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SnugBat™ Setup Guide

System Overview & Default Configuration

Out of the box, your SnugBat arrives pre-configured for a 152mm tile opening using the all-orange bumper setup. This default sizing is tailored to fit standard 6-inch ceramic wall tiles, such as the widely available Home Depot Daltile series. If you are using standard Daltile stock, no initial bumper adjustments are necessary.

Your bat is also outfitted with tailored high-damping rubber drive pin bushings (10mm or 3/8") corresponding to the wheel type you selected at checkout. These bushings isolate vibration and completely eliminate rotational slop on your wheelhead.

Insert Materials & Drying Best Practices

The SnugBat is a modular platform compatible with standard glazed ceramic tiles, unglazed bisque tiles, and custom-cut 1/4" MDF or Masonite squares. Depending on the material you choose to throw on, drying dynamics will change significantly.

Warning: Preventing Cracks on Glazed Tiles

Glazed ceramic tiles are 100% non-porous. If you leave a pot to dry to a leather-hard or greenware state directly on a glazed tile, the rim and walls will shrink while the base remains saturated and suctioned to the glass surface, causing catastrophic cracks. You must wire-cut the base immediately after throwing on glazed tiles to allow the clay to shrink freely. If your studio workflow requires leaving pots attached to the bat to dry slowly, use porous inserts like unglazed bisque tiles or MDF squares.

Installing the Insert

Start by ensuring that the ejector slide is moved to the outermost position. To install your tile or board insert, start by inserting one edge and press down evenly until the insert rests flush against the base. The bumpers provide a snug fit to keep the tile locked in place while throwing, without requiring excessive force during placement.

Figure 1: Demonstration of pressing an insert into place.

Ejecting the Insert

To safely remove a tile after throwing, locate the ejection slider along the edge of the bat frame. Hold the bat frame down while pressing the slider inward to pop the tile out, then simply lift the edge with your fingertips. This avoids disturbing your finished piece.

Do Not Use the Calibration Tool for Ejection

Never use the included small plastic tool to pry up your tile. That tool is strictly a Calibration Tool intended only for swapping out bumpers. All insert ejections should be done using the mechanical slider and your fingers.

Figure 2: Demonstration of ejecting an insert from the bat assembly using the slider.

Bumper Removal and Calibration

To adjust the inner dimensions of your SnugBat for different tile brands or custom cut MDF, you will need to swap or rearrange the bumper inserts. Slide the included Calibration Tool onto the bumper, and pry downward to release the bumper. Ensure the receiving channels are free of clay slurry before pressing the new bumper configuration firmly into place. The tool may also be used to aid in installing the replacement bumper.

Figure 3: Demonstration of releasing a bumper insert using the Calibration Tool.

Ejector Maintenance & Cleaning

Over time, clay slurry and debris can build up beneath the ejector mechanism. Periodic removal and cleaning ensure the slide operates smoothly without sticking. To remove the slide, press down on the outside tab while moving it inward, allowing it to slide past the inner stop. To re-install, repeat the process in reverse, sliding until the tab pops past the inner stop.

Figure 4: Removing the ejector slide for thorough cleaning.
Figure 5: Re-installing the clean ejector slide back into the bat assembly.

Bumper Configuration Table

Different tile manufacturers produce standard "6-inch" tiles with slight variations in exact dimensions. Use the reference guide and table below to identify the bumper combination needed for your specific insert stock. You may need to experiment to find the perfect size for your specific tiles. The insert should be snug, but it should not require a lot of force to install.

Bumper Configuration Guide Diagram showing color combinations for 150mm to 155mm tiles
Inner Opening Bumper Combination Compatible Insert Types & Notes
155 mm (6.10") All Blue Bumpers Oversize 6" tiles
154 mm (6.06") Half Blue / Half Black Bumpers Intermediate fit for slightly oversized tiles
153 mm (6.02") All Black Bumpers Standard 6" tiles (including Lowe's Daltile)
152.5 mm (6.00") Half Black / Half Orange Bumpers Intermediate fit for standard to narrow tiles (including Home Depot Daltile)
152 mm (5.98") All Orange Bumpers Narrow profile tiles (Default Setup)
151 mm (5.94") Half Orange / Half Red Bumpers Intermediate fit for very narrow tiles
150 mm (5.91") All Red Bumpers True 150 mm tiles (such as older Lowe's Satori lines)