Lehman Equipment produces two product lines of equipment for Slip Casting:  Lehman's Slip-O-Matic series of Casting Equipment is for the production or professional ceramic studio while the less expensive Studio Star series of Casting Equipment is for the hobbyist or the casual slip caster.

Lehman Slip-O-Matic Series

Lehman Studio Star Series

Lehman Casting Equipment Prices

Freight Charges for Casting Equipment

Price List for Common Parts

Lehman Slip-O-Matic Series

    Lehman introduced the original Model "M" to the world in 1965.  The Model M, with the Slip-O-Matic pump, would become the foundation model for the entire Lehman Slip Casting product line. 

    The drive assembly (or bearing assembly) of the Slip-O-Matic™ pump has no bearings or moving seals exposed to the abrasive liquid which improves the durability of the unit versus lesser pumping systems.  This unique pump drive assembly is used in several different types of pumping systems, including the original pump in the Model M which was a centrifugal design with a housing and impeller mounted to the end of the driver assembly.  In the original Model M, as well as many current designs, a four-leg tower was used to suspend the drive housing with the stainless steel impeller fastened to the shaft at the end of the drive assembly into the large container holding the slip.

     Because there is no bearing or seal exposed to the slip, the pump can be run either in or out of the liquid with no wear or damage to the system.  Being able to run the pump with or without liquid is important for the active studio who may need to drain the storage tank from time to time, such as when switching between types of slip.  In addition, since the sealed drive assembly for the pump is suspended in the slip, the rotating drive shaft creates a constant mixing action in the slip tank for improved handling of the slip.

     Based upon the sealed drive assembly, there are two different pump designs within the Slip-O-Matic Slip Casting Equipment product lines... the Centrifugal and the Reversible.

Lehman Slip-O-Matic™ Centrifugal Series Casting Tables

The BEST pump for slip casting.  Period.  There are no bearings or seals exposed to the slip.  Full two-year warranty on the pump unit.    The Slip-O-Matic Centrifugal Pump (otherwise known as the BP24 pump) is shown to the right with the exhaust hose mounted to the pump head for demonstration purposes.     The BP24 is used in the Lehman T60, T100 and many custom slip casting machines.    In typical usage the BP24 would be suspended into the slip holding tank and mounted into place using the mounting plate shown in the photo.

    How good is the BP24 pump?  The BP24 in the Lehman T-100 used by Dogwood Ceramic Supply lasted nearly 15 years... and the part that failed was the impeller in the pump head, not the drive shaft.  Some of our customers have been able to go 20 years between pump replacements.  Yea, the pump is that good.

Lehman Slip-O-Matic T-100

    The Lehman Model T100 (shown above) was introduced in 1970.  The T-100 uses the Slip-O-Matic centrifugal pump with no bearings or seals exposed to the abrasive slip, which also means the pump system does not require any regular maintenance or replacing of parts.  The pump drive system (the protective housing covering the drive belt is just barely seen in the photo below) is suspended into the slip on the left side of the slip holding tank and is belt driven by a self adjusting belt system connected to the 1/2 hp motor, suspended under the the table tops to the left of the slip hold tank.  The stainless steel pump head, with built in relief holes to prevent pressure build up in the dispensing hose/nozzle and to increase the mixing action of the pump drive system, is covered by a stainless steel screen to filter out any debris that may fall into the slip tank.  The pump head is then connected by tubing to a exhaust port at the bottom of the 50 gallon holding tank, from which virtually any length of flexible plastic tubing may be connected.  At the end of the tubing is the classic gasoline nozzle with a tight fitting internal closure to prevent leaks.  Depending upon slip viscosity and the length of hose attached, the Slip-O-Matic centrifugal pump is capable of pumping up to 8 gallons per minute.

    The 50 gallon capacity slip tank and drain surfaces are one continuous piece of molded fiberglass mounted into the welded steel frame capable of holding more than 2 tons of molds and slip.  Because the tank is a single continuous piece of smooth fiberglass there are no seams to trap the excess slip from easily draining back into the holding tank.

    Please note:  There is an overflow port on the 50 gallon slip holding tank.  The purpose of that overflow port is to prevent overfilling of the tank and risking slip from leaking into the pump drive system.  Absolutely, without question DO NOT plug the overflow port or overfill the holding tank.

    The entire work surface of the Lehman T-100 is covered by 1" wooden dowels mounted into 3 convenient to handle sections.  In the photo above is mounted the optional OPT Mixer.  The OPT Mixer may be added to the Lehman T-100 for use with extremely viscous casting slips to increase the mixing capacity above the levels normally provided by the BP24 Slip-O-Matic Pump.  In Dogwood Ceramic Supply's experience with casting Mackie's Slip, the OPT Mixer is normally not needed.

Lehman T-100:
◊ 29.5" wide x 96" long x 31" High
◊ Weight: 210 lbs.

Lehman Slip-O-Matic T-60

    The Lehman T-60 (shown above in old photo) is just like the Lehman T-100 except... it is shorter.  The T-100 is named the T-100 because it is 100" long.   Actually 96", but T-96 would be an awkward name.  The T-60 is named T-60 because it is... drum roll please... 64" long.  Obviously Lehman had a slight measuring / naming problem.  Actually the original designs for both units (100" and 60") had to be change to maximize the weight capabilities of the supporting metal frame AND so the wooden dowel table tops units could be interchangeable between the two models of casting tables.

     So what is the difference between the Lehman T-60 and the Lehman T-100.  Length.  Really.  That is it.  Same frame capable of supporting 2 tons.  Same pump.  Same 2 year warranty on pump system.  Same 50 gallon tank and 8 gallons per minute pump capacity.

     The difference is the length.  Oh, and the price.  The T-60 is about $200 less expensive.  And a few bucks cheaper to ship.  So unless you have a pressing need for 8'+ length of casting table, consider the 5' version instead.  Takes up less floor space in the active studio and saves you a couple bucks in the process.

Lehman T-60:
◊ 29.5" wide x 64" long x 31" High
◊ Weight: 160 lbs.

Lehman Slip-O-Matic™ Reversible Series Casting Tables

    The standard Slip-O-Matic drive assembly with a simple reversible pump head...

.... using a rotor that is inserted into a stator... also known as a worm or screw gear turning in a stationary rubber channel.... the aluminum housing and insert are to mount the pump head to the bottom of the slip tank and hold the rubber channel firmly in place.

   The purpose of a reversible casting pump is to pump slip into the mold AND drain the slip from the mold using the casting equipment rather than trying to turn and dump a very large mold.  A true back saving device for those who must cast extremely large molds on a regular basis.

    However, reversible pump heads always have issues with either efficiency or durability.  And the Lehman reversible pump head is no exception.  Remember that slip is abrasive.  Basically nothing more than liquefied clay particles including a lot of fine silica (sand).  Over time the slip particles will wear down just about any surface, even the stainless steel parts in the T-100 will wear over time.  That said, the stainless steel parts in the T-100 might last a few years or even a few decades while the rubber channel (stator) in Lehman's reversible pump will not be so lucky.  Depending upon the type of slip used in the casting (stoneware versus earthenware versus porcelain) the rubber stator may last only a few 1000 gallons of slip casting.  Use the reversing feature for every mold and that casting volume can be cut in half.  Even the stainless steel worm gear (rotor) will wear over time and need to be replaced... specifically because the rotor must fit tightly into the rubber channel to provide the greatest degree of pumping efficiency and the slip will polish (and shrink) the stainless steel rotor quite nicely.  A beautiful, mirror like surface if enough slip is cast against the surface of the rotor.

    Sounds like we don't like the reversible pump.  Not hardly.  It is a fantastic product for those who truly need the ability to pump slip into and drain large molds.  The reversing feature has save many casters from back injuries or hernias from trying to dump large molds filled with multiple gallons of slip.  Just consider the replacement cost of the rubber stator and stainless steel rotor when making a purchasing decision.

Lehman Slip-O-Matic RM-30

    Aluminum housing hold the reversible pump head clearly seen at the bottom of the RM-30.  The hose to the left that is returning to the holding tank is the pressure relief valve to prevent the pump head from generating too much force during periods of time when the nozzle remains closed.  The pressure relief valve also returns slip to the holding tank to improve the mixing of the slip in the tank.

    The Lehman RM-30 holds 30 gallons of slip and includes casters to make the unit mobile.  Since the pump is reversible, the product is named RM-30.

Lehman RM-30:
◊ 24" wide (diameter) x 32" end of tank  (45" total Height)
◊ Weight: 125 lbs.

Lehman Slip-O-Matic RD-30 

    The Lehman RD-30 is essentially a RM-30 with a small drain table added for ease of casting and draining small molds.  Ideal for hobbyists who need the reversible pump combined with a small casting table.

Lehman RD-30:
◊ 22" wide x 46" long x 44" High (32.5" to edge of tank)
◊ Weight: 140 lbs.

Lehman Slip-O-Matic RD-630 

    The Lehman RD-630 is what happens when you cross a Lehman T-60 with the RM-30... heavy duty work table capable of handling 2 tons of molds plus the reversible pump.  Note the extension arm on the gasoline nozzle for reaching down into very large molds.  The extension arm is standard on all Reversible Series Casting Tables and portable pump units.  30 Gallon tank like all of the Lehman R Series Casting Tables.  This is the perfect model to purchase for the active production studio needing a casting table with the reversible pump.

Lehman RD-630:
◊ 26" wide x 66" long x 44" High (32.5" to edge of the tank)
◊ Weight: 160 lbs.

Lehman Slip-O-Matic RD-630M

   Same as the RD-630, just adds casters.   The weight of the casting table (175 lbs) combined with 50 gallons of slip (about 750 lbs) means this unit really is not going to be moved all to often even if the casters are available for use.  Thus the casters should be purchased by those who have a really strong reason to desire the casters.  Everybody else should purchase the slightly less expensive RD-630 and park the unit where it remain for the next 20 years and be very happy.

Lehman RD-630M:
◊ 26" wide x 66" long x 44" High (33" to edge of the tank)
◊ Weight: 175 lbs.

Studio Star Series

   The Lehman Studio Star line of casting machines all use a centrifugal pump where the drive shaft is supported by a bearing at the point where the drive shaft enters the pump head.  Some of these pumps are externally mounted while others are suspended in the slip.  Regardless of the mounting location, a packing and seal system is required to operate the pump head and too protect the drive shaft bearings from the abrasive slip.  In industry terms this design of pump is known as an outboard bearing design.

    The outboard (or external) bearing design is every economical to build and yields a lower cost casting pump and table.  Over the years Lehman has made significant improvements in the design of the outboard bearing pumps.  But in spite of these improvements, abrasive slips, even porcelain slips, will eventually destroy the packing and/or seal protecting the bearings.  Bottom line, the outboard bearing pump design is fine for the casual slip caster, but high volume slip casters, even some moderate volume slip casters, should strongly consider units with the much more reliable and durable Slip-O-Matic pump, such as the Lehman T60 or T100.

    One very important note regarding outboard bearing pumps... because of the pump design, when the packing and/or seal finally breaks, the pump will leak slip.  It the pump is an external pump, such as the EX4, the amount of the leak will be equal to the volume of slip in the tank.

    Despite the durability issues with the pump design, the Studio Star casting tables remain popular in the hobby markets where price is the only issue.

Lehman Studio Star PP 30 with CT6-L

    The Lehman PP 30 with CT6-L is 30 gallon slip holding tank, the PP 30 with SP4 outboard bearing pump, plus a 6' fiberglass drain table mounted onto a steel frame capable of holding 1 ton.

    The PP 30 with CT6-L is the beginner's casting system.  While the PP 30 uses the outboard bearing pump found in all Studio Star machines from Lehman, the pump design is unique in that the pump is suspended in the slip.  Suspended in the slip is important because if the bearing seal should fail the pump will leak the slip into the holding tank rather than all over the floor like all the external pumps.

    The PP30 with CT6-L has always been popular with the hobbyist who may cast a few days or weeks out of the year and then need to store the equipment in a closet until the next casting session.  Since the legs bolt to cross beams the unit can be fairly quickly disassembled to minimize the storage requirements.

Lehman PP-30:
◊ 22" x 22" x 25" high
◊ Weight: 70 lbs.

Lehman CT6-L:
◊ 26" wide x 64" long x 32" High
◊ Weight: 85 lbs.

Lehman Studio Star CT425M

   The hobbyist's casting table.  The Lehman Studio Star CT425M is essentially the RD-30M from the Lehman Slip-O-Matic series of casting tables with the far less expensive EX4 outboard bearing pump mounted to the cross members added to the bottom of the legs.  As with the RD-30M, the CT425M has casters for ease of mobility and a 30 gallon slip holding tank.

Lehman CT425M:
◊ 24" wide x 48" long x 32" high
◊ Weight: 140 lbs.

Lehman Studio Star CT630

    Not shown.  Identical in design as the CT425M except built on the RD630 chassis.

Lehman Studio Star CT630M

    Not shown.  Identical in design as the CT425M except built on the RD630M chassis.

2011 Lehman Casting Equipment Prices

Projected Shipping Costs for the Lehman Casting Tables:

    Minimum and Maximum Freight rates are provided for the convenience of the customer to estimate the freight rate.  Rates are based upon delivery from commercial dock to commercial dock, direct service Zip Codes without access limitations for shipments originating at the Lehman factory, Kentland IN, 47951.  The Maximum East Coast rate is based upon Waterville ME or Miami FL.  The Maximum West Coast rate is based upon Bellingham WA or San Diego CA.  Obviously many customers would be located closer to the factory than these locations and would not pay the maximum freight rates.

    Rates are provided to Gulfport Mississippi for comparative purposes.  Gulfport MS is approximately 725 miles from Kentland Indiana.  Customers located closer to Kentland IN than Gulfport MS should pay a freight rate less than the rate to Gulfport, subject to the absolute minimum charge.  Customers located a distance greater than 725 miles from Kentland IN will pay a higher rate than the Gulfport MS rate, up to the maximum West Coast or East Coast charges.

    Rates are based Dogwood Ceramic Supply's YRC motor freight tariff, NMFC Freight Class 250 (density <8 lbs per cubic feet) with a release value sufficient to cover the replacement cost of the unit if damaged in shipping.  Please note, on a pound for pound basis, shipping NMFC Freight Class 250 is 5x more expensive to ship than NMFC Freight Class 50 goods such as Moist Clay.

    Residential and other delivery surcharges may apply.

    Rates provided for the Lehman T60 (actual shipping weight 216) and T100 (actual shipping weight 266).  Smaller/lighter weight units, such as the Lehman RD-30 may be slightly less than the rate for the T60, subject to the absolute minimum charge.

    Multiple piece shipments, such as 3 of the Lehman T100 going to a single location, must be hand computed for freight charges and on a per unit basis will be less expensive than a single unit going to the same location.

2011 Lehman Common Parts Prices

Why use the phrase Slip Casting Equipment versus Pouring Equipment?

    Casting is the manufacturing process in which complex forms are produced in large quantities through the use of a mold into which a liquid material is poured, allowed to solidify and then released from the mold.  Since slip (liquefied clay) is used in the process for our industry, the proper term to describe the entire process is "Slip Casting".  That said, the slip is "poured" into the molds and the term "pouring equipment" or "pouring table" could also be used.  However, the term "pouring equipment" or "pouring table" does not properly describe the products being used and as such could be confusing to other industries who also "pour" their products.  To clarify the products being manufactured by Lehman Equipment, Dogwood Ceramic Supply will use the proper "Slip Casting Equipment" term.

12590 Dedeaux Road
Gulfport Mississippi, 39503
Telephone (228) 831-4848        Fax (228) 831-3111

Showroom Business Hours:

Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday 10AM to 5PM
Thursday 1PM to 6PM

Closed Wednesday and Sunday

Lehman's Slip-O-Matic series of Casting Equipment is for the production or professional ceramic studio and the less expensive Studio Star series of Casting Equipment is for the hobbyist or the casual slip caster.