Hello! I'm pretty new to cake decorating but I wanted to try some scrollwork with fondant and wanted to make my life easier by purchasing a clay extruder. I went on Amazon to find one, but I'm not sure if there's a specific one that's better or that you all use. They all seem pretty cheap so I guess that's normal! Any help would be greatly appreciated!!

Thanks

Here's the one that seems to be the most popular among CC members: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0018BOXWQ/?tag=cakecentral-20


I have 2 sets now and if anything ever happend to them, I'd buy 2 more...I LOVE them!

They're super easy to work, and absolutely pain-free...(I've read that the push style extruder is torture on the hands).

Great! Thank you sooo much for your help! I don't have a steady hand at ALL, Hopefully I can learn this really quick and start incorporating it!!

You're very welcome

So I do have a question. You mentioned the push-style extruder to be very hard on the hands. Is this not a push-style extruder? I guess I just see the knob thing in the back and assume you push the clay through?

That T-bar at the top is what you turn...the plunger inside the extruder's barrel is what does the pushing.

Here's some great pics posted by a crafter that should give you a better idea (click to see them enlarged): http://www.flickr.com/photos/craftygoat/sets/72157605291284689/

Ditto to FlourPots... I have and love that Makins extruder!

I also have and love the Makins extruder! I've had it for years!

Could someone please show some examples of cakes using designs from the extruder?

I purchased a Makins, but am not quite sure of things to do with it.
It would be very helpful for us new to the extruder.

I have a Walnut Hollow one and I used it to make a gumpaste crown you can see in my gallery. Some people use them to make vines and rope borders for cakes. You can also use it as a guide to make ball borders from fondant. Squeeze out a log and use a ruler to make even cuts and roll each piece to get uniform balls. I've also seen it used on ribbon bows to make a different colored edge to the ribbon which looks very professional.

Have fun!

FlourPot, your cakes are beautiful. I can see lots of talent there. Alot of patience too! I don't think I'm this advanced yet to do something like that. (but working on it).
Thanks!

Well thank you very much, but I would give anything to also be able to make clean and smooth buttercream cakes like yours!!

Much harder to do than fondant!

Thank You, but I have never covered a cake in fondant and that seems much harder to me. Some day I'll get brave enough to try it!

I have the Makin as well and it works great. My only wish is that they would make one with a larger barrel