All,
Should I purchase a Polymer clay press. Is this something that I can really benefit from? My instructer mentioned it during class, so I thought I would check it out. Can anyone out there testify good or bad?
Angie 
Do you mean a clay gun?
I have one for polymer clay, have never used it for cake decorating, but it is invaluable in that regard and I've heard many people on here mention it. I'm sure there are tips and tricks to it and it takes some practice (greasing the tube first, making sure fondant is soft enough to push through, etc.).
If you're talking about a "pasta machine" that is specifically for polymer clay, then it would definitely be a wonderful asset to have! I just used mine this week to roll out gum paste. The first time I used gum paste (about 6 months ago), I did not have a press, and I swore that would be the last time I ever went near gum paste. It was just sooooooooo hard to roll out evenly, etc... But, with my clay press, it was so easy. Every piece rolls out so uniform, and you can select your own thickness. I can't say enough good things about it!
I just purchased the Makins screw-type plunger extruder after using the Sugarcraft gun for years. I LOVE IT!!!!! It has a larger capacity than the Sugarcraft gun and the twisting motion is SO MUCH EASIER on the hands than the trigger. It doesn't matter how stiff your material is, as long as you can turn the T-handle, it works!
I use it for ropes, snakes, braids, fringe, streamers, ribbons...
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