need to fill it. You put the disc into the vise end with the screw threads on it. then you slide the barrel with no cap, filled with clay and the plunger end put in, through the rubber ring end of the vise and screw it into the other threaded end. Then you add the plunger, screw that on and start cranking. It is a weird thing to try and describe so hopefully you have some idea what I am talking about. I am sure if you look online, there will probably be a video on how to do it. There may even be the web address on the vise board if you need it. One day I will get a video done of it. Hopefully that helps!
Dear Cindy,
I have watched all of your videos on extruders. I currently hava a Makin’s one which I bought a mere 8months ago. When I tried to use it yesterday the screw on cap at the bottom where the disc goes screws on fine but with the pressure of extruding it falls off even with really soft clay.
My question to you is whether you believe the LC extruder to be more robustly built in that part as well as the other references you make to it’s strength compared to the other brands? As you say it is a lot more expensive and I cannot afford to waste my money.
Thanks for all your great videos and advice. Mum and I always say “Cindy would say…” or “Cindy would do…” whenever we have a query, question or doubt.
I look forward to getting your opinion on whether this is the best value for money extruder.
Regards, Diane
Hi Diane,
I’m not answering for Cindy about the Lucy extruder but I wondered if your Makin’s extruder might be covered by warranty? It’s only 8 months since you bought it so it might be worth contacting Makin’s or the place where you bought it to see if can be replaced or fixed.
Cheers,
Chrissie
Chrissie makes a good point As far as the Lucy Clay Extruder, I have never seen an extruder as well built as it. I would make sure that you get the HD XXL which is the larger one that I have. I think you could push rocks through the thing and not break it! JK don’t put rocks in your extruder! :) That extruder is worth every penny.
Hello! I am looking for the graph that goes on the LC slicer. Where can I get it from? Thank you
Kanchana
Hi Kanchana, I don’t know whether they sell that grid for the slicer but here is the link to the spare parts on their website. If you don’t see exactly what you’re looking for, perhaps you should contact them and find out where you can get one? Good luck!
Hi Cindy
I would like to purchase a Lucy Clay Extrude and have not found the places that sell them. The Etsy site you referenced on your tutorial is not responding. I would love to get it this week as I have a clay workshop coming up.
Thank you!!
Edda
Hello Edda,
Sadly, Lucy Clay Tools no longer has the extruders for sale. We are not sure if that is forever or not. There have also been rumors that they will consider selling them in batches should they get enough orders. This is frustrating because they really are the best extruders on the market.
There are inexpensive extruders readily available that will do the same job… they just are more prone to breaking as compared to the Lucy Clay Tools.
The disks are all interchangeable with the LC Extruders and the cheap extruders so if you can get the LC disks, pick them up. They are great!
Here is the Lucy Clay Tools website, if you want to keep an eye on future extruder sales.
In the meantime, here are some examples of the other extruders that are available on Amazon (my affiliate link).
Good luck and have fun at your workshop!
~Cindy
I just watched a video of your demonstration of the Lucy Clay CzeXtruder and am unable to find anyone that sells it. I have found a site where parts are sold but not the barrel part of the extruder. I make dragon eye pendants and have an event in a couple of months where I have to have 400 pendants made. I have the pendants in 4 stages of making but need a really good extruder. I have used 2 that have broken….I ordered an A.C.E. extruder on May 23rd and they still have not shipped it and are telling me that it’s defective so I don’t know when or even if I will get that one. Can you tell me if there is anyone that sells this? I checked out VanIsland jewels on Etsy but there are no products listed.
Hi Joeine, I am so sorry to hear you’re having trouble sourcing a Lucy Clay Extruder… you are not the first person to write me in frustration! Unfortunately, I do not know of a good resource for you. I have heard that Lucy Clay Tools may consider selling the extruders in the future but that isn’t going to help you with your project coming up. Regarding the Artway extruder, I don’t have the highest hopes for that one either… they have had many issues with deliverability of their tools for many years now. VanIsland Jewels is also no longer in business. My only suggestion is to ask around in the clay groups to see if anyone is willing to part with their LC extruder. I am sorry to not be able to help you better than that. Hopefully there will be a solution to this problem… the Lucy Clay Extruder really is (was) the best extruder on the market. Let me know if you succeed in finding one. Good luck! ~Cindy