We made a couple test tiles this afternoon using our hydraulic tile press. Tomorrow we’re going to make 4 tiles from this mold and make molds from each of those tiles. We’re also going to make a corner tile mold.
Here’s a close up of the pressed tile.
The mold is long enough to make a 10 inch tile after shrinkage. Almost all of the tiles we’re making for this client are 8 inches long.
Figuring out the amount of pressure to place the mold under took some testing. We settled on using a piece of 1/2 inch rubber floor cushion under the mold. We could watch it’s compression to judge how far to push it.
I’ll post some photos of the press in action tomorrow.
Hi, where did you get your hydraulic tile press? Also, is that a plaster mold? I did not know plaster molds could be used with hydraulic presses. I thought they would be destroyed by the pressure. Do you have a picture of the press itself and where I could purchase one like it? Thanks!
Hi Monique,
Here is a whole post on the tile press.
Have you tried using ceramical instead of pottery plaster? It’s a little tougher. You’re making me want to go to harbor freight…I am considering getting a texas tiler for quick production of smaller pieces. This would be great for subway tiles though.
This is just plaster of paris. Haven’t tried ceramical. I’ve been thinking of making a diy texas tiler.
hydrostone plaster with air release system !